USA: The Bitzer Group has opened a new plant in Atlanta, Georgia, which produces semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors.
A ceremony was held at the beginning of June to inaugurate the new Flowery Branch site.

Bitzer US has been manufacturing products in Atlanta for the North American market since 2005. Growth in output has been very positive, with annual production levels increasing tenfold by 2012. Having reached its capacity, the company therefore decided to construct a new company building in the immediate vicinity of the existing factory. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in March 2012, and by the end of the year the machines in the new building were installed and commissioned.

Ceo Honorary Senator Peter Schaufler took part in the official opening ceremony along with many high-ranking representatives from industry and politics. Mr Schaufler said: 'We are pleased to have production running under optimal conditions now.'

The 9,000sq m factory was built on a 32,000sq m plot of land belonging to Bitzer US, where 130 employees work to produce reciprocating compressors. The short distance to the existing premises is a major advantage as the company is now establishing a training and development centre there. The old site is also used to manufacture pressure vessels, as well as shell and tube heat exchangers.