HSP US Selects Mecklenburg County for First US Manufacturing Plant

HSP executives stand with Chair Mark Jerrell and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles in the meeting chamber of the Government Center. On their left is a banner that reads Charlotte, on the right a banner reading HSP.

HSP US LLC, a U.S. subsidiary of German-based Trench Group GmbH, has chosen Charlotte for its first U.S.-based manufacturing plant, bringing 74 new jobs.

The company will invest more than $50 million over the next five years and plans to begin operations in early 2026. The new facility will manufacture bushings, a key component in high-voltage power transformers.

“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,” said Dr. Bahadir Basdere, CEO of Trench Group. “In doing so, we contribute to the stability and national security of the countries in North America.”

“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,” said Dr. Nils von Dietman, CEO of HSP US. “The proximity to our key customers also played a role.”  

Trench Group GmbH, a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of high-voltage power transmission components and systems based in Berlin, separated from Siemens Energy a year ago to become a standalone company.  

The facility, located in southwest Charlotte near Siemens Energy’s new advanced manufacturing facility, will create several job opportunities, including machinists, engineers and management, with an average wage of $77,315, above the MSA average.  

“Mecklenburg County remains an economic engine in our state and region,” said Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell. “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.”  

“We are pleased to welcome HSP US to Charlotte,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This new high-tech facility further strengthens Charlotte’s status as a growing energy hub and will bring advanced manufacturing jobs to our city. This is a continuation of our city’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and build new relationships in Germany.”  

Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, said, “Foreign direct investment is a large contributor to North Carolina’s economy, and we welcome HSP US to the state. 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.”  

This project was a collaborative effort between Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and Duke Energy.  

HSP will begin filling positions this fall and is in conversations with Central Piedmont Community College to create a customized workforce training and apprenticeship program.  

"At Central Piedmont, we welcome the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders to design workforce training that leads directly to high-demand careers,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “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."

“Today’s announcement further cements the Charlotte Region as a global powerhouse, fueled by the strong presence of companies like HSP US,” said Gretchen Carson, director of business recruitment at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. “Germany leads the way in foreign direct investment in the region. 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.”

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg area is home to over 1,000 foreign-owned companies, and Germany is the leader in investment. German companies employ more than 19,000 people in and around Charlotte.  

Over the past two years, Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte have collaborated on multiple economic development projects, including the relocations and expansions of Siemens Energy, TTX, alpitronic Americas Inc., Albemarle Corp., and Solve Industrial Motion Group. With today’s announcement of HSP US LLC’s manufacturing location, the City and County have helped bring more than $508 million in capital investment and 1,535 new jobs.