USA, Idaho: The largest transformer manufacturer in North America is facing heavy fines after fresh safety concerns were found at one of its facilities. This week, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced proposed penalties of almost $1 M against Virginia Transformer Corp. (VTC).
According to the US Department of Labor, OSHA inspectors visited VTC’s plant in Pocatello, Idaho, in June 2025. The inspection followed earlier visits last year, when cranes used to move heavy equipment were found to have defective brakes and switches.
After the latest inspection, OSHA cited the company for 53 serious and repeat violations, with proposed fines totalling $986,888. Inspectors reported problems with machine guarding, a lack of proper personal protective equipment, and situations where workers were exposed to fall risks.
VTC now has 15 working days to address the issues, ask for an informal meeting with OSHA, or formally challenge the findings.
Safety issues have appeared repeatedly at the company’s sites. OSHA records show ten enforcement actions against VTC this year, following four in 2024. Many of the cases related to health and safety problems at its Roanoke and Troutville plants in Virginia. Some issues were fixed during inspections, while others were resolved later.
VTC bought the Pocatello facility in 2003. The site includes a dedicated rail line, enabling shipment of transformers weighing over 100 t across the US.
The company recently announced expansion plans in Rincon, Georgia, with large power transformer production due to begin soon. Meanwhile, utilities continue to struggle with high costs and long waits for replacement transformers.
Source: Industrial Equipment News
