French energy technology leader MADIC Group selects St. Petersburg for North American headquarters
Global innovator in automotive energy solutions and EV charging infrastructure chooses Tampa Bay region for strategic expansion
St. Petersburg, Florida has secured an international win with MADIC Group‘s decision to establish its North American headquarters in the city. The French industrial leader, which specializes in intelligent solutions for the automotive energy sector, unattended payment systems, and digital technologies, will locate its new operations at the ARK Innovation Center in downtown St. Petersburg.
Founded in 1971 in Nantes, France, by Chair Christian Blossier, MADIC Group has grown into a family-owned industrial powerhouse with approximately 1,400 employees across 30 sites throughout Europe. The company designs and develops intelligent, reliable, and secure solutions that enable partners in the energy, distribution, and transportation sectors to improve customer relations and operations. Over the past 15 years, MADIC has been at the forefront of the clean energy transition, developing electric vehicle charging solutions ranging from 3kW AC to 720kW DC charging stations, alongside hydrogen and natural gas refueling equipment.
A strategic decision after thorough evaluation
MADIC Group’s search for a North American base was comprehensive and competitive. The company evaluated several prominent markets including Atlanta, Houston, the Washington, DC area, and Jacksonville before ultimately selecting St. Petersburg.
“As we researched locations across the United States that met our requirements for ease of business, quality pool of skilled resources, top community colleges and institutes of technology close to key transportation hubs, St. Petersburg was an ideal fit,” said CEO Fabrice Chapelain. “It also helped that we had experience and a network in the region.”
“As we researched locations across the United States that met our requirements for ease of business, quality pool of skilled resources, top community colleges and institutes of technology close to key transportation hubs, St. Petersburg was an ideal fit.”
Fabrice Chapelain
CEO, MADIC Group
U.S. EVP Strategy & Business Development, Raphael Rivera, who led MADIC’s location search, credited the St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation (EDC) with making the decision clear. “After considering the other locations and likely business environments, the St. Petersburg Economic Development Corp. really educated us on the benefits of the region and made the decision very easy,” Raphael explained. “The EDC team was fantastic in providing us with all the detailed information we needed to make an informed decision on the best location where we could establish our North America operations and grow the business with a talent pool of sufficient depth we could leverage. Their responsiveness, the helpfulness, and overall knowledge made the selection process very straightforward.”
A collaborative approach to economic development
The St. Pete EDC provided comprehensive support throughout MADIC’s site selection process, helping the company tour and select office space at the ARK Innovation Center, connecting them with workforce and education partners, potential funders, and government officials.
The project also showcased the power of regional collaboration. The St. Pete EDC worked closely with Pinellas County Economic Development on critical elements including Foreign Trade Zones and the Pinellas County Employment Sites Program for future buildout and manufacturing capabilities. During the Global Tampa Bay trade mission to London organized by Pinellas County Economic Development, St. Pete EDC CEO Mike Swesey facilitated introductions between MADIC’s European team and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, PCED Director Dr. Cynthia Johnson, and other regional leaders.
Phased growth with long-term vision
MADIC’s North American operations will be located at 1101 4th Street South in the ARK Innovation Center, a fitting home for a company focused on innovation and sustainable technology. The facility will house the North American headquarters, regional research and development operations, and a support center.
The company plans measured but steady growth with initial focus on a sales and marketing office evolving to more substantial presence to support its operations including a service center and future production and assembly facilities in the region. This phased approach reflects MADIC’s commitment to sustainable growth while building a strong foundation in the North American market.
“After considering the other locations and likely business environments, the St. Petersburg Economic Development Corp. really educated us on the benefits of the region and made the decision very easy….providing us with all the detailed information we needed to make an informed decision on the best location where we could establish our North America operations and grow the business with a talent pool of sufficient depth we could leverage.”
Raphael Rivera
U.S. EVP Strategy & Business Development, MADIC Group
Why this matters for St. Petersburg and the region
MADIC Group’s decision reinforces St. Petersburg’s position as an attractive destination for international companies seeking a North American foothold. The company’s focus areas—automotive energy infrastructure, EV charging technology, and digital payment systems—align perfectly with the region’s growing expertise in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors.
As the automotive industry accelerates its transition to electric vehicles and alternative fuels, MADIC’s presence positions the Tampa Bay region as a hub for next-generation energy infrastructure. The company’s emphasis on sustainable development and innovation mirrors St. Petersburg’s own commitment to environmental leadership and economic diversification.
For companies considering expansion into North America, MADIC’s selection process offers a compelling case study. The combination of business-friendly operations, skilled workforce availability, strategic location near transportation hubs, and proactive economic development support proved decisive in a competitive field of candidate cities.
The St. Pete EDC stands ready to provide similar comprehensive support to other companies exploring the region. From initial site selection through workforce connections and long-term growth planning, the Tampa Bay area offers the infrastructure, talent, and partnerships that global companies need to succeed in the North American market.
The St. Pete EDC is located at 111 2nd Ave NE, Ste. 610, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Parking is available in the Plaza LAZ lot located next to the building; use GPS for 221 1st St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, which is near the entrance located on 1st Street N. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
Parking is $5/hour for the first 3 hours and $20 thereafter; it is a card payment facility only (no cash). Visitor parking is on the 1st and 4th floors; please note there is no handicapped access from the parking garage above the first floor.
There is also surrounding street parking; pay with ParkMobile or in the Sundial Garage located 2 blocks away.
Connect to St. Pete
We’ll put you in touch with the people, places, and programs you need to explore St. Pete as a new location for your business.
