German Power Supply Co. Expands Operations in Cherokee County

Transtechnik Relocates to Georgia, adds 45 jobs;
Governor Explores Advanced Manufacturing and Automotive Industry in Prague

MUNICH, GERMANY— Following a productive two-day mission to the Czech Republic to court the advanced manufacturing and automotive industries in Prague, Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that German power supply company Transtechnik will add 45 jobs to its facility in Cherokee County. Governor Perdue announced the expansion following a meeting in Munich, Germany with Transtechnik officials.

"Today we celebrate the strengthening economic partnership between Germany and Georgia," Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue said. "Transtechnik is a fine example of a high-tech German company that has found a great home in our state, and I'm proud that they are continuing to grow their business."

The company opened its Ball Ground office in March 2006 with 8 employees and is already up to 47. The company’s goal is to have 100 employees and $27 million in production by 2009. The new jobs will range from $12/hour manufacturing positions to engineering jobs averaging $55,000 a year. Rounding out the growth are positions in project management and administration.

The company, which is the American subsidiary of Transtechnik GmbH & Co. KG, manufactures power supplies for mass transit systems such as the Las Vegas Monorail and MARTA.

Transtechnik relocated their manufacturing operations from Mahwah, N.J. to Cherokee County last year because of the cost savings and opportunities for expansion.

Now Transtechnik is adding capacity because it is branching out into subcontracting for original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs. Company officials expect a lot of growth in this new line of business.

"Staying in Georgia is healthy for our bottom line and for our customers too," said Klaus Roehmer, CEO of Transtechnik. "Our business is based on being a low-cost provider to meet the needs of our clients."

Local officials are delighted that Transtechnik has experienced growth in their community.

"To be able to see Transtechnik grow as rapidly as they have is a testament to them as a company and to us as a community," said Misti Martin, executive director of the Development Authority of Cherokee County. "When Transtechnik first moved to the area, their 38,000 square-foot building was too large. Now it’s perfect for their expanding operation."

Governor Perdue made the announcement today from Munich, Germany, where he is in the second week of a 10-day economic development and diplomatic mission in Europe. Throughout the trip Governor Perdue has met with business leaders in strategic industries such as the advanced manufacturing, automotive, IT, aerospace and life science industries.

"Georgia is a global destination for the manufacturing industry because of our transportation infrastructure, network of suppliers and skilled workforce," said Senator Eric Johnson, President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate, who is also traveling with Governor Perdue’s delegation in Munich.

Governor Perdue, Senator Johnson and the members of the delegation arrived in Munich this afternoon after two days in Prague, Czech Republic. While in Prague, Governor Perdue met with business prospects in the aerospace, automotive and advanced manufacturing industries.

Transtechnik is a key supplier to the leading train manufacturers and transportation agencies for on-board power supply in rapid mass transit systems. Trams, high-speed trains, underground trains, suburban railway systems, commuter trains and trolley buses throughout the world use Transtechnik’s on-board power systems. Transtechnik Auxiliary Power Equipment uses precise technology to convert fluctuating input voltage from overhead lines and third rails into constant levels of AC and DC voltage.