Benning is known for forklift battery chargers and power conversion systems

Benning Power Electronics Inc, a distributor of forklift battery chargers and assembler of power conversion systems, has celebrated its new North American headquarters.

Representatives of the City of Richardson, US Congress and chamber of commerce marked the occasion on 13 September. The business in May announced the move to Richardson from its home of 10 years in nearby Dallas.

Benning had 2010 sales of more than USD23 million including USD3 million for chargers for forklifts and other mobile equipment. Benning distributes PowerHouse Motive Chargers from Crown Battery Manufacturing Inc of Fremont, Ohio.

Benning has 50 employees and projects doubling its workforce by 2016. "Benning Power Electronics has experienced rapid growth over the last several years," says Mario Barbaresso, CEO.

To more than double its physical size and in anticipation of further growth, Benning invested USD3 million in December 2010 to buy the 68,000 sqft. (6,120 sqm) building in Richardson.

Benning Power Electronics is one of the 22 subsidiaries of privately held 73-year-old Benning Elektrotechnik und Elektronik GmbH & Co KG of Bocholt, Germany. Benning Power Electronics' Richardson facility supports business efforts in the US, Canada and South America.

Benning Power Electronics collaborates with its German counterparts to design products for Western Hemisphere markets and assembles those products. End markets include telecommunications, handling and distribution centres, industrial equipment, data centres, medical power supply and the military.