JAMES CITY COUNTY — CEL Critical Power held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its first North American manufacturing and assembly facility on Wednesday afternoon, a $5.2 million investment that state and local leaders say strengthens Virginia’s role in data center infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
The 150,000-square-foot facility in James City County will initially create 250 jobs, with plans to expand to 500 as production ramps up.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the investment reinforces Virginia’s position as a hub for data centers and technology-related manufacturing and fits with his administration’s economic development priorities.
“The bottom line is that the collective contributions of businesses that have chosen Virginia over the course of the last four years are going to pave the way of growth for the whole Commonwealth, literally, for decades to come,” Youngkin said. “$143 billion of commitments to build and expand, and yes, 85,000 jobs, 40,000 construction jobs.”
“As you heard from the Secretary, this is CEL’s first facility in America,” he added. “And I have to say, they couldn’t have picked a better place because, you know, America was made in Virginia.”
Youngkin said CEL’s presence will directly boost the local economy and job market.
“You picked a great customer base,” he said. “The data center community is growing like crazy across the world and across the country … and therefore, I know that all of these companies can choose anywhere.”
The governor added that having an Irish company select Virginia for its first U.S. manufacturing facility is a strong sign of the state’s global competitiveness.
“It’s a heck of a statement that allows us to say thank you for trusting Virginia,” Youngkin said. “As you begin your North American operations right here in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we will do everything possible to help you be successful.”
Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason said CEL’s expansion represents the strength of the economic relationship between Ireland and the United States, particularly in technology and innovation.
“What a great day to be the Irish Ambassador in Virginia,” Nason said. “Celebrating CEL’s new facility here is really an extraordinary example of a partnership — the partnership, of course, with Virginia, but also between Ireland and the United States.”
“As the 19th Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, I often see, really at first hand, the strength and depth of what is really a dynamic and transatlantic partnership between our two countries,” she continued. “It’s defined by the kind of innovation, resilience, and ambition that we see we’re surrounded by here today.”
Nason said Virginia’s data infrastructure, workforce and research connections make it an attractive destination for Irish businesses.
“CEL’s journey identifies for me what Irish and American collaboration can achieve,” she said. “You’re showing what can be achieved when Irish innovation meets American opportunity. Together, as the Governor said earlier, we can achieve amazing things when we work together.”
CEL Critical Power Group Managing Director Niall McFadden said James City County was selected for its strategic location, infrastructure, and access to skilled workers.
“James City County offered the right combination of skilled workforce, infrastructure, and partnership,” McFadden said. “This facility gives us the ability to better serve our customers across the U.S. and support the growing demand for reliable energy systems that power digital infrastructure.”
McFadden said the new facility will help CEL reduce lead times for U.S. customers and support future product and capacity expansion.
“Our goal is to create high-quality manufacturing, engineering, and assembly jobs,” he said. “We’re already working with local colleges and trade programs to develop training pathways that give Virginians the skills needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing.”
Steve Harrison, chief operating officer of the Hampton Roads Alliance, said CEL’s investment highlights the region’s strengths in workforce and infrastructure.
“It reflects the strength of our region’s workforce, the world-class infrastructure that keeps companies competitive, and a business climate that rewards innovation and ambition,” Harrison said. “But most importantly, it reflects partnership.”
Jim Icenhour, Chair of the James City County Board of Supervisors, said the county looks forward to supporting CEL’s success.
“James City County eagerly anticipates supporting your growth and celebrating future announcements and anniversaries together,” Icenhour said.
CEL Critical Power’s James City County facility is expected to strengthen Hampton Roads’ position as a hub for manufacturing and energy innovation on the East Coast while deepening economic ties between Virginia and international partners.
