NAMPA — Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories is expanding manufacturing in Idaho with the purchase of a facility in Nampa, investing more than $150 million in the building and equipment to keep up with growing demand for products that protect, monitor, and control critical infrastructure.

Idaho News / CBS2 and The Spokesman-Review reported the announcement this week (Sept. 15–16, 2026). At 1406 N. Galleria Drive, SEL plans a 103,000-square-foot manufacturing site. Teams there will make electronic devices like those produced at the company’s Pullman and Lewiston facilities. Operations are expected to begin in 2027.

Jobs and wages

SEL said the Nampa project is initially expected to create about 250 manufacturing careers. Starting wage is listed at $26 per hour, with shift differentials of up to $10 per hour. The company also noted more than 800 open positions globally.

“Customer demand for SEL products and solutions continues to grow around the world,” said SEL President Dave Whitehead. “By expanding our manufacturing capacity in Nampa, we will reduce lead times, increase production and continue delivering the quality, reliability and service our customers expect from SEL.”

Fourth major expansion in two years

SEL described the Nampa purchase as its fourth major manufacturing expansion announced in the past two years. Earlier projects include a new electronic device manufacturing facility in Moscow; an expansion of panel manufacturing in Charlotte, North Carolina; and the acquisition of the former Pullman Building Supply property in Pullman, Washington.

“This expansion represents a long-term commitment to supporting our customers and preparing SEL for sustained growth well into the future,” said Dr. Ed Schweitzer, SEL founder and chairman of the board. “I am especially pleased to see SEL continue investing in Idaho, a state that values free enterprise, innovation, and hard work. Idaho has created an environment where manufacturers can grow, create opportunities for families and build products that serve customers around the world.”

For people watching Treasure Valley growth, the takeaway is straightforward: a long-running Idaho manufacturer is adding substantial plant capacity in Nampa, with hundreds of manufacturing careers planned as the site comes online in 2027.

Project Quick Facts:

• Project: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Nampa manufacturing expansion
• Location: 1406 N. Galleria Drive, Nampa, Idaho
• Investment: More than $150 million in the 103,000 sq ft facility and equipment
• Operations: Expected 2027; electronic devices similar to Pullman and Lewiston plants
• Jobs: About 250 manufacturing careers initially; starting wage $26/hr + shift differentials up to $10/hr
• Context: Fourth major manufacturing expansion announced in the past two years (Moscow; Charlotte panel; Pullman Building Supply property)
• News peg: Company announcement covered Sept. 15–16, 2026

Photo credit: Photo: Courtesy Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories via Idaho News / CBS2 — SEL manufacturing facility (company photo for the Nampa expansion announcement).

Sources: Idaho News / CBS2, “Schweitzer Engineering Labs to invest $150M in new Nampa, Idaho, manufacturing facility” (Sept. 16, 2026); The Spokesman-Review, “Schweitzer Engineering expanding in Idaho” (Sept. 15, 2026); Dailyfly / Pullman Radio News, “SEL To Build New Manufacturing Plant In Southern Idaho” (Sept. 15, 2026).