MADIC Group, a European automotive technology company with approximately 1,400 employees, has opened its North American headquarters in St. Petersburg’s Innovation District at spARK Labs. The French company specializes in automotive energy solutions, unattended payment systems, and digital technologies for the service station and retail sectors.
Why MADIC Group chose St. Petersburg for business expansion
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, MADIC Group CEO Fabrice Chapelain identified three critical factors that led to St. Petersburg’s selection:
- Proximity to Tampa International Airport for international connectivity,
- Access to high-quality universities for talent recruitment, and
- Exceptional support from local economic development partners
Chapelain also praised the streamlined business relocation process, saying, “We have 14 companies [globally]. Every time we do something, an acquisition or we set up a company, it’s a little bit complicated. Here, it’s so easy. We feel at home here.”
St. Pete EDC’s role in corporate relocation
The St. Pete Economic Development Corporation facilitated MADIC Group’s expansion from initial contact through opening. When MADIC reached out to a variety of potential business locations throughout the Southeast, the St. Pete EDC was the first to respond, and immediately began coordinating site tours and stakeholder introductions. The EDC connected MADIC executives with St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch during a Global Tampa Bay trade mission to London in June, organized by Pinellas County Economic Development. Throughout summer 2025, the St. Pete EDC introduced MADIC to workforce development partners, higher education institutions, potential investors, and government officials, while integrating the company into St. Petersburg’s business community.
St. Petersburg Innovation District attracts international companies
The MADIC Group opening continues the Innovation District’s track record of attracting technology companies to St. Petersburg. The district was established ten years ago through the vision of St. Pete Chamber CEO Chris Steinocher, working with the City of St. Petersburg and business and community organizations, leading to the formation of both the St. Pete EDC and the Innovation District. In 2020, ARK Invest relocated from New York City to St. Petersburg, leading to the development of spARK Labs, which today houses MADIC’s North American headquarters.
MADIC Group’s payment technology for North American market
Before the ribbon cutting, Raphael Rivera, MADIC Group’s U.S. EVP of Strategy and Business Development, demonstrated the company’s unattended payment systems designed for service stations and retail locations. The advanced terminals integrate seamlessly with various brands of fueling and retail equipment, showcasing the connectivity capabilities that have made MADIC a trusted partner across Europe’s automotive energy sector.
Economic development partnerships support business growth
The ribbon cutting ceremony included Pinellas County Economic Development director Dr. Cynthia Johnson and business development manager Brent Barkway, spARK Labs CEO Becca Brown, St. Pete Chamber CEO Chris Steinocher, and St. Pete EDC CEO Mike Swesey.
“MADIC Group is exactly the kind of innovative company we want to attract,” said Swesey. “These companies help grow our business base, creating a more prosperous St. Pete for everyone.”
MADIC Group’s North American headquarters opening reinforces St. Petersburg’s position as a destination for international business expansion, particularly for European companies seeking access to North American markets. The combination of airport connectivity, university partnerships, workforce development resources, and responsive economic development support has created an environment where international companies can establish operations efficiently.
Read the original announcement about MADIC Group’s selection of St. Petersburg.
