M.C. Dean Expands in Caroline County, Creates Nearly 2,000 New Jobs
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced that M.C. Dean — an innovative power and technology engineering firm — will invest $412.5 million to expand production capabilities at the company’s Modular Mission Critical™ manufacturing campus based in Caroline County. This investment will create 1,950 new jobs in the region for Virginians.
“Today’s announcement marks a transformational next chapter for M.C. Dean, Caroline County, and the Commonwealth,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “For more than 75 years, M.C. Dean has grown from a Virginia electrical contractor into a global leader in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and mission-critical systems. With this major expansion, the company is choosing to build its future here in Virginia — creating nearly 2,000 new jobs for Virginians, expanding production capacity, and strengthening the Commonwealth’s role in supporting the infrastructure that keeps our country running.”
M.C. Dean plans to construct two new manufacturing facilities: a 442,000-sq.-ft. building on its existing main campus and a 1.5 million square-foot building on the company’s 600-acre north campus. The pending expansion pushes land investments to 1,300 acres and total campus capacity to more than 3.6 million square feet by 2030, making this the largest modular manufacturing campus in the United States. These facilities will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology for advanced manufacturing including industrial machinery, automation, and robotics.
“Projects of this scale are the result of long-term investments in sites, infrastructure, workforce development, and strong local partnerships,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “M.C. Dean’s expansion in Caroline County demonstrates how Virginia’s economic development strategy is translating into real opportunity, bringing major capital investment, good jobs, and expanded advanced manufacturing capacity to communities across the Commonwealth. This project reflects the kind of coordinated, results-driven approach that helps companies grow in Virginia, creates meaningful opportunities for our communities and workforce, and builds the foundation for a durable economic future.”
M.C. Dean has invested hundreds of millions in the region, scaling production capacity to meet growing customer demand. The company serves high-growth markets worldwide, including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, transportation, and federal customers. M.C. Dean’s portfolio includes complex power, mechanical, communications, automation, security, and life safety solutions, which are designed, integrated, manufactured, and commissioned at the campus to expedite AI factories, digital infrastructure, and capital projects.
“We are proud of our growth in Virginia, establishing the nation’s number one at scale modular manufacturing facility based on production right here in Caroline County,” said M.C. Dean’s President and CEO Bill Dean. “We’re poised to deliver one large power module every 30 minutes this year, compounding our output and impact, and providing long-term economic benefit, local workforce development, and high-paying careers for residents.”
Founded in Fairfax in 1949 by World War II Veteran Marion C. Dean, the company has grown to deliver global engineering services worldwide with more than 9,000 employees. With 40 offices around the globe, M.C. Dean maintains its headquarters in Tysons, Va., and its manufacturing hub in Caroline County.
In addition to its campus expansion, the company is investing in a new Power Systems Training Center coming to Caroline High School in 2027. The center will provide electrical systems training and a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway designed to give students industry-recognized instruction and a direct connection to careers with M.C. Dean. Career opportunities are available at https://modularmissioncritical.com/careers/.
“When Virginia invests in economic development, I want to see results that make a real difference for our working families and communities,” said Senator L. Louise Lucas, chair of the Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission. “M.C. Dean’s expansion in Caroline County will create 1,950 new jobs and bring $412.5 million in new investment to the Commonwealth. This is the kind of opportunity that strengthens our communities, puts Virginians to work, and builds a stronger economy for the future.”
“Strategic economic development investments are essential to Virginia’s continued growth and competitiveness,” said Delegate Luke Torian, vice chair of the Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission. “M.C. Dean’s expansion will provide Virginians with opportunities to build skills, pursue rewarding careers, and contribute to a growing advanced manufacturing sector. I am pleased to support this significant investment and M.C. Dean’s continued growth in the Commonwealth.”
“M.C. Dean has deep Virginia roots, and I’m thrilled to see the company build on that legacy as it grows into a global leader in advanced technologies and mission-critical systems that help power and secure our country,” said U.S. Senator Mark Warner. “This major investment in Caroline County is a vote of confidence in Virginia’s world-class workforce and strong business environment, and it will create nearly 2,000 new jobs in the region while strengthening our Commonwealth’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
“I’m thrilled that M.C. Dean is making this investment in Caroline County, creating nearly 2,000 new jobs,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. “Virginia’s world-class workforce and innovation makes it an excellent place to do business, and I look forward to seeing M.C. Dean continue to grow and create new opportunities for Virginia.”
“Today’s announcement is a major investment in Caroline County and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Congressman Eugene Vindman. “M.C. Dean’s $412.5 million expansion will create 1,950 new jobs and strengthen our manufacturing capabilities while positioning Virginia to remain a leader in advanced engineering, infrastructure, and mission-critical systems. Investments like this demonstrate Virginia’s strength as a place to build, grow, and do business. I’m pleased to see these new jobs and opportunities coming to Caroline County.”
“M.C. Dean’s investment means more well-paying jobs for people right here in our community,” said Senator Richard H. Stuart. “These local jobs will help families build their futures close to home and strengthen our region’s economy.”
“M.C. Dean’s investment is a win for economic prosperity and education,” said Delegate Nicole Cole. “The creation of nearly 2,000 new jobs will strengthen our local workforce and provide residents with opportunities to build careers close to home. M.C. Dean has also long been a strong partner to Caroline County Public Schools, and this expansion builds on that support by expanding skills training opportunities for our students and adult learners. This is public-private partnership at its best, and it’s the kind of project we want to see more of in Caroline County.”
“VEDP is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside M.C. Dean, Caroline County, and our state partners on a project that will have a lasting impact on this region and the Commonwealth,” said VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi. “M.C. Dean’s continued growth in Virginia reflects the strength of a true partnership — one built on listening closely to the company’s needs, working together to solve challenges, and aligning resources to support long-term success. We are proud to help support this important expansion and look forward to seeing the new opportunities it creates for Caroline County and Virginia’s workforce.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Caroline County, Virginia’s Innovation Crossroads, and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission to secure the project for Virginia. The project will be supported by the Commonwealth through an investment approved by the Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission of up to $45 million, subject to approval by the General Assembly.
Support for M.C. Dean’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, ranked the No. 1 Customized Workforce Training Program in the United States by Business Facilities for the fourth consecutive year and by Area Development for the second consecutive year. The program, created by VEDP in collaboration with higher education partners, provides world-class training and recruitment solutions that are customized to a company’s unique operations, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.