Maersk, one of the world’s largest logistics companies, has just announced plans to relocate its entire North American headquarters to Charlotte. The move will add 520 new jobs and bring a $16 million investment to Mecklenburg County, ultimately growing the company’s Charlotte workforce to more than 1,300 employees.
The Fortune Global 500 subsidiary employs more than 10,000 people across North America and nearly 100,000 worldwide. Its new Charlotte headquarters will house major corporate operations, including finance, human resources, commercial strategy, and technology. The average salary for new positions will reach $100,962, exceeding Mecklenburg County’s average of $86,830, and generating more than $52.5 million in annual payroll for the region.
“North Carolina has been a key partner in our growth for more than two decades,“ said Maersk President Charles van der Steene in a press release. “Designating Charlotte as our North American headquarters location reinforces our confidence in the state’s business climate and workforce. We’re investing in North Carolina’s future because it’s a place where innovation and opportunity come together.”
North Carolina helped secure the project with a Job Development Investment Grant, authorizing up to $7.9 million in reimbursements over 12 years if Maersk meets hiring and investment targets. State officials estimate the project will grow North Carolina’s economy by $1.5 billion during that period and produce a 67% return on public investment, with every state dollar generating $1.67 in tax revenue.
Leaders say the move cements Charlotte’s rise as a global logistics and corporate hub, strengthened by its workforce, infrastructure, and expanding tech sector. Hiring is expected to begin in phases as Maersk transitions its operations to the Queen City.
