Germany-based SGB to open facility in Wheat Ridge

SGB USA, Inc., is set to open its first U.S. manufacturing plant within the 44th Industrial Park in Wheat Ridge. SGB is a leading manufacturer of industrial transformers in Europe. SGB’s parent company, Starkstrom - Geratebau GmbH (SGB), is based in Regensburg, Germany. SGB USA, Inc., will bring an estimated $1.4 million; in new capital investment and six new manufacturing jobs to the City of Wheat Ridge in Jefferson County. The company will produce state-of-the-art, cast resin transformers for use in renewable energy projects and other industrial applications.

SGB USA, Inc. selected the 12,600-square-foot location after a national search of facilities. "The company considered several locations across the nation when searching for a location for our new operation," said Kerwin Stretch, General Manager. "We chose Wheat Ridge because of its strategic location in the central U.S., the high concentration of renewable energy manufacturers and researchers in the area, and the incentive package offered by the local governments. We are thrilled to be opening our first U.S. facility and are excited to be a part of the area’s growing business community."

"The City of Wheat Ridge is excited about SGB USA, Inc. coming to our community," said Mayor Jerry DiTullio. "The City is dedicated to partnering with the business community to help bring quality companies to our community whether they are coming from another region in Colorado, in the U.S. or the world, which is one of the reasons the City entered into a tax incentive agreement with SGB.”

Attracting SGB to Wheat Ridge was the result of the City’s partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, and the Jefferson Economic Council. "This regional network of economic development partners allows great companies like SGB USA, Inc., to quickly filter through the site selection process and transition to production" said Ryan Stachelski, Wheat Ridge economic development specialist.

Over the next two months, SGB USA, Inc. will make significant upgrades to its new facility and install specialized manufacturing and testing equipment. The company will ship the first units to customers in the first quarter of 2010.