MAN Energy Solutions, a Germany-based manufacturer of large-bore diesel engines and turbomachinery for marine and stationary applications, opened its North American headquarters at The Uplands in Twinwood, west of Houston, Texas.

According to company officials, it is the first facility to commence operations in the new 400-acre business park development in Brookshire south of Interstate 10 at 1758 Twinwood Parkway. The Uplands at Twinwood represents the initial phase of a fully entitled, 14,000-acre master-planned community with more than 15 million square feet of commercial and institutional space and up to 12,000 new housing units.

The Uplands at Twinwood lies within a designated Opportunity Zone, a federal economic development tool where new investments may be eligible for special tax treatment should they contribute to economic development and job creation. The company’s new North American headquarters is a 137,434 square-foot build-to-suit structure owned by Houston-based Welcome Group. The Design/Build project by Houston-based KDW combines MAN Energy Solutions' former operations in Houston and Deer Park into a state-of-the-art industrial facility employing about 140 workers.

"We're excited to open our new North America headquarters, the first operation in The Uplands at Twinwood," says Tony Ruegger, Managing Director of MAN Energy Solutions. "The location and access to Interstate 10 make the property idea for the growth of our equipment servicing capabilities."

"MAN Energy Solutions is ideally suited for a property such as The Uplands at Twinwood," says Welcome Wilson, Jr., President & CEO of Welcome Group. "We are pleased to add this project to our four million square-foot portfolio of single-tenant industrial and office facilities."

Welcome Group is a full-service commercial real estate developer/owner that specializes in build-to-suit turnkey services and is currently looking to acquire large industrial real estate assets outside of Texas as they expand into national markets."We're certainly anticipating strong interest in Twinwood from other global companies looking to establish or expand their North American presence," Wilson adds.

MAN Energy Services is one of many projects developed by Welcome Group and KDW, including several in Texas for Germany-based companies. The two firms also have teamed to develop millions of square feet of other commercial and industrial projects throughout the state.

"Houston continues to be a magnet for global manufacturers to establish or expand their North American presence," adds Keith Dalton, President & CEO and KDW. "We're seeing more interest in the Houston area than ever before."