Global Energy Leader AB Selects The Woodlands® for North American Headquarters, Bringing Jobs and Long-Term Economic Investment

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands, a Howard Hughes® community, along with The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, today announced that AB Energy USA has selected The Woodlands for its North American headquarters, a move expected to bring dozens of new jobs and sustained investment to the region. The American commercial and operations subsidiary of AB, a global leader in energy sustainability solutions headquartered in Lombardy, Italy, cited proximity to industry leaders and the region’s skilled workforce as key factors in its decision.

AB Energy USA expects to add approximately 45 new jobs in The Woodlands in 2026 as it establishes its headquarters. Beginning in 2027, the company plans to add an additional 30 jobs annually over the next five years across engineering, service, maintenance, and integration roles to support its U.S. operations.

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

The company will occupy approximately 11,000 square feet of Class A office space at The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway, one of the community’s premier office properties, housing corporate functions and governance for all North American subsidiaries of AB. Employees will benefit from direct access to dining, luxury retail, entertainment and green space, combining business convenience with lifestyle amenities designed to attract and retain top talent.

“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.”

"AB's decision to establish its North American headquarters here demonstrates The Woodlands' competitiveness for both international companies and energy sector leaders,” said Jevon Gibb, CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership. “Our community offers a strategic combination of access to Houston's talent and infrastructure, with the accelerated timelines, pro-business environment, and quality of place that support workforce attraction and retention. This project attracted significant interest from multiple markets, and AB's decision reflects The Woodlands’ unique advantages."

AB Energy USA was represented by Damon P. Palermo, SIOR of Palermo Corporate Real Estate