Keter, the Israeli manufacturer of outdoor furniture and home storage products, opened its first North American headquarters and showroom in Alpharetta on Sept. 16.

Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin and Keter North America President Louis Thurman spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility, which will serve as the executive hub for the company's U.S. operations, according to a Keter press release.

"Alpharetta is pleased to welcome Keter's North American headquarters to our community," Gilvin said at the ceremony. "Their relocation highlights the strategic advantages Alpharetta offers for international companies …"

Gilvin cited the city's talent pool and connectivity as draws for global businesses.

The headquarters combines executive offices with a product showroom featuring displays of outdoor storage, planters, garden beds, furniture and home organization items. The showroom includes Keter's Bar Shed product line and items from Curver, the company's home products brand.

An innovation space inside the facility showcases Keter's resin technologies, textures and finishes.

Keter did not disclose the facility's size, its investment in the space or the number of employees who will work there. The headquarters is focused on executive operations, product presentation and customer engagement rather than manufacturing, citybiz reported.

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Herzliya, Israel, Keter has been operating for more than 70 years and sells products in more than 100 countries. The Alpharetta location marks the company's first dedicated North American executive office.

Thurman, who is completing his first year leading Keter's North American division, said the opening reflects the company's continued investment in the U.S. market. He called the Alpharetta headquarters "a strong foundation for the next chapter" of the company's North American growth.

Keter said it plans to update the showroom regularly as new products, materials and technologies are introduced.