ZIEHL-ABEGG Inc. and DRÄXLMAIER recognized for investment, innovation, and long-term commitment to German-American business in the Carolinas
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – September 12, 2026 – The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. (GACC South) has named ZIEHL-ABEGG Inc. and DAA DRÄXLMAIER Automotive of America LLC as the recipients of the 2026 Carolinas Gateway Awards, recognizing their contributions to German-American business and industry across North and South Carolina.
ZIEHL-ABEGG Inc. has been selected as the 2026 North Carolina Gateway Award recipient, while DRÄXLMAIER has been named the 2026 South Carolina Gateway Award recipient.
Both companies will be recognized at the Carolinas Gateway Awards on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, North Carolina.
For more than two decades, GACC South has hosted the Gateway Awards, recognizing companies, organizations, and individuals whose investments, innovation, excellence, community engagement, and long-term commitment have helped strengthen transatlantic business relations across the Carolinas.
ZIEHL-ABEGG Inc. | 2026 North Carolina Gateway Award Recipient
ZIEHL-ABEGG’s continued growth, investment, and commitment to innovation in North Carolina reflect the values at the heart of the Gateway Awards.
Through its presence in the state, the company has contributed to North Carolina’s advanced manufacturing landscape while strengthening the connection between German engineering expertise and American manufacturing.
Receiving the North Carolina Gateway Award is a meaningful recognition of what our team has built in North Carolina. Growth comes down to having the right people, strong local partners, and a clear purpose, and we are proud to bring German engineering and American manufacturing together here.
~ Shane Cornuet, Vice President – Finance, ZIEHL-ABEGG Inc.
DRÄXLMAIER | 2026 South Carolina Gateway Award Recipient
For three decades, DRÄXLMAIER has demonstrated a strong and lasting commitment to the United States and South Carolina.
As the company celebrates 30 years in the United States and 30 years of membership with GACC South in 2026, the Gateway Award recognizes a remarkable chapter in its history, defined by continued investment, innovation, and a lasting contribution to the region’s automotive manufacturing landscape.
The recognition also reflects the people behind that growth and the company’s longstanding role within the German-American business community.
Being recognized by our peers and partners from the German-American business community of the Carolinas is something very special for us because it acknowledges what our company has achieved in the last 30 years. It is also a testament to our employees because this would not have been possible without their skill, knowledge, dedication, and loyalty. GACC South has been and continues to be vital in connecting us with other German-American businesses and helping form many enduring partnerships throughout the past three decades.
~ Christian Langstein, CFO Americas, and Ludwig Paier, President Americas, at DRÄXLMAIER Group.
One Room. Two States. One Business Community.
The 2026 Carolinas Gateway Awards will bring together executives, manufacturers, community leaders, partners, and professionals from across North and South Carolina for an evening recognizing the companies and people helping shape the region’s international business community.
The joint celebration reflects the deeply connected nature of German-American industry across both states and the long-term partnerships that continue to drive investment, innovation, manufacturing, workforce development, and economic growth throughout the Carolinas.
2026 Carolinas Gateway Awards
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Mint Museum Uptown
Charlotte, North Carolina
About the Carolinas Gateway Awards
Since 2004, the Carolinas Gateway Awards have recognized companies, organizations, and individuals that strengthen German-American business relations through investment, innovation, job creation, quality, community impact, and long-term commitment to the region.
The awards bring together the German-American business communities of North and South Carolina for an annual celebration of the companies and leaders contributing to the Carolinas’ international economy.
About GACC South
The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. (GACC South) promotes and supports bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the United States. Through its network, programs, events, and services, GACC South connects companies and business leaders while supporting the continued growth of German-American economic relations across the Southern United States.