AB Energy USA Establishes North American HQ in The Woodlands, Texas

AB Energy USA is relocating its North American headquarters to The Woodlands, creating nearly 200 jobs over the next few years.

AB Energy USA Establishes North American HQ in The Woodlands, Promises Job Growth

AB Energy USA, a subdivision of the renowned Italian energy solutions firm AB, is set to establish its North American headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas, bringing nearly 200 new jobs to the area over the next few years.

The move into The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway was announced by The Woodlands/Howard Hughes Communities and The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership. This strategic decision by AB Energy underscores their commitment to long-term growth and the recruitment of top-tier talent in the energy sector.

Paolo Ruggeri, CEO, North America, for AB Energy USA, expressed the company’s enthusiasm: “Establishing our North American headquarters in The Woodlands is a strategic decision that supports our long-term growth and ability to attract top talent. The region offers direct access to experienced energy-sector leaders and a highly skilled workforce, while also providing an exceptional quality of life that makes it a place where employees want to live and build their careers. We look forward to becoming an active, long-term partner in the community.”

The company has signed a lease for 11,000 square feet at 9950 Woodloch Forest Drive. This location, one of the two towers initially developed for Anadarko Petroleum Corp., is set to accommodate AB Energy’s expanding operations across North America. The adjacent tower at 1201 Lake Robbins Drive, currently leased to Occidental Petroleum, was handed over to Howard Hughes Holdings following Occidental’s acquisition of Anadarko in 2019.

Nestled near Interstate 45, The Woodlands Towers are conveniently situated close to shopping and dining venues such as Market Street, Waterway Square, and The Woodlands Mall. The 32-story structure at 1201 Lake Robbins Drive was noted as the tallest building between Houston and Dallas upon its completion in 2002, while the 31-story 9950 Woodloch Forest Drive was completed in 2014.

This year alone, AB Energy USA aims to create about 45 new positions in The Woodlands. Over the next five years, the firm anticipates adding 30 jobs annually, focusing on roles within engineering, service, maintenance, and integration to bolster its U.S. operations. AB Energy specializes in providing high-efficiency cogeneration and renewable natural gas systems for industrial, commercial, and data center applications.

Representing AB Energy in the lease agreement was Damon P. Palermo of Palermo Corporate Real Estate Advisors. Alex Hancock, Senior Vice President of National Sales and Leasing for Howard Hughes Communities, remarked on the decision, stating, “AB Energy evaluated several options across the market and ultimately chose The Woodlands because it’s one of the best places to recruit and retain highly talented employees. Just as this community attracts families with its schools, safety, housing, and quality of life, The Woodlands Towers provide the kind of workplace that helps companies attract and keep great teams.”

Founded in 1981, AB operates with a global workforce of over 1,500 employees, with its main engineering and manufacturing hub in the Orzinuovi Province of Brescia, Italy. The company has been active in the U.S. since 2014.

Photo: The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway. Howard Hughes Communities courtesy photo.