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Board approves height variance for Hitachi Energy expansion in Halifax County
Summary
The Halifax County Board of Zoning Appeals approved an 80‑foot variance allowing portions of Hitachi Energy’s planned expansion to reach about 130 feet to accommodate large cranes and rail shipping. The vote was 5–0 after presentations from the applicant’s engineer and support from the Industrial Development Authority.
The Halifax County Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 18 approved an 80‑foot height variance allowing portions of Hitachi Energy’s planned manufacturing expansion to reach roughly 130 feet, a change the company says is necessary to accommodate large cranes and equipment.
Detrick Easley, the county zoning administrator, introduced the request under Halifax County Code Section 53‑383 and invited the applicant to present design and operational details. Clay Lewis, civil and structural engineer with Haynes Gibson & Associates, told the board the new facility would exceed 300,000 square feet and include a four‑story office facade facing Philpott Road and large assembly bays at the rear of the property. “The increased height is necessary to accommodate large cranes and equipment required in the assembly area,” Lewis said, describing assembly bays that could exceed 120 feet, with much of the plant planned in the 90‑foot range.
Lewis said rail shipping would occur from the rear of the site and that the front parking area would be reconfigured to serve an estimated 500–600 employees, while truck traffic would be routed through an improved, signalized entrance to the west in coordination with the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Board member Dennis Stewart pressed for details on structural support, noting the taller sections would be roughly two‑and‑a‑half times the height of existing buildings on site. Lewis said the exterior would be insulated metal panels serving as a skin, while the interior would rely on structural steel and deep foundations designed to support heavy loads, including a planned 375‑ton crane.
Brian Brown, executive director of the Industrial Development Authority, spoke in support and said the expansion "would bring approximately 825 new jobs to the community," adding that the project would spur demand for housing and childcare. Michael Johnson, identified as project manager for Hitachi Energy, urged approval so the project could proceed.
Following the presentations and comment period — with no speakers opposing the request — Vice Chairman Larry Clark moved to approve the variance; Mr. Willis Dunn seconded. The motion passed 5–0. Ayes were Hunter Ford, Willis Dunn, Larry Clark, Dennis Stewart, and Lawrence Wilkerson.
The board recorded no other matters and adjourned at 11:09 a.m.
