WEG Transformers USA celebrates expansion with new facility in Washington, Missouri

Company credits Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan for helping fuel its growth

Monday, Aug. 28, was more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony for WEG Transformers USA, it was a celebration for an entire region. Established in 1983, WEG Transformers USA specializes in the manufacturing and assembly of power and distribution transformers. The company, located in Washington, Missouri, employs more than 510 individuals in the area. Recently, the company completed a $10 million expansion at its facility in Franklin County, adding an additional medium power transformer production line to its operation.

At WEG Transformers USA, it takes employees 40 days to produce and manufacture a power transformer

"We supply transformers to investor-owned utilities throughout the country, but Ameren is our largest customer at this facility," said Phillip James, general manager of WEG Transformers USA. "This expansion will give us the ability to produce and manufacture up to 200 power transformers per year at this facility, making WEG amongst one of the largest transformer manufacturers in the United States."

Through the expansion, the company is projected to add more than 40 new jobs in the area. Leaders with WEG Transformers USA credit Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan as one of the drivers behind its expansion. In 2018, legislation was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor updating Missouri's 100-year-old energy policies, resulting in Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan. Since the plan was enacted in 2018, Ameren Missouri has invested more than $3.2 billion in capital projects throughout its service territory. Many of these projects have utilized high-voltage transformers manufactured by WEG Transformers USA – making them an important part of Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan.

When finished, this power transformer will be utilized in Ameren Missouri's service territory as a part of its Smart Energy Plan.

"Ameren Missouri is proud to celebrate WEG Transformers USA's expansion in Washington, Missouri," said Warren Wood, vice president of regulatory and legislative affairs for Ameren Missouri. "The transformers produced at this facility are vital to Ameren's Smart Energy Plan and our ability to create a more resilient and reliable energy grid."

For more information on the Smart Energy Plan and how it is creating a more resilient and reliable energy grid, please visit AmerenMissouri.com/Plan.