BOWLING GREEN, KY - For the second time in less than a year, a China-based company has chosen to locate their U.S. headquarters in Bowling Green.

Beijing Greenleading Energy Technology Development Co., Ltd., a large-scale producer of heat transfer equipment, will locate their initial U.S. headquarters and sales office in the Innovation & Commercialization Center (I.C.C.) within Western Kentucky University's Center for Research and Development, announced the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce today.

"We are very excited to locate our U.S. headquarters here in Bowling Green," said James Zhao, president of Greenleading. "Our partnership with the I.C.C. and Western Kentucky University provides a great opportunity to expand our business into the American market, and we look forward to establishing strong ties within this region."

Greenleading will initially employ less than ten associates at their U.S. headquarters with the anticipation for growth in the future, said Hizer. Focusing on heat transfer equipment, the company produces plate heat exchangers, valve products and air coolers. It has developed many products for companies in Denmark, Finland and Germany, and is the supplier of OEM products in China, as well as a distribution supplier in the Asia-Pacific area.

"Bowling Green is an excellent place for our U.S. headquarters and sales office," said James Zhao, president of Greenleading. "The I.C.C. is an ideal location that will help us meet our needs, and I look forward to building a lasting relationship in South Central Kentucky. My sincere appreciation goes to Buddy and the Chamber of Commerce staff, as well as the government officials, who have assisted in our decision-making process."

Buddy Steen, executive director of the I.C.C. and the Center for Research and Development, expects Greenleading to find a welcoming and successful home at the I.C.C. "The Center is committed to serving as a business accelerator for Greenleading to advance their network here in the United States. We look forward to working with them and furthering our connections with Chinese companies like Greenleading and Kenmold."

Other community leaders are excited to welcome Greenleading to Bowling Green, which is the only city in Kentucky in which Chinese companies have located. "Only Bowling Green can say we have companies from China, and that's because we are able to offer these companies great assets like the I.C.C.," said Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker. "We look forward to forming a strong partnership with Greenleading and to watch them grow here."

"I'm happy to see that our friends in China realize what South Central Kentucky has to offer," added Warren County Judge Executive Michael Buchanon. "This announcement, coupled with the many announcements we had last year, solidifies how attractive our region is to international clients."

"With the newly revised South Central Kentucky Marketing Plan, along with the diligent efforts of the Chamber's economic development staff, we are continuing to attract top-quality, innovative companies like Greenleading," said Chamber Board of Directors Chair Doug Gorman.