WINSTON-SALEM – A German manufacturer of commercial ventilation systems, Ziehl-Abegg, Inc., will move its North American headquarters to Winston-Salem, bringing nearly 200 jobs and more than $100 million in investment.

The company, founded in 1910, produces industrial fan systems and employs 5,000 workers globally.  Its planned Winston-Salem facility includes 500,000 square feet of space that will also increase production capabilities and distribution in North America, a statement released by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s office noted.

“Megatrends such as digitalization, climate change and urbanization are leading to a growth in demand and call for a significant increase in our production capacities,” said Joachim Ley, Chief Operating Officer of Ziehl-Abegg, Inc., in the statement “The U.S. market is fundamentally very important for us and is driving the expansion in North America.”

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Hiring plans

To start, the company plans to hire 189 employees in Forsyth County.  Along with the hiring of those employees, the company intends to invest at least $24.5 million, with up to $100 million projected, according to the statement.

The company will receive a performance-based grant of $400,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, though receiving that grant is contingent upon the company investing at least $24.5 million.

“The 189 employees are the first step of our expansion project,” said Ley.  “We are anticipating growing to over 500 employees very rapidly.”

Those 189 roles will pay average annual wages of nearly $60,000, according to the statement, which is above the average annual salary in Forsyth County.  According to an estimate from the state of North Carolina, these payroll jobs are anticipated to have an impact of more than $11.2 million in the regional economy.

“Ziehl-Abegg is the latest example of why North Carolina continues to be recognized as the best place to do business,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, in the statement. “North Carolina offers a world-class workforce and robust training network that is committed to helping companies grow and succeed.”

Earlier this year, a commercial space company, Axiom Space, leased space in Winston-Salem.

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