In May, HSP US LLC, a subsidiary of Trench Group, announced that it would invest over $50 million over the next five years to launch a factory in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it will manufacture components for high-voltage power transformers, called bushings. In a social media post, the company noted, “The new facility will be one of the most advanced in the region – including a fully integrated production line and a state-of-the-art high-voltage test lab.”
The facility is one of many investments in the state that will contribute to American energy independence and national security. “Through these investments, we are not only strengthening our presence in the North American market but also laying the foundation for sustainable growth and the further development of the energy infrastructure in the region. In doing so, we contribute to the stability and national security of the countries in North America,” said Dr. Bahadir Basdere, CEO of Trench Group.
With a goal to begin operations by 2026, HSP US will start hiring in Fall 2025 for 74 new jobs, including engineers, machinists, and managers, with a competitively high average wage of $77,315. The company is already discussing the possibility of a customized apprenticeship and workforce training program with Central Piedmont Community College.
Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont, reflected, “We welcome the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders to design workforce training that leads directly to high-demand careers. Our entire region benefits when employers invest in student success through hands-on learning and job placement. We see stronger talent pipelines, stronger communities, and a stronger economy. These partnerships meet today’s workforce needs and help shape the future of innovation and opportunity across the Charlotte region.”
Photo Courtesy Trench Group
Charlotte emerged as the clear strategic choice for HSP US, given that its parent company Trench Group broke off from Siemens Energy last year. The new facility will be located near Siemens Energy’s manufacturing plant in Charlotte, for which it recently announced an approximately $150 million expansion that will bring an additional 475 jobs to the city.
Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell commented, “Mecklenburg County remains an economic engine in our state and region. We are pleased HSP US recognizes the strength of our local workforce and is choosing to invest in our community and bring a variety of skilled jobs.” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles stated, “This new high-tech facility further strengthens Charlotte’s status as a growing energy hub and will bring advanced manufacturing jobs to our city.”
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, and Duke Energy made these plans a reality because of these local benefits.
Photo Courtesy Anthony Abbafati
North Carolina is also perfectly poised to house the company’s operations. “With the top business climate in the country, the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, five top-tier research universities, and proximity to customers and supply chain components, North Carolina offers companies what they need to successfully expand their global footprint,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
As former Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair George Dunlap claimed last year, “Mecklenburg County is the largest manufacturing employment center in North Carolina.” Therefore, as Dr. Nils von Dietman, CEO of HSP US, added, “Charlotte’s growing skilled workforce in key electric and engineering fields combined with its business-friendly climate offers HSP US the ideal environment as we expand our operations globally.” Over the past two years, the city and county have attracted over $508 million in capital investment from companies like Albemarle, Alpitronic, Siemens Energy, Solve Industrial Motion Group, and TTX, correlating to 1,535 new jobs.
Gretchen Carson, director of business recruitment at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, concluded, “With the world-class connectivity of Charlotte Douglas International Airport and a top-notch talent pool, we are certain HSP will find the competitive advantages it needs to create exciting new opportunities and drive innovation in Charlotte.”
