Howard Hughes

Italian company cites the community’s talent pipeline, business climate, and quality of life as drivers of its U.S. expansion

THE WOODLANDS, TX (March 11, 2026) – 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 offers 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 Advisors.

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About AB Energy USA

AB Energy USA is the American commercial & operations subsidiary of AB, a global leader in energy sustainability solutions. The company delivers high-efficiency cogeneration and renewable natural gas systems. Backed by AB’s more than 40 years of experience, AB Energy USA supports the growing demand for reliable, lower-carbon power across industrial, commercial, and data center applications in the U.S. AB Energy USA manages every stage of combined heat and power (CHP) and renewable natural gas (RNG) projects in-house, reducing risk, and accelerating results. The company partners meet today’s performance needs while supporting long-term sustainability goals. Globally, AB employs more than 1,500 people across 22 countries, with primary engineering and manufacturing operations based in Orzinuovi, Italy. Together, AB and AB Energy USA combine global expertise with local execution to deliver world-class energy solutions. For more information, visit gruppoab.com/en-us or follow the company on LinkedIn.

About The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership

The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership (EDP) is a public-private partnership supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion in The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding areas. Its mission is “to recruit new companies that enjoy becoming part of our community, while solving issues and seizing opportunities that catalyze economic development in The Woodlands area.” It is funded by The Woodlands Township, as well as approximately 100 businesses and civic leaders. For additional information, visit thewoodlandsarea.org. 

About The Woodlands^®

The Woodlands is a Howard Hughes community spanning 28,500 acres, located 27 miles north of downtown Houston. Home to nearly 125,000 residents and over 70,000 employees, The Woodlands combines award-winning residential neighborhoods with a thriving commercial core that includes Class A office towers, shopping, dining, hospitality, and world-class healthcare. With 36% of its land preserved as open green space, The Woodlands offers an exceptional balance of urban amenities and natural beauty and is pre-certified under the LEED for Cities and Communities program, reflecting its leadership in sustainable community development. Consistently ranked among the best places to live in America, The Woodlands is a model for sustainable growth and economic vitality. Learn more at TheWoodlands.com.

About Howard Hughes Communities™
Howard Hughes Communities, the real estate platform of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH), develops, owns, and operates the nation’s premier large-scale master planned communities and mixed-use developments. The company’s award-winning assets include The Woodlands^®, Bridgeland^®, and The Woodlands Hills^® in Greater Houston; Summerlin^® in Las Vegas; Teravalis™ in Greater Phoenix; Ward Village^® in Honolulu; and Merriweather District^® in Columbia, Maryland. The Howard Hughes Communities portfolio is strategically positioned to meet and accelerate development based on market demand, resulting in one of the strongest real estate platforms in the country. Dedicated to innovative placemaking, the company is recognized for its ongoing commitment to design excellence and to the cultural life of its communities. For additional information, visit communities.howardhughes.com.