Company will add manufacturing capacity and dozens of new jobs to region
This week Intermountain Electronics in Centralia announced the company will invest more than $15 million to expand their operations by adding more than 108,000 square feet of manufacturing space while creating 60 new full-time jobs and retaining their current workforce.
“The Centralia community and surrounding areas in my district will greatly benefit from the new jobs and economic development that will come from Intermountain Electronics’ expansion,” said Representative Blaine Wilhour (Louisville). “The State of Illinois should always do its part to support business and job growth, especially in our rural areas.”
Founded in 1985, Intermountain Electronics has grown from a small equipment repair company into a nationally recognized manufacturer of heavy electrical equipment and engineered power solutions. The Centralia facility, which opened in 2012 with just 12 employees, has expanded nearly fourfold in square footage and now employs 141 people. Following completion of the expansion, employment at the Centralia site is expected to reach approximately 201 employees by the end of 2028.
“This investment reinforces our commitment to Centralia and to manufacturing in the United States,” said Bobby Houston, CEO of Intermountain Electronics. “Our people, our partners, and this community have been central to our success, and we’re proud to continue building the future of energy and power distribution right here in Illinois.”
The expansion project is designed to significantly increase capacity for the production of Power Distribution Units (PDUs), which are critical infrastructure components supporting renewable energy integration, and artificial intelligence applications. Intermountain Electronics’ PDUs enable consistent, clean power delivery by leveling fluctuations from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
“This expansion is a massive win for Centralia’s economy and our local workforce,” said Rob Jackson, City of Centralia’s Economic Development Director. “By bringing 60 new full-time, high-wage jobs to our community, and expanding their total workforce at the Centralia location to over 200 employees, IE is proving that Centralia has the infrastructure, the business-friendly climate, and the skilled workforce necessary to compete on a national level. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Tim, Brenda, and the rest of the team at IE, and look forward to a continued partnership.”
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone not only for Intermountain Electronics, but for the Centralia community,” said Tim Benedict, General Manager of IE’s Centralia facility. “Demand for clean, reliable power is accelerating rapidly, driven by AI, data centers, and renewable energy. This expansion positions our Centralia team at the forefront of that growth while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic opportunity for the region.”
Intermountain Electronics has also worked closely with local and regional workforce partners, including Kaskaskia College, Centralia High School, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, to establish registered apprenticeship and training programs that will support hiring and retention as production scales.
“Kaskaskia College is excited to see the tremendous growth Intermountain Electronics has experienced over the last decade,” said Joy Fitts, Dean of Workforce Engagement & Industrial Career Services at Kaskaskia College. “The partnership we have established with Intermountain Electronics has created outstanding career opportunities for students in the College’s Industrial Technology, Welding, and Electrician programs. Through the development of Registered Apprenticeships and ongoing workforce training collaboration, Intermountain Electronics continues to invest in student success while strengthening the region’s skilled workforce pipeline.”
“Intermountain Electronics has been an outstanding partner in Centralia High School’s school-to-work program, providing our students with valuable hands-on experience and exposure to real-world career opportunities,” said Nikki Burmester, Centralia High School. “Their support helps prepare students for future success in the workforce.”