Charlotte's business landscape is set to enrich further with groninger USA, LLC choosing the city for its manufacturing operations expansion. The company, a leader in the pharmaceutical, consumer healthcare, and cosmetics industries for filling and closing machines, will be investing $15.1 million and introducing 60 new roles to the Steele Creek area. "Charlotte has been an outstanding home for our North American headquarters, and as our company grows, so does our need for additional space and talented employees," groninger USA CEO Philipp Hauser articulated in a statement obtained by CharlotteNC.gov.
The strategic placement of Charlotte with its world-class airport was a significant draw for the company, which has been anchored in the city since relocating from New Jersey in 2007. The Charlotte facility is instrumental, handling sales, service, and parts manufacturing for their clients across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Mayor Vi Lyles expressed her sentiment, stating, "This investment represents more than just new jobs – it's a vote of confidence in our community's potential," according to the same press release from the City of Charlotte.
Further bolstering the local economy and educational tie-ins, groninger USA has already set up an engineering apprenticeship program in collaboration with UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College, aiming to develop the workforce and encourage upward mobility. This move aligns neatly with the city's and county's strategic initiatives, looking to expand its workforce from 112 to 172 full-time employees within the next five years, with the new positions averaging an annual salary of $76,037.
Mark Jerrell, Chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, lauded the company for its diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace and strong community partnerships. "The company's track record of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, partnerships with our schools, colleges and universities, and support for Mecklenburg County priorities sets a strong example," Jerrell told the City of Charlotte. The expansion is part of a collaborative mission involving the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Economic Department Partnership of North Carolina, NC Community Colleges, and the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
Recent years have witnessed a spurt in economic development as Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have collaboratively raked over $455 million in capital investments, creating 1,351 new jobs through the relocations and expansions of businesses like RXO, Siemens Energy, TTX, alpitronic Americas Inc., Albemarle Corporation, and Solve Industrial Motion Group.
