1964 - Cooperative Venture
ERMCO is incorporated as Electric Research & Manufacturing Cooperative Inc. Electric cooperatives in Arkansas, Kentucky and Wisconsin were the original owners. “Now ownership is exclusively with Arkansas electric cooperatives,” President and CEO Tim Mills said.
1972 - The First Plant
ERMCO begins transformer production in 1972 in a $350,000, 32,000-SF facility built in Dyersburg, Tennessee, the year before. Manufacturing of transformer cores and coils starts with a staff of 30.
1980s - Growth in Dyersburg
Production of transformer tanks begins after the plant expands to 145,000 SF with additions in 1982 and 1989. The 1989 expansion includes a 45,000-SF manufacturing facility for the tanks.
1995 - 450 Workers by 1995
Growth in the 1990s turns ERMCO into the nation’s fourth-largest manufacturer of single-phase transformers. By 1995, the company has 450 employees making 150,000 units per year.
1999 - Greeneville Bound
ERMCO acquires General Electric Transformer Component Co. in Greeneville, Tennessee, and renames it ERMCO Components Inc.
2001 - Down From Poles
After buying an existing building next to the original plant in 2000, ERMCO broadens its product line with three-phase transformers for commercial and industrial use. The first three-phase padmount unit is installed adjacent to the Dyer County Courthouse.
2015 - The 5 Millionth
ERMCO produces its 5 millionth transformer, which went to Jackson Electric Membership Corp. of Georgia.
2017 - Rolling Into Raleigh
ERMCO acquires GridBridge in Raleigh, North Carolina. GridBridge develops advanced technology incorporating hardware, software and data management into products for utilities.
2021 - 1.5 Million SF
The ERMCO campus in Dyersburg has grown to four facilities and 1.5 million SF of space over 150 acres and ranks as the largest employer in Dyersburg with 1,450 local employees. The complex includes a newly acquired 200,000-SF electric pole plant in a former Caterpillar facility. That site employs about 150 people.
2022 - Spire Acquired
In December, ERMCO acquires Spire Power Solutions LP of Athens, Georgia, a leading manufacturer of distribution transformers. Absorbing all of Spire’s about 1,000 employees, ERMCO expects to complete its 8 millionth transformer sometime in 2023.
