North Charlotte Today

groninger USA, LLC, a global manufacturer of filling and closing machines for various industries, has announced its decision to expand its manufacturing operations in Charlotte, North Carolina. This expansion will involve an investment of $15.1 million and is expected to create 60 new jobs in 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," stated Philipp Hauser, CEO of groninger USA. He highlighted Charlotte's strategic location and strong German community as key factors influencing the company's decision.

The family-owned company from Crailsheim, Germany was founded by Horst Groninger. It initially established its U.S. operations in Basking Ridge, New Jersey in 1997 before relocating to Charlotte in 2007. The existing facility opened in 2012 near Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Mayor Vi Lyles expressed support for the expansion: "groninger USA's decision to expand their manufacturing operations in our city is a powerful testament to Charlotte's dynamic business environment and our skilled workforce."

The company collaborates with UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College on an engineering apprenticeship program aimed at workforce development. Over the next five years, groninger plans to increase its workforce from 112 to 172 full-time employees with new positions averaging $76,037 annually.

Mark Jerrell, Chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, remarked on the benefits of groninger’s expansion: "The company’s track record of diversity and inclusion in the workplace... sets a strong example."

This project involved collaboration between multiple local organizations including the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In recent years, these entities have worked together on several economic development projects contributing over $455 million in capital investment and creating more than 1,351 new jobs.