Expansion Management

German Control Units Manufacturer Opens First US Facility

July 17, 2013

Prufrex Innovative Power Products chooses Virginia as U.S. headquarters

Locating close to customers with both strong logistics and “excellent engineering graduate programs in the state” were the reasons Kurt Müller, president of PRUFREX Innovative Power Products GmbH chose Virginia Beach for its U.S. headquarters.

PRUFREX Innovative Power Products GmbH is a privately owned manufacturer of digital ignitions systems and electronic control systems, headquartered in Cadolzburg, Germany. PRUFREX develops and produces control units for applications in the fields of small engine, marine and recreation, industry, automotive, and electric and cordless power appliances.

The company is investing $7.33 million in its first U.S. manufacturing facility and will supply ignition components for U.S. customers, including nearby BMZ Batteries and STIHL Inc., which produces the number one selling brand of chain saws.

“Our ongoing conversations with manufacturers reveal that there is a great interest in our products, especially because of the exhaust reduction and fuel-saving aspects we can offer our customers,” explains Kurt Müller, president.

The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Bob McDonnell approved a $120,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund, and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program to support the company’s recruitment and training activities. The Virginia Beach Development Authority has approved a $120,000 grant from the Economic Development Investment Program for the project. The Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance provided research support for the project.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.