Phoenix Contact opened its new Customer Technology Center in Houston on May 2, a move said to bring the company closer to its customers, especially those in the process control and energy industries. Top company officials from the U.S. and Germany held a news conference and hosted tours to mark the opening of the 15,000 sq ft CTC.

The CTC features a demonstration room, training facility, and application lab, as well as offices and small warehouse. Jack Nehlig, president of Phoenix Contact USA, stated, “In recent years, U.S. manufacturing has dramatically rebounded, particularly in the process industries. Phoenix Contact has a long history of serving process customers, and we are a significant player in these growth markets. Our new technology center underscores our commitment to these customers.”

Company officials said globalization requires getting closer to customers. Frank Stührenberg, senior vice president of global sales, Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, said, “Houston, Texas, is the epicenter of the oil and gas industry not just in the United States, but throughout the world. It is critical to have a major presence in Houston to bring us closer to our many customers in this industry.”

Roland Bent, senior VP of marketing and development, Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, noted, “Phoenix Contact has developed many products to meet the rigorous demands of the oil and gas marketplace. Our recent advancements in wireless, Ethernet, Foundation Fieldbus, and products for hazardous locations have been well received.”

Scott McLendon, VP and general manager, Phoenix Contact USA, says designers, engineers, and decision makers are encouraged to visit frequently, “to work in our application lab to solve real world problems, utilize our demo facility and training center to learn about new products and technologies, and draw upon a wealth of local expertise to help work through applications.”

Phoenix Contact USA, located in Middletown, PA, is a subsidiary of Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG of Blomberg, Germany, which operates 40 subsidiaries and employs more than 8,400 people around the world. The company describes itself as a world leader in electrical connection, electronic interface, and industrial automation technologies. The company’s Integrated Management Systems include a formal Quality, Environmental, and Safety program that meets ISO requirements.

www.phoenixcon.com