University City Report (PDF) - Charlotte Chamber of Commerce

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Company Profile: Electrolux Electrolux is one of URP’s newest members, having chosen the research park as the home for its North American operations in 2010. The 216,000-square-foot facility is located at 10200 David Taylor Drive, and the company spent $13 million to renovate the building. Electrolux touts itself as the global leader in home appliances and appliances for professional use. The company has many familiar household brands that reside under its banner, including Frigidaire and Eureka. The Charlotte headquarters is home to approximately 450 employees, a number the company expects to grow over the next five years. Electrolux’s relocation should not be downplayed — it’s the largest corporate relocation to Charlotte since insurer Royal & SunAlliance pulled up its stakes in 1984. The decision to place the headquarters in Charlotte was based on a number of factors: the skilled labor pool, access to a variety of transportation options, local educational capabilities, incentives that offset relocation costs, local government and business support, and numerous other quality-of-life elements. With these priorities in mind, University City was an obvious choice. But location continues to plays a huge part in attracting businesses to the area. “Availability of transportation — road, rail and the nearby international airport — allows easy access for traveling to other business units globally and was an important factor in the decision to consolidate Electrolux North America operations in University City,” said Caryn Klebba, the director of the company’s corporate communications. Klebba cited Charlotte’s consistent ranking as a great place to live and work. She also pointed to the outstanding educational and housing resources, along with the strong local talent pool. But again, sometimes it’s about location, location, location. “We’re only a short drive from the many offerings the wider region boasts of,” Klebba said. Caryn Klebba, director of Electrolux corporate communications. ©PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com 14 University City Report
John Marchionda, Husqvara’s Vice President of Marketing ©PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com Company Profile: The Husqvarna Group The Husqvarna Group has an interesting history as it was initially founded, in 1689, with a focus on making muskets. While the company also has a long history in the Charlotte market, 2009 marked a new era as University City became home to Husqvarna’s “Headquarters for the Americas.” The company also has another local historical connection: Husqvarna was spun off from University City neighbor Electrolux in 2006. The company has come a long way since its musket-making days. Husqvarna is now the world’s largest producer of outdoor power products. Many Americans are familiar with their offerings, which range from chainsaws to lawn mowers to garden tractors. Poulan and Weed Eater are just two of the brands that fall under the Husqvarna name. Before the 2009 headquarters relocation announcement, the company already employed roughly 160 people at its Professional Products headquarters stationed at 7349 Statesville Road. But when the time came to move from their main location in Augusta, Ga., other suitors came calling — some at the eleventh hour. But the N.C. Economic Investment Committee bestowed the company the state’s Job Development Investment Grant right before the headquarters announcement. Since the grant money is tied to performance targets, Husqvarna has to deliver on its promise of creating new jobs over the next nine years, which is a boon for employment in the area. In 2010 the company announced its plans to relocate its American headquarters to Harris Corners Corporate Park, which is located right off I-77’s Exit 18. According to a company spokesperson, University City — and Charlotte in general — provides the perfect setting for many companies who are based overseas. “Charlotte is comfortable with its role as a major hub for multinational firms,” said John Marchionda, the vice president of marketing at Husqvarna. Marchionda noted University City’s central location as a huge selling point for businesses relocating or expanding to the region. Infrastructure is also a crucial determining factor. The area has a competitive edge due to site availability and operating resources that don’t exist elsewhere. Marchionda also pointed to University City’s cultural and social strengths, which benefit the company’s employees. “The area provides great amenities and services that increase one’s quality of life,” he said. University City Report 15
Page 1 and 2: University City Report University C
Page 3 and 4: ©PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com decided
Page 5 and 6: endorsement for what was, at the ti
Page 7 and 8: satisfied. The hospital, which open
Page 9 and 10: of shopping destinations, diverse r
Page 11 and 12: University Area Demographics Univer
Page 13: Electric Power Research Institute (
Page 17 and 18: ©PatrickSchneiderPhoto.com Persona
Page 19 and 20: Personal Profile: George Battle Geo

University City Report (PDF) - Charlotte Chamber of Commerce

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?