USA, North Carolina, Charlotte: HSP US, a Trench Group company, has opened its first American manufacturing facility, investing more than $60 M in domestic production of high-voltage transformer bushings from 25 kV to 765 kV.
The 15,800-m2 (170,000-sq-ft) plant is expected to create up to 140 manufacturing and engineering jobs by 2030. Its initial annual capacity of 3,500 bushings could later increase to 10,000 units.
Built and made operational in only 18 months, the facility brings HSP’s dry-type bushing technology closer to North American customers facing ageing infrastructure, rising electricity demand, data-centre growth, industrial expansion and transport electrification.
“With more than 130 years of high-voltage experience, Trench Group is investing in Charlotte to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and support customers building a more reliable, resilient US energy future,” said Bahadir Basdere, President and CEO of Trench Group.
The plant will manufacture resin-impregnated paper and resin-impregnated synthetic bushings. It also includes two high-voltage laboratories capable of testing equipment up to 2,800 kV and could later expand into HVDC applications.
North America accounted for around half of Trench Group’s order intake during the first six months of 2026, while regional orders have increased by almost 400 % since 2024.
“Having a supply partner like HSP manufacturing here on US soil is a real advantage: shorter lead times, a stronger supply chain, and a more reliable grid,” said Jason Neal of Hyosung HICO.
Assembly is already under way, with first deliveries expected by the end of 2026. The facility is also designed to meet Build America, Buy America requirements and will support local apprenticeship and workforce development programmes.
Source: Trench Group
