GRAY COURT, S.C. (October 15, 2025) — Meiden America Switchgear, Inc. (MAS), a pioneer in high-performance vacuum technology, announced plans to expand its operations in Laurens County, investing $9.2 million and creating 43 new jobs.
Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Gray Court, MAS designs, manufactures, and tests high-voltage vacuum circuit breakers and vacuum interrupters. The company is a subsidiary of Meidensha Corporation, an electrical manufacturing leader founded in 1897 in Tokyo, Japan, with more than five decades of experience producing high-voltage circuit breakers for global markets.
The expansion will add 37,000 square feet to MAS’s existing facility at 2200 N. Old Laurens Road, enabling the company to introduce several new product lines for the North American market. The project also includes an additional 7,500 square feet of office space, supporting the company’s continued growth and workforce development.
Once complete, the Gray Court facility will begin manufacturing and distributing 123 kV breakers to serve North American electric power utilities and OEM partners. Construction is expected to be completed by May 2026.
“We’re excited to invest in our people, our products and Laurens County,” said Meiden America Switchgear, Inc. President Hiro Takeshita. “This expansion reflects our dedication to innovation, our commitment to helping customers reduce environmental impact, and our role in strengthening the electrical grid of the U.S. and Canada. It also positions us to meet increasing demand.”
State and local leaders praised the company’s continued investment in South Carolina.
“Meiden America Switchgear, Inc.’s $9.2 million investment in Laurens County creating 43 new jobs is further proof that South Carolina companies thrive in our strong business climate,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “When a company that was founded in our state chooses to expand, it shows the value of the partnerships we’ve built and the confidence employers have in our people.”
“Congratulations to Meiden America Switchgear, Inc. on continuing to build its legacy in South Carolina,” added Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “The company’s additional investment and job creation in Laurens County is a testament to our healthy business climate, and we’re excited to see MAS grow.”
“Laurens County continues to be a place where business thrives,” said Laurens County Council Chairman Jeff Carroll. “We would like to congratulate Meiden America Switchgear, Inc. on their success and continued growth. They are a very valuable member of our corporate community, and we look forward to continuing our partnership into the future.”
To support the project, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits and awarded a $150,000 Set-Aside grant to Laurens County for site preparation and building construction.
Individuals interested in joining the MAS team can visit the company’s careers page.
