UK Energy Efficiency Firm to Open U.S. Headquarters at Navy Yard Energy Hub

Mark Group, one of Europe's biggest home energy efficiency companies, will establish its US headquarters at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, home to the massive, new Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster for Energy Efficient Buildings.

“Mark Group's decision to locate its US headquarters here and become one of the first companies tied to the Department of Energy's Energy Innovation Hub is an excellent partnership. Each complements the other and each offers a host of great opportunities for the other,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell, speaking at an October 22 ceremony welcoming the firm, based in Leicester, United Kingdom.

Also speaking was Tom Morr, president and CEO of Select Greater Philadelphia, who said: “The Commonwealth, the Office of International Business Development, the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and Team PA worked well together to make the case for Philadelphia as a premier business destination and Select Greater Philadelphia was happy to provide the information, site tours, and business connections to help make this process successful.”

Greater Philadelphia's strategic location, great highway access and tremendous regional business support coupled with its major academic institutions and world-class airport with strong service to Europe were significant factors in the company's decision to locate to the region.

Mark Group is an international company, with over 1,400 employees, dedicated to providing a “whole house” solution to energy efficiency. The firm began by insulating homes in 1974. Today, the firm's portfolio includes a wide range of energy saving products and services tailored to individual homeowners, builders, architects, local authorities and government bodies. Mark Group helps make over 6,000 homes more energy efficient every week, from its 17 locations. The company's debut in Philadelphia follows its recent opening of an Australian headquarters.

The Governor's Action Team offered Mark Group a $3.28 million funding offer that includes a $2 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development loan, a $500,000 opportunity grant, a $638,000 job creation tax credit, and $143,550 from WEDnet, a workforce web portal that is devoted to advancing the training and education needs of workers and employers in Pennsylvania. Mark Group expects to hire nearly 320 workers in Philadelphia over the next three years.

“The creation of alternative energy sources is key to America's economic future, and Greater Philadelphia is the nation's hub of energy efficiency research and development,” said Mark Group US CEO Jeff Bartos. “We are excited to launch our business from Philadelphia and to deliver energy efficiency upgrades to homes throughout the nation, and we thank the Rendell administration for the state's investment in our company.”