WACO, Texas (KWTX) – VanTran Transformers, recently acquired by MGM Transformers, is set to open a second manufacturing plant in Waco, creating up to 700 jobs.

Led by MGM Transformers, VanTran Transformers will begin production at its new 430,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Waco in early 2025. Allison Bulkley, VanTran’s chief human resources officer, said the company is ready to s extend beyond its single installation.

“We’ve pretty much outgrown the current plant,” Bulkley said.

Bulkley said this expansion comes at a time when processors are experiencing high demand.

“The products that we build are very closely involved in powering your home and various factories, data centers, all that kind of stuff,” Bulkley said. “Everywhere there is a need for electricity, so everywhere there is a transformer involved.”

The real estate agent hired by VanTran Transformers, Bland Cromwell, said the expansion is part of a larger trend of businesses moving to Waco.

“A lot of people continue to move to Texas and continue to move to Central Texas,” Cromwell said. “And it’s a great place to finish and run your business, that’s obvious.”

The project is expected to create up to 700 jobs in Waco. Waco Chamber of Commerce Vice President Kris Collins said the jobs added to Waco’s economy will benefit its workforce.

“The ability to retain a long-standing existing company like VanTran and then see it benefit from really significant growth opportunities is a benefit to us because it supports existing workers, but it also creates new employment opportunities for skilled workers in our market,” Collins said.

Vantran Transformers has been manufacturing transformers in Waco since 1974.

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