Hubbell, Inc., which is exhibiting in Booth #401 at the International Lineman's Expo, has opened a new 25,000-sq-ft U.S. facility in St. Petersburg, Florida, to expand production of the LineDefender single-phase recloser.

The investment expands U.S. manufacturing capacity to meet growing utility demand for advanced lateral protection, distribution automation and grid reliability solutions.

An extensive pilot program involved collaboration with utility lineworkers, engineers, operators and technicians across North America.

“Utilities are looking for smarter ways to improve reliability, enhance workforce safety and reduce the operational costs associated with distribution system outages,” said Division President for Grid Automation Erik Christian. 

“The LineDefender recloser was developed in direct response to those challenges, and the market’s response has exceeded our expectations. This new facility gives us the capacity and flexibility to support continued growth while maintaining the quality and innovation our customers expect from Hubbell,” he added.

The device helps utilities modernize lateral protection by automatically detecting and clearing temporary faults. It reduces sustained outages and truck rolls, improves restoration times and combines advanced protection, familiar field operation, flexible communications and safety-focused features.

The production facility accommodates multiple parallel production lines, allowing Hubbell to quickly scale output by adding a line as demand increases. The expansion is expected to reduce LineDefender recloser lead times by up to 50 percent by 2027.

Hubbell celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the recloser manufacturing facility on Aug. 27, 2026, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to U.S. manufacturing.

Lineman’s Rodeo attendees can also explore the new Chance Lineman Grade Tools & Grounding Catalog, featuring a comprehensive selection of tools and grounding solutions for line work.

 Visit Hubbell at Booth 401 to learn more.