OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Oklahoma and Hitachi Ltd. have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at expanding collaboration in energy infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and digital technology.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Gov. Kevin Stitt and Hitachi announced the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA Investment Summit. The agreement outlines a shared commitment to identify and advance opportunities that bring economic benefit to Oklahoma.
“I always talk about bringing Oklahoma to the world and the world to Oklahoma,” Stitt said. “Hitachi is a perfect example of foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships coming together to create shared success.”
Hitachi, a global technology and industrial products company, has operated in Oklahoma for nearly 40 years and currently employs more than 200 people in Norman. Under the agreement, the company and the state will explore opportunities in priority areas where Hitachi has expertise in integrating operational technology and information technology.
“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the State of Oklahoma,” said Charlie Takeuchi, president and CEO of Hitachi Americas. “This agreement reflects our shared ambition to expand our collaboration into the most critical areas that impact society today, including energy, manufacturing and digital technologies.”
Oklahoma also recently partnered with Hitachi through the Business Expansion Incentive Program. The company is investing $4 million in new machinery and equipment to expand capacity for new business and reduce energy and maintenance costs.
“Momentum in Oklahoma continues to build, and partnerships like this show that companies around the world are taking notice,” said John Budd, CEO of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Budd said Oklahoma’s business-friendly environment, infrastructure and pro-growth approach make the state an attractive destination for foreign direct investment and long-term business growth.
