Itron just announced that it plans to rev up production capacity to meet expected demand for its smart meters with a new automation system.  Yesterday, the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to show off its new OpenWay system at its production line in Westminster, New York. Itron is expecting an increased demand of its smart meters as a result of the stimulus, and the OpenWay system is designed to ensure that Itron can meet that demand.

In an article posted on UpstateToday.com, Keri Unsworth, a product marketing analyst for energy for Itron, commented on the improvements in the plant and on the expected demand:

Itron prevails as the only smart meter manufacturer that designs, develops and distributes their smart meters in the United States.” Unsworth noted. “More importantly, customers that will be qualifying for smart grid spending funds made available by the stimulus package will be looking to purchase product from vendors that manufacture in the United States today.”

“The fact that Itron has kept the manufacturing facility in the United States is indicative of the company’s commitment to the utility industry, its customers and communities impacted by the success of this business in the United States.”