Maricopa County, January 21, 2026

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is set to open a new manufacturing facility in Maricopa County, creating over 500 jobs and aiming to enhance Arizona’s industrial capabilities. This expansion marks ERMCO’s first move west of the Mississippi, positioning the company to better serve utilities and leveraging the state’s robust business environment. The facility will span over 566,000 square feet, boosting local employment and contributing to economic growth in the region.

Phoenix, AZ

Powering Progress: ERMCO Arrives in Maricopa County

A new manufacturing facility is set to bolster Maricopa County’s economic landscape, bringing hundreds of new jobs and solidifying Arizona’s position as a hub for industrial innovation and energy infrastructure.

The spirit of Arizona AZ entrepreneurs thrives on innovation and strategic expansion, driving forward the state’s economic prosperity. In a testament to the region’s dynamic business environment, Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO), a distinguished leader in power solutions, has announced its plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Maricopa County. This significant investment underscores a growing trend of companies recognizing Arizona’s robust framework for business development, benefiting from an environment that encourages private investment and entrepreneurial endeavor. Such expansions are not just about new buildings; they represent the tangible results of a strong economic climate fostering growth and creating opportunities for a skilled workforce.

This development is a welcome addition to the flourishing Phoenix AZ business community, signaling confidence in the local economy and its future trajectory. The state’s commitment to fostering a favorable operational climate, coupled with a readily available and skilled labor force, makes it an attractive destination for manufacturers seeking to expand their reach and enhance their capabilities. As ERMCO prepares to become a vital part of the local industrial fabric, it highlights the synergy between innovative businesses and a supportive regulatory landscape, which together contribute to substantial economic growth and community development.

ERMCO’s Strategic Expansion to the West

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO), a prominent U.S. manufacturer specializing in distribution transformers and power solutions, announced on January 21, 2026, its decision to open a new manufacturing facility in Maricopa County, Arizona. This strategic move marks a significant milestone as it represents ERMCO’s first manufacturing expansion west of the Mississippi River. The company’s choice of Maricopa County is driven by several strategic advantages Arizona offers, including a strong business climate, a skilled labor market, and its proximity to key customer regions across the western United States.

The new facility, encompassing 566,121 square feet, will be located in Waddell, approximately 30 miles west of Phoenix. This expansion is designed to enhance ERMCO’s Three-Phase transformer production capabilities and open avenues for exploring new manufacturing options. The goal is to better serve utilities, reduce transportation time and costs, and deliver transformers more efficiently, all while building partnerships with local communities and workforce development programs.

Boosting Maricopa County’s Job Market

This new manufacturing facility is projected to create more than 500 new jobs in Maricopa County. Such job creation is a direct benefit of private sector investment and reflects the positive impact businesses can have on local employment and community prosperity. The influx of these positions will offer valuable opportunities for residents, further diversifying the local economy and reinforcing the area’s attractiveness for those seeking employment in the manufacturing sector.

The sustained growth in manufacturing jobs is a hallmark of Arizona’s recent economic performance. The manufacturing sector in Arizona has consistently been one of the fastest-growing segments of the state’s economy over the past decade. From 2019 to 2024, manufacturing employment in Arizona saw a 10% increase, which is more than ten times the national average. This demonstrates a robust environment for employment, showcasing how targeted economic development and a business-friendly approach can lead to significant job creation.

Arizona’s Flourishing Manufacturing Landscape

Arizona’s manufacturing sector has experienced substantial growth, making it a critical engine for job creation and economic growth statewide. In 2022, the direct sales and output by Arizona’s manufacturers reached an impressive $77.6 billion, representing a nearly 40% increase since 2017. The sector directly and indirectly employs 633,565 people, accounting for 16% of the state’s total workforce, with 6% directly employed. Furthermore, manufacturing contributes 19.4% to Arizona’s overall economy.

Phoenix has notably emerged as a top growth market in the U.S. for manufacturing construction, with 14 major manufacturing announcements since 2020. These new facilities are expected to generate nearly 15,500 advanced manufacturing jobs in the Phoenix area. In 2023 alone, Phoenix was recognized as the top city for manufacturing job growth in the United States, adding over 15,000 new positions. This momentum is driven by Phoenix’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment that successfully attracts investment and fosters innovation.

The Role of Business-Friendly Policies in Attracting Investment

The decision by ERMCO to choose Maricopa County reflects Arizona’s appealing business environment, characterized by policies that support commercial ventures and encourage investment. Arizona has actively worked to lower taxes and streamline regulations, establishing a comprehensive suite of incentives designed to support corporate growth and expansion. These measures are part of a broader strategy, known as the Arizona Competitiveness Package, adopted in 2011, which aims to help existing Arizona companies prosper and position the state as an attractive location for expanding businesses.

State-level incentives include the Quality Jobs Tax Credit, the Qualified Facility Tax Credit, and the Research and Development Tax Incentive. Businesses can also benefit from programs like the Arizona Competes Fund and accelerated depreciation schedules for commercial personal property. Additionally, the presence of Foreign Trade Zones offers advantages by allowing storage and manufacturing of materials without immediately incurring U.S. Customs and Border Protection duties and excise taxes. This supportive framework, combined with competitive tax advantages and low operating costs, creates an environment where Phoenix small business ventures and larger corporations alike can thrive.

ERMCO’s Contribution to the Energy Grid

As a leading manufacturer of distribution transformers, ERMCO plays a critical role in strengthening the nation’s energy infrastructure. The new Maricopa County facility will be instrumental in expanding the production of Three-Phase transformers, essential components for reliable power distribution. This expansion positions ERMCO to meet the increasing demand for dependable power and contribute significantly to enhancing the stability and resilience of the electrical grid for future generations. The company’s focus on innovative power solutions underscores its commitment to the utility, renewable energy, commercial, and industrial markets.

The state of Arizona has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing reliable energy infrastructure, which in turn fuels its sustained growth. This alignment of state priorities with ERMCO’s mission to power the grid and facilitate progress creates a mutually beneficial relationship that supports both economic development and critical infrastructure improvements.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Continued Growth

The arrival of ERMCO in Maricopa County is a clear indicator of the continued dynamism within Arizona’s economy and its manufacturing sector. This investment, alongside other significant projects, reinforces the state’s reputation as a prime location for industrial development and technological advancement. By cultivating an environment that champions entrepreneurial innovation, minimizes regulatory hurdles, and invests in a skilled workforce, Arizona continues to attract vital businesses that contribute to long-term prosperity.

The sustained economic growth of the region is a testament to the collective efforts of local leaders, businesses, and communities. As ERMCO establishes its roots and begins operations, it adds another layer to the intricate tapestry of industrial success stories in Phoenix and across the state. Residents and businesses alike are encouraged to engage with and support the burgeoning local manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring that Phoenix remains a beacon for innovation and opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of facility is ERMCO opening in Maricopa County?

ERMCO is opening a new manufacturing facility in Maricopa County, Arizona, specifically designed to expand its Three-Phase transformer production capabilities and explore new manufacturing options.

Where exactly in Maricopa County will the new ERMCO facility be located?

The new ERMCO facility will be located in Building A, 15784 W. Hatcher Rd. in Waddell, Maricopa County, Arizona, approximately 30 miles west of Phoenix.

How many new jobs is ERMCO’s new facility expected to create?

ERMCO’s new manufacturing facility is expected to create more than 500 new jobs in Maricopa County.

Why did ERMCO choose Arizona for its new manufacturing facility?

ERMCO chose Arizona due to the state’s strategic advantages, including a strong business climate, a skilled labor market, and its proximity to key customer regions in the western U.S. This location enables ERMCO to better serve utilities, reduce transportation time and costs, and deliver transformers more efficiently.

What is the size of the new ERMCO manufacturing facility?

The new ERMCO manufacturing facility will span 566,121-square-feet.

What products does ERMCO manufacture?

ERMCO is a leading U.S. manufacturer of distribution transformers and power solutions for utility, renewable energy, commercial, and industrial markets. The company also manufactures transformer components.

Key Features of ERMCO’s New Maricopa County Facility

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.