International Energy Firm Moves US Headquarters to Houston Area

HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – AB Energy USA will bring its North American headquarters to The Woodlands, creating nearly 200 jobs in the coming years.

The company is part of AB, a global energy sustainability solutions firm based in the Lombardy region of Italy.

AB Energy will occupy space in The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway, according to an announcement by The Woodlands/Howard Hughes Communities and The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership.

“Establishing our North American headquarters in The Woodlands is a strategic decision that supports our long-term growth and ability to attract top talent,” Paolo Ruggeri, CEO, North America, for AB Energy USA, said in an announcement. “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.”

AB Energy USA has leased 11,000 SF at 9950 Woodloch Forest Drive, one of two towers originally developed for Anadarko Petroleum Corp., to support its continued growth across North America. The neighboring 1201 Lake Robbins Drive is leased to Occidental Petroleum, which acquired Anadarko in 2019 then sold the towers to Howard Hughes Holdings.

Located near Interstate 45, the towers overlook the 1.8-mile The Woodlands Waterway and are walking distance to hundreds of shops and restaurants at Market Street, Waterway Square, and The Woodlands Mall. The 32-story 1201 Lake Robbins Drive tower was the tallest building between Houston and Dallas when completed in 2002. Built in 2014, 9950 Woodloch Forest Drive rises 31 stories.

AB Energy USA will add about 45 jobs in The Woodlands this year. The company expects to add 30 jobs annually over the next five years across engineering, service, maintenance, and integration roles to support its U.S. operations. The company provides high-efficiency cogeneration and renewable natural gas systems for industrial, commercial, and data center applications.

Damon P. Palermo of Palermo Corporate Real Estate Advisors represented AB Energy in the lease.

“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,” said Alex Hancock, Senior Vice President of National Sales and Leasing for Howard Hughes Communities. “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 employs more than 1,500 people worldwide. Its primary engineering and manufacturing operations are based in the Orzinuovi Province of Brescia, Italy. The company has operated in the U.S. since 2014.

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