Category Archives: Press Release

 (Athens, Ga.) – Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is proud to announce the production of the ERMCO-Power Partners’ 10 millionth transformer at the company’s Athens, Ga. location.  

The demand for energy infrastructure and production continues to evolve worldwide as networks modernize and become more efficient. Power Partners’ electrical transformer operations began in 1958, and for 67 years, the Athens facility has been a mainstay in the transformer industry, serving communities in Georgia and across the United States. 

“Power Partners continues to lead with the same passion and precision that’s made this facility a cornerstone of American manufacturing for generations,” said ERMCO President & CEO Tim Mills. “We are proud that they are part of the ERMCO family.” 

To commemorate the milestone of producing its 10 millionth transformer, ERMCO hosted a special ceremony on Thursday, August 14 at the ERMCO-Power Partners location in Athens. The event brought together members of ERMCO’s leadership team and production staff, Georgia state and local officials, representatives from ERMCO’s parent company, Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI), and Southern Company – the recipient of the ten millionth transformer. 

In a powerful full-circle moment, Southern Company – through its subsidiary Georgia Power – received the plant’s very first transformer in the late 1950s. Now, more than six decades later, Southern Company has taken delivery of the 10 millionth unit, a milestone that underscores the enduring strength and legacy of its partnership with Power Partners. 

The celebration not only recognized ERMCO-Power Partners’ 10 millionth transformer produced, but also highlighted the workforce, past and present, who helped the company reach the milestone. 

“This milestone is the result of the hard work and commitment of every ERMCO-Power Partners team member – past and present,” Mills said. “Our people carry us forward. Our people help us stand out for those who have decided they want the quality, dependability, service, and collaboration that our business model demands. Our people that make the decisions on how to overcome obstacles and ensure we always meet our commitments.” 

For over six decades, ERMCO-Power Partners has produced single phase and three phase pole type and pad mount distribution transformers and is a trusted partner for utility, renewable energy, commercial, and industrial markets across North America. ERMCO acquired the Power Partners facility in December 2022. 

About ERMCO, Inc. 

ERMCO, Inc. is North America’s leading manufacturer of liquid-filled distribution transformers and power solutions for the utility, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO and its affiliates, ECI-Greeneville, ECI-Bristol, ERMCO-GridBridge, ERMCO-Power Partners, ERMCO-Pioneer Transformers, and ERMCO-V&F Transformer employ nearly 3,500 team members across North America. Offering a full range of pole and pad mounted transformers, related components and power solutions for global utilities, ERMCO is proud to be the industry’s Most Valued Partner. ERMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI).  

Contact:  

Mike Garabedian – Director, Enterprise Communications 

[email protected] 

(708) 299-9136 

(Dyersburg, Tenn.) – Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is proud to announce the production of the company’s nine millionth distribution transformer at the company’s flagship location in Dyersburg, Tenn. 

The demand for energy infrastructure and production continues to evolve worldwide as networks modernize and become more efficient. For over 50 years, ERMCO has manufactured liquid-filled distribution transformers and grown into a trusted partner for utility, renewable energy, commercial, and industrial markets across North America. In the last 15 years, ERMCO’s Dyersburg location has produced over five million transformers alone. 

ERMCO is deepening its commitment to Tennessee with a planned investment of over $70 million in the next 12 months. This strategic initiative will support the expansion of corporate office facilities and significantly increase three-phase transformer production capacity at the Dyersburg location. 

As part of ERMCO’s continued growth, new production lines are being introduced – including the advanced manufacturing of transformer cores using amorphous steel technology. This innovation supports compliance with the U.S. Department of Energy’s enhanced efficiency standards set to take effect in 2029.

In addition, ERMCO has recently launched operations at a new, state-of-the-art 160,000-square-foot facility in Bristol, Wisconsin, and is expanding its Granby, Quebec location to support customized transformer builds. These strategic investments further strengthen ERMCO’s manufacturing capabilities and commitment to energy-efficient solutions.

“ERMCO’s continued growth is not just a reflection of our team’s dedication – it’s a critical investment in the future of our nation’s infrastructure,” said ERMCO President & CEO Tim Mills. “As demand on the electrical grid increases, our ability to scale production and innovate ensures that utilities across North America have the reliable, energy-efficient solutions they need to power communities and support economic development.”

 To commemorate the milestone of producing its nine millionth transformer, ERMCO hosted a special ceremony on Friday, June 20, at the ERMCO-Dyersburg Pad Plant. The event brought together members of ERMCO’s leadership team and production staff, along with representatives from Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI), and Exelon – the recipient of the nine millionth transformer. Congressman David Kustoff was also in attendance, joining in the celebration of this significant achievement and ERMCO’s continued impact on the energy sector.

 “None of what we’ve accomplished would be possible without the passionate and dedicated ERMCO employees – both current and past – who work tirelessly day in and day out to produce the highest quality transformers on the market,” Mills said. “We are also blessed to have the support of our customers, community partners and government officials to power the ERMCO engines. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, one thing we all agree on is that all North America deserves a strong and reliable electrical grid. Energy dominance isn’t just nice to have; it is essential for our future.”

ERMCO began operations in Dyersburg in 1972 and is the largest employer in Dyer County. The celebration not only recognized ERMCO’s nine millionth transformer produced, but also highlighted the workforce, past and present, who helped the company reach the milestone.

About ERMCO, Inc.
ERMCO, Inc. is North America’s leading manufacturer of liquid-filled distribution transformers and power solutions for the utility, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO and its affiliates, ECI-Greeneville, ECI-Bristol, ERMCO-GridBridge, ERMCO-Power Partners, ERMCO-Pioneer Transformers, and ERMCO-V&F Transformer employ more than 3,500 team members across North America. Offering a full range of pole and pad mounted transformers, related components and power solutions for global utilities, ERMCO is proud to be the industry’s Most Valued Partner. ERMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI). For more information, please visit www.ermco-eci.com.

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) was named Industry of the Year at the 2025 Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award Banquet, held on Saturday, May 3 at The Lannom Center in Dyersburg, Tennessee. The honor recognizes ERMCO’s outstanding contributions to the local economy, innovation in the energy sector, and the company’s dedicated team members, both in Dyer County and across North America.

Accepting the award on ERMCO’s behalf was ERMCO-Dyersburg Three Phase Manufacturing Manager Matt Mauldin.

“This recognition reflects the shared dedication, hard work, and passion that we, as a team, pour into everything we do,” Mauldin said. “We look forward to achieving even greater things as a united team for years to come.”

ERMCO produced its first transformer in 1972 in Dyersburg, Tenn., and after 50-plus years and nearly 10 million transformers later, the company has grown into a trusted partner for utility, renewable energy, commercial, and industrial markets across North America. With the mission of ‘Our Family Working to Keep Your Family Powered’, ERMCO operates with its core P.O.W.E.R. Values – People, Ownership, Winning, Excellence, and Relentless – with the heartbeat of the company being the nearly 3,500 team members who deliver unmatched quality and service.

ERMCO’s innovative spirit is exemplified by the company’s cutting-edge Research and Development division, which recently helped pioneer a low-voltage Unified Power Flow Controller for global energy integration. Additionally, over the past decade, ERMCO has experienced 135% growth, a perfect customer retention rate, and an A+ fiscal strength rating.

Through the company’s many successes and pioneering ventures, ERMCO has remained deeply rooted in and committed to the Dyersburg/Dyer County community by supporting numerous civic and educational initiatives, while consistently investing in workforce development and regional economic growth.

About ERMCO, Inc.
ERMCO, Inc. is North America’s leading manufacturer of liquid-filled distribution transformers and power solutions for the utility, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO and its affiliates, ECI-Greeneville, ECI-Bristol, ERMCO-GridBridge, ERMCO-Power Partners, ERMCO-Pioneer Transformers, and ERMCO-V&F Transformer employ more than 3,500 team members across North America. Offering a full range of pole and pad mounted transformers, related components and power solutions for global utilities, ERMCO is proud to be the industry’s Most Valued Partner. ERMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI). For more information, please visit www.ermco-eci.com.

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) was recently honored with a Supplier Excellence Award at the 2025 Arizona Public Services (APS) Key Supplier Forum.

CEO Tim Mills, CSO Kurtis McMillen, Vice President of Sales Brett Weyers, and Gorman Company President Josh Gorman accepted the award on ERMCO’s behalf.

APS recognized ERMCO’s exceptional performance in meeting the needs of APS and its customers by manufacturing and delivering pad mount transformers needed to uphold its mission to deliver reliable power. Due to ERMCO’s customer service and partnership, APS completed record-high residential and non-residential met sets in 2024, approximately 34,000.

Since beginning the partnership in 2021, ERMCO has increasingly allocated material volume capacity of distribution transformers and critical equipment to APS, helping keep the lights on for Arizonians.

This award reflects the dedication of all ERMCO teammates, who make achievements such as this possible every day.

ERMCO is grateful to APS for this recognition and the strong partnership built between both entities.

About ERMCO, Inc.
ERMCO, Inc. is North America’s leading manufacturer of liquid-filled distribution transformers and power solutions for the utility, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO and its affiliates, ECI-Greeneville, ECI-Bristol, ERMCO-GridBridge, ERMCO-Power Partners, ERMCO-Pioneer Transformers, and ERMCO-V&F Transformer employ more than 3,500 team members across North America. Offering a full range of pole and pad mounted transformers, related components and power solutions for global utilities, ERMCO is proud to be the industry’s Most Valued Partner. ERMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI). For more information, please visit www.ermco-eci.com.  

On March 4, 2025, Electric Research Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc’s. (ERMCO) Talent Acquisition Supervisor, Brad Whittle, received the honor of speaking to the Tennessee General Assembly House of Representatives Education Committee at the state Capitol in Nashville, Tenn.

Whittle shared insights into ERMCO’s role in transformer manufacturing and highlighted the company’s operations in Tennessee, with locations in the state’s three grand divisions – Greeneville (east Tennessee), Celina (middle Tennessee), and company headquarters in Dyersburg (west Tennessee).

He also emphasized ERMCO’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future workforce, particularly through its contributions to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and CTE (Career Technical Education). Since 2022, ERMCO has donated more than $500,000 to support West Tennessee-based schools in Dyersburg, Dyer County, and Obion County.

Speaking to the committee, Whittle said, “In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is imperative that we equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a global workplace. CTE and STEM education provide this by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that are essential for success in our industry.”

The opportunity to address the committee was through Dyersburg City Schools. Dyersburg Middle School’s STEM/Plus 1 students were invited to present an engineering project made possible by ERMCO’s investment and involvement with the school system’s STEM initiatives.

ERMCO’s ongoing investment in education continues to play a significant role in shaping the next generation of skilled 

workers and leaders.

About ERMCO, Inc.
ERMCO, Inc. is North America’s leading manufacturer of liquid-filled distribution transformers and power solutions for the utility, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO and its affiliates, ECI-Greeneville, ECI-Bristol, ERMCO-GridBridge, ERMCO-Power Partners, ERMCO-Pioneer Transformers, and ERMCO-V&F Transformer employ more than 3,500 team members across North America. Offering a full range of pole and pad mounted transformers, related components and power solutions for global utilities, ERMCO is proud to be the industry’s Most Valued Partner. ERMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI). For more information, please visit www.ermco-eci.com.

On January 16, Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) demonstrated its commitment to the future workforce by collectively donating $225,000 to area STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)/CTE (Career Technical Education) programs. Three school systems, Dyer County Schools, Dyersburg City Schools, and Obion County Schools, received $75,000 each to support educational programming leading to high-demand fields such as manufacturing, engineering, and information technology.

Official presentations took place at Dyer County High School, Dyersburg High School, and Obion County Central High School.

“ERMCO is committed to paving the way for our next generation,” said Debbie Hurt, ERMCO Chief of Staff. “We are proud to continue our investment in STEM and CTE education to help provide a bright and promising future that each student deserves.”

“ERMCO is proud to invest in the future of our children and provide them with opportunities to explore STEM/CTE education,” said Brad Whittle, ERMCO Talent Acquisition Programs Supervisor. “Our local school systems continue to invest in their students by continuously growing their STEM programs and labs. The manufacturing and technical skills these students are learning now only make our workforce stronger tomorrow.”

This year marks the third $75,000 donation from ERMCO to the STEM/CTE programs at Dyer County and Dyersburg school systems.

“At Dyer County Schools, our mission is to prepare students for success in college and careers by providing experiences and opportunities that align with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industries,” said Jennifer Barham, Dyer County Schools CTE Director. “We are committed to equipping students with the knowledge, confidence, adaptability, and practical skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. This effort would not be possible without the invaluable support of industry partners like ERMCO, whose collaboration helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.”

“On behalf of Dyersburg City Schools, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to ERMCO for their continued financial support of our STEM and Career Technical Education programs,” said Dyersburg City Schools CTE Director Kim Yeiter. “ERMCO’s commitment to investing in our students’ futures enables us to provide innovative learning opportunities, advanced resources, and hands-on experiences that prepare our students for success in a competitive and ever-evolving workforce. ERMCO’s generosity not only strengthens our programs but also reinforces the critical partnerships between industry and education, helping to shape the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. We are proud to collaborate with ERMCO as we continue to inspire and equip our students with the skills they need to excel in STEM and CTE fields.”

Additionally, ERMCO extended its STEM/CTE donation to Obion County Schools for the first time. While much of ERMCO’s Dyersburg workforce resides in Dyersburg and Dyer County, many Team ERMCO members travel daily from Obion County to work.

“We are very excited and appreciative of the opportunity to partner with ERMCO to enhance STEM endeavors at all Obion County schools,” said George Leake, Obion County Schools Supervisor of Instruction & CTE Director. “With so many career paths in the STEM field, this community partnership will help us prepare students for their future endeavors by giving them hands-on classroom activities and experiences that support instruction and will translate directly into employment skills. We will be able to purchase technology that is above and beyond a typical classroom experience, resulting in a deeper understanding of lessons. Community partners like ERMCO are vital to the success of students, and the educational benefit goes far beyond the dollar amount invested. Thank you, ERMCO!”

About ERMCO, Inc.
ERMCO, Inc. is North America’s leading manufacturer of liquid-filled distribution transformers and power solutions for the utility, commercial, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO and its affiliates, ECI-Greeneville, ECI-Bristol, ERMCO-GridBridge, ERMCO-Power Partners, ERMCO-Pioneer Transformers, and ERMCO-V&F Transformer employ more than 3,500 team members across North America. Offering a full range of pole and pad mounted transformers, related components and power solutions for global utilities, ERMCO is proud to be the industry’s Most Valued Partner. ERMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI). For more information, please visit www.ermco-eci.com.