- Global renewable energy company to invest nearly $7 million in North American HQ
- Expansion to create 90 new jobs in Knoxville
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Hitachi Zosen Inova USA LLC (HZI USA) announced today the company will invest $6.6 million to expand operations at its Knoxville, Tennessee-based North American headquarters.
HZI USA, which relocated its North American hub from Georgia to Tennessee in 2020, will create 90 new jobs in Knox County.
The additional jobs will support HZI USA’s engineering, procurement and construction projects, as well as its project developments, allowing the company to broaden its footprint and more than triple the number of employees at its Tennessee operations.
Hitachi Zosen Inova is the Swiss-based renewable energy arm of Japan’s Hitachi Zosen Corporation. HZI’s U.S. operations specialize in converting municipal and agriculture waste into clean, renewable electricity, natural gas and hydrogen. Through the expansion, Hitachi Zosen will employ nearly 12,000 worldwide.
Since 2018, TNECD has supported 15 economic development projects in Knox County, resulting in nearly 1,700 job commitments and $142 million in capital investment.
QUOTES
“Tennessee’s business climate and highly skilled workforce offer companies the ideal atmosphere to grow and succeed. I thank HZI USA for its decision to expand in Knox County and create 90 new jobs for East Tennesseans.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“TNECD strives to recruit the right companies to our state because those brands are what define and shape Tennessee. HZI USA is a global company that we are proud to have headquartered in Knox County, and we believe this expansion will further strengthen Tennessee’s relationship with Japan, our top foreign direct investment partner.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter
“HZI USA appreciates the support it has received from the State of Tennessee, Knox County and the City of Knoxville, as well as the chamber’s hard work to help us grow our North American headquarters. The combination of business climate, skilled workforce and quality of life make Knoxville a great investment for our future. HZI USA is excited to deepen Japanese ties to Tennessee and to help reaffirm the State’s worldwide leadership in clean energy.” – Heath Jones, managing director, Hitachi Zosen Inova USA LLC
“I am thrilled to have HZI USA expanding their operations in Knox County. They provide high skilled, high wage jobs and help us attract new talent to Knoxville in key industry sectors. They know what we know, this is the best place to live, work, and raise a family.” – Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs
“It is always great to see a company thrive in our area, and we are proud to partner with HZI USA in bringing this expansion to fruition. This growth means more jobs in Knoxville and will allow the company to continue its critical work in the cleantech industry.” – Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon
“TVA and Lenoir City Utilities Board congratulate HZI USA on its decision to expand operations in Knoxville. It’s always an exciting day when we can celebrate a company’s commitment to continued growth in the Valley. We are proud to partner with the Knoxville Chamber, Knox County, and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support companies like HZI USA and celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“Knox County’s location, value and workforce make it a leader in job growth for Tennessee. We are excited by HZI USA’s decision to grow its operations in Knox County and wish them every success as they move forward.” – Sen. Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville)
About Hitachi Zosen Inova
Zurich-based green-tech company Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI) is a global leader in solutions for energy transition and circular economy including Energy from Waste (EfW) and Renewable Gas (RG), operating as part of the Hitachi Zosen Corporation Group. HZI acts as project developer, technology supplier and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor delivering complete turnkey plants and system solutions for thermal and biological waste recovery. Its solutions are based on efficient and environmentally sound technologies, are thoroughly tested, and can be flexibly adapted to customer requirements. HZI’s Service Solutions Group combines its own research and development with comprehensive manufacturing and erection capabilities to provide support throughout a plant’s entire plant cycle. HZI works for customers ranging from established waste management companies to up-and-coming partners in new markets. Its innovative and reliable solutions have been part of more than 1,600 reference projects worldwide. Please visit www.hz-inova.com.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
TNECD Media Contact
Lindsey Tipton
Public Information Officer
(615) 339-6608
[email protected]
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