ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has expanded its Make It American™ certification program to include a new product specification for high- and medium-voltage power distribution equipment (HMVDE), which includes switchgear and transformers. At a time of skyrocketing energy demand, these electrical components are critical to ensuring the reliability and safety of our nation’s grid infrastructure.
NEMA launched the Make It American program in April 2025 to help companies demonstrate that their manufacturing processes, facilities, and supply chain management systems have undergone rigorous third-party expert audits to meet Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) domestic content requirements – providing greater certainty and confidence to manufacturers, government agencies, and procurement officials seeking to source materials with enhanced levels of U.S.-manufactured content. The program also offers product specification certifications for low-voltage power distribution equipment (LVDE) and wire and cable.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), distribution transformers now take more than 30 months to produce. These lead times are compounded by a significant increase in energy demand driven by data centers, artificial intelligence, and the electrification of our economy. NEMA’s product specification for HMVDE strengthens domestic supply chains and helps to alleviate the current transformer backlog by expanding U.S. manufacturing capacity for grid-critical equipment.
“As one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the U.S. economy, with a market exceeding $375 billion, the electroindustry plays a pivotal role in shaping critical infrastructure,” said Debra Phillips, President and CEO, NEMA. “NEMA’s Make It American Program builds on this long-standing commitment by offering a rigorous, third-party verified certification that supports compliance with federal requirements while promoting investment in vital energy infrastructure.”
“At Reinhausen, we believe in advancing American manufacturing through programs that promote transparency, accountability, and high-quality standards. The Make It American program offers a clear path for companies to demonstrate compliance with Buy America Preference requirements, supporting stronger U.S. infrastructure,” said Rick Green, Chief Financial Officer, Reinhausen Manufacturing. “We are proud to have contributed to the development of the high- and medium-voltage distribution product specification and look forward to pursuing certification later this year, underscoring our commitment to innovation and American-made excellence.”
NEMA’s Make It American certification program is a comprehensive initiative that includes precedent-setting standards, certifications, and resources to help electrical manufacturers navigate domestic content requirements. Companies that successfully complete the certification audit are granted marks to showcase their rigorous supply chain processes, commitment to transparency, and enhanced domestic manufacturing footprint.
For more information about NEMA’s Make It American program and the Make It American BABA Registry of certified companies and products, visit here.
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