Dublin-based CEL Critical Power has launched its first U.S. manufacturing facility in James City County, Virginia, a $5.225 million investment expected to generate 250 jobs within the first year, with employment projected to reach 500 by 2030. The 400,000-square-foot plant will produce power systems for data centers across the United States, supporting the growing demands of AI, cloud computing, and next-generation data workloads.

The facility has been operational since June 2025, shipping finished products to U.S. customers from its initial 165,000 square feet. CEL plans to expand into the remainder of the facility as market demand grows. The company designs and manufactures low-voltage power distribution systems, switchgear equipment, and remote power panels capable of supporting the energy requirements of advanced AI microchips.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin emphasised the facility’s economic impact, highlighting how the project reflects the state’s agility in attracting high-tech manufacturing and ensuring investments in local data centers remain within Virginia. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura noted the plant’s strategic location provides fast and reliable distribution for domestic and international customers.

Founded in 1982, CEL Critical Power has a long history of supplying power solutions to the global AI and cloud industries. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, James City County, and Hampton Roads Alliance facilitated the investment, supported by the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which offers consulting and funding to businesses creating local jobs.

The plant comes amid rising concerns over energy demands in Virginia, with Dominion Energy projecting a 5% annual increase over the next two decades, potentially doubling by 2045. CEL’s expansion positions the company to meet growing electricity and data center infrastructure needs while bolstering Virginia’s role in the high-tech manufacturing and energy sectors.

Discover how CEL Critical Power is powering the U.S. data center market from Virginia.