Brazilian transformer manufacturer to create 160 jobs in Rockingham County
EDEN, N.C. — Brazil-based TSEA Energy has selected Rockingham County for its first U.S. manufacturing operation, committing $25 million to establish a transformer production and research facility that will create 160 new jobs.
The company will develop a 160,000-square-foot facility in Eden, supporting production of power and distribution transformers used in grid modernization and energy infrastructure projects. The investment marks a strategic entry into the U.S. market for TSEA as demand for electrical equipment accelerates alongside industrial growth and expanding energy needs.
State officials said the project aligns with North Carolina’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity tied to power infrastructure—an increasingly critical factor in economic development as utilities race to support data centers, advanced manufacturing operations, and population growth.
“TSEA Energy’s decision underscores North Carolina’s ability to attract international manufacturers seeking both market access and a skilled workforce,” state leaders noted in the official release.
Power Infrastructure Drives Site Selection
The project reflects a growing trend across the U.S., where energy capacity and grid reliability are emerging as primary drivers of site selection decisions. Transformer manufacturing, in particular, has become a priority sector as utilities and developers face long lead times for critical equipment.
By locating in Rockingham County, TSEA gains access to:
- A competitive East Coast logistics position
- Proximity to major utility and industrial customers
- An available and trainable manufacturing workforce
Local leaders emphasized the project’s role in diversifying the regional economy while reinforcing North Carolina’s position in the Southeast’s expanding energy and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains
The new facility is expected to enhance U.S.-based production of key grid components, reducing reliance on imports and improving supply chain resilience. As electrification trends continue—from EV adoption to AI-driven data center expansion—projects like TSEA’s are becoming increasingly central to long-term infrastructure planning.
For site selectors and economic developers, the investment highlights a clear shift: energy infrastructure manufacturing is no longer a niche sector—it is now foundational to growth across multiple industries.
