Global renewable energy company to invest nearly $7 million in North American HQ, Expansion to create 90 new jobs in Knoxville
Knoxville – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Hitachi Zosen Inova USA LLC (HZI USA) announced 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.
“Tennessee’s business climate and highly skilled workforce offer companies the ideal atmosphere to grow and succeed,” said Lee. “I thank HZI USA for its decision to expand in Knox County and create 90 new jobs for East Tennesseans.”
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.
“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,” said Heath Jones, managing director, Hitachi Zosen Inova USA LLC . “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.”
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.
“I am thrilled to have HZI USA expanding their operations in Knox County,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “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.”
