Meiden America Switchgear, Inc. (MAS) has announced plans to expand its operations in Laurens County, South Carolina. The company will invest $9.2 million in the expansion, which is expected to create 43 new jobs.
MAS, established in 2020 and based in Gray Court, designs and manufactures high-voltage vacuum circuit breakers and vacuum interrupters. It operates as a subsidiary of Meidensha Corporation, a company founded in 1897 in Tokyo, Japan, with a long history in the high-voltage vacuum circuit breaker industry.
The expansion will add 37,000 square feet to the existing production facility at 2200 N. Old Laurens Road in Gray Court. This additional space will allow MAS to introduce new product lines for the North American market, including the manufacturing and distribution of 123 kV breakers intended for electric power utility partners and original equipment manufacturers in the region. The office area in the current building will also be increased by 7,500 square feet. Completion of the project is scheduled for May 2026.
Job seekers interested in positions at MAS can find more information on the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits to support this project and has also provided a $150,000 Set-Aside grant to Laurens County to help with site preparation and construction costs.
“We’re excited to invest in our people, our products and Laurens County. This expansion reflects our dedication to innovation, our commitment to help our customers reduce their environmental impact and strengthen the electrical grid of the U.S. and Canada. It also positions us to meet increasing demand,” said Meiden America Switchgear, Inc. President Hiro Takeshita.
Governor Henry McMaster commented, “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. When a company that was founded in our state chooses to expand, it shows the value of the partnerships we have built and the confidence employers have in our people.”
Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III added, “Congratulations to Meiden America Switchgear, Inc. on continuing to build its legacy in South Carolina. The company’s additional investment and job creation in Laurens County is a testament to the state’s healthy business climate, and we’re excited to see MAS grow.”
Laurens County Council Chairman Jeff Carroll stated, “Laurens County continues to be a place where business thrives. 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.”
