Rittal Corporation plans world-class headquarters for suburban Chicago, expanding footprint in North America

URBANA, Ohio, Aug. 22, 2013  /PRNewswire/ -- Rittal Corporation has announced plans to create a world-class customer-centric U.S. headquarters in suburban Chicago, IL, to better serve its United States customers. Rittal is the largest company in the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group based in Germany — with 11 production sites, 64 subsidiaries and 10,000 employees worldwide. The company will open the doors of its newest North American location August 22, with a state-of-the-art Customer Center of Excellence including a technology and training center, and expanded showroom going live in the Fourth Quarter of the year. 

"We found a home in The Woodfield Corporate Center in Schaumburg, IL, and intend to be fully operational by September," says Douglas Peterson, President of Rittal Corporation, United States. "The initial phase will include relocating the company's executives, sales leadership, marketing and product management staff." 

The move toward one of the most important geographic and industrial centers of the country positions Rittal to be closer to its diverse customer base in North America. It is part of the company's international expansion projects – projects taking place not only in the United States, but in China, India and Germany, as well. These projects also include a multi-million dollar upgrade to several production lines in Rittal's Urbana, Ohio production facility, designed to provide greater capacity in manufacturing the Rittal standardized products and systems for its vital North American markets. 

"With innovation as a driving force, Rittal is a technology leader worldwide in the manufacturing and development of enclosures, power distribution, IT infrastructure, software and service," points out Friedhelm Loh, owner and CEO of Rittal.

Among the focal points of the Chicago facility will be a customer training center including expanded teaching resources, product testing facilities and a large-scale product showroom where customers can have a hands-on experience with the entire Rittal System.

"Getting closer to our customers in order to become their first choice is a significant goal now and in the years ahead," continues Peterson. "Moving to suburban Chicago with its proximity to one of the world's most accessible airports is an excellent step toward making those critical connections easier," he adds.

Rittal is actively recruiting in the Northern Illinois region to tap into the extensive pool of sales, marketing and product professionals the area has to offer.

The new suburban Chicago headquarters joins the Urbana Manufacturing Center of Competence and distribution centers in Texas and Nevada as Rittal expands its commitment to North American customers from coast to coast. 

Rittal Corporation

The Rittal Corporation, Urbana, Ohio, is the U.S. subsidiary of Rittal GmbH & Co. KG and manufactures the world's leading industrial and IT enclosures, racks and accessories, including climate control and power management systems for industrial, data center, outdoor and hybrid applications. Rittal's off-the-shelf standard, modified standard and custom-engineered products are recognized throughout the world as innovative, high quality solutions for practically any industrial or IT infrastructure application — from single enclosures to comprehensive, mission critical systems.

Founded in 1961, Rittal is now active worldwide with 11 production sites, 64 subsidiaries and 40 agencies. With 10,000 employees worldwide, Rittal is the largest company in the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group, based in Haiger, Germany. The entire group employs more than 11,000 people and generated revenues of $2.9 billion in 2012. For additional information, visit www.rittal.us and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com. 

SOURCE Rittal Corporation