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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative Plans Waddell, Arizona, Transformer Production Operations

01/23/2026
Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc., a manufacturer of distribution transformers, plans to establish operations in Waddell, Arizona. The project is expected to create more than 500 jobs in Maricopa County.

The company’s new 566,121-square-foot manufacturing facility, located in Building A, 15784 W. Hatcher Road, will expand its Three-Phase transformer production capabilities. Operations are scheduled to begin in 2027.

“This expansion is about more than building a facility – it’s about building the future,” said Tim Mills, ERMCO President & CEO. “Our goal is simple: power the grid and power progress. This investment ensures ERMCO is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Our commitment has always been to our people, our customers, and the industry we serve. This investment ensures we can deliver the reliability and innovation our customers expect, while creating opportunities for our team members and supporting the communities where we operate.”

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., is a manufacturer of oil-filled distribution transformers, components, and grid solutions for utility, commercial, and industrial markets.

“ERMCO’s significant facility will reinforce Arizona’s energy and advanced manufacturing leadership,” noted Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). “We’re proud to welcome ERMCO to Arizona, and further strengthen our position as one of the nation’s premier destinations for energy innovation and reliability.”

“The three-phase distribution transformer is a key product that is literally powering economic development across the United States,” noted Christine Mackay, President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Having ERMCO in Greater Phoenix will help build capacity of this important component to our electrical ecosystem, enhancing the supply chain and addressing power demands for residents and businesses in the coming decades.”

“ERMCO’s?expansion?into Arizona?represents?a?positive?step?for the region and?supports the?reliability of energy?infrastructure,” said Stacy Derstine, Vice President of External Affairs for Arizona Public Service (APS).?“Increasing?manufacturing capacity?in the?West?helps?strengthen supply chain resilience,?and we look forward to collaborating with ERMCO and other partners to?ensure utilities have access to the?essential?equipment needed to?maintain?a strong electric?grid.”?

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