GE Vernova Inc. has announced investment approximately $30 million in the expansion of its electrification manufacturing facility in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy.
In a release, GE Vernova said that initiative aims to increase production capacity for essential components used in power and generator transformers – bushings – which enable safe and efficient transmission and distribution of electricity. The expansion is expected to create approximately 50 new jobs in Lombardy region, primarily in manufacturing.
The project is expected to introduce additional production lines for advanced dry-type bushings, including resin impregnated paper (RIP) and resin impregnated synthetic (RIS) technologies, covering voltage levels up to 245kV.
Increasing supply security
“With this investment, we are strengthening a strategic capability within our fastest-growing Electrification segment,” said Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification segment. “Sesto San Giovanni plays a central role in our global bushing manufacturing footprint. Expanding capacity here increases supply security for our customers and reinforces our ability to support large-scale power transmission and generation programs worldwide.”
Growing need for transformers and substations
As utilities and energy companies worldwide invest in grid upgrades and modernize power networks to meet rising electricity demand, the need for transformers and substations continues to grow, driving increased demand for bushings, which ensure this high-voltage equipment operates reliably and safely, the release noted.
Part of $11-billion plan
This expansion forms part of GE Vernova’s planned $11 billion investments in capital expenditures and R&D from 2025 through 2028. The announcement follows GE Vernova’s $5.2 billion acquisition of Prolec GE to increase transformer production in the North American market, more than $100 million investments in grid facilities in the United States, and the expansion of its Stafford, UK site to strengthen high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and grid manufacturing capabilities in Europe.
Over a century of excellence
For more than 100 years, GE Vernova’s Sesto San Giovanni facility has been recognized for engineering quality and manufacturing expertise in high-voltage bushings. The site hosts GE Vernova’s Bushing Center of Excellence and designs, manufactures, and services products used in large-scale power infrastructure projects worldwide, supporting some of the highest voltage applications in the industry.
GE Vernova is a key player in Italy’s energy transition having enabled power generation in Italy for more than 100 years. Currently, approximately 25 per cent of Italy’s power capacity is being provided using GE Vernova technology, the release added.
Also read: GE Vernova expands its Grid Automation portfolio, unveils “GridBeats™ APS”
Featured photograph (source: GE Vernova) shows the company’s manufacturing facility in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy