How Thermo Systems Expanded Across Europe with HSP Group
Solution
Entity Setup · Payroll · HR · Tax
Region
Europe · multi-country
Industry
Industrial Automation
Use Case
European Expansion & Compliance
About Thermo Systems
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner, delivering automation solutions for district energy, life sciences, and data centers. Its critical-infrastructure work keeps pressure, temperature, and humidity precisely regulated — powering vast industrial campuses including hospitals, colleges, and universities.
Company Size
300+
The Challenge
Servicing international projects without local infrastructure
As Thermo Systems took on its clients’ international projects, VP of Finance Richard Dreher and Chief People Officer Sueann Snodgrass faced the challenge of resourcing them compliantly — hiring local employees while relocating and deploying US and EU staff into project countries. That created complexity around local HR and employment law, immigration, EU posted-worker regimes, income tax, social insurance, and benefits — all while paying everyone compliantly and maintaining net income parity. Referred to HSP for short-term payroll in Ireland, they quickly discovered a full suite of international business solutions, and the partnership grew from there.
The solution
Legal Entity Setup & Governance
HSP guided Thermo through legal entity establishment and corporate governance — including standing up a German entity to satisfy local corporate tax rules.
Tax Compliance
Navigating income tax, social insurance, and corporate tax obligations across each new country of operation.
Payroll Management
Compliant payroll for domestic and internationally mobile employees, ensuring everyone is paid correctly while retaining net income parity.
HR Advisory & Global Mobility
Strategic HR advisory and global mobility support, acting as Thermo's HR and operations team in Europe where it had no local staff.
Data Protection Compliance
Advising on data protection compliance — critical for any company operating in Europe or handling personal data of EU and UK citizens.
The impact
A trusted ally for confident global expansion
The collaboration began with Denmark and Ireland and now extends into Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. As Thermo’s team and footprint grew, HSP seamlessly provided compliance, local expertise, and a responsive team that adapted to each country’s needs — becoming a vital resource that lets Thermo expand confidently while maintaining a positive employee experience. Through HSP’s support, Thermo Systems has achieved:
- Regulatory compliance across every new market
- A consistently positive employee experience
- A platform to discuss and implement effective business strategies