New Blacksburg, S.C. Facility to Service the Carolinas and Georgia

CHARLOTTE, N.C. [May 15, 2014] — Wastequip announces the opening of its newest manufacturing facility in Blacksburg, S.C. – the second in a series of expansions to be announced this year.

After extensive research, Blacksburg was selected because of its easy access to the I-85 corridor, making it a prime location for customers throughout the Southeast.

The Blacksburg facility will initially produce front-load and roll-off containers, as well as grease containers and specialty products. The facility offers space for on-site inventory to serve customers quickly. It also will have capacity to manufacture compactors and other Wastequip products.

The opening of the South Carolina facility is just one of a series of strategic Wastequip manufacturing expansions designed to boost capacity to better meet customer demand. The ability to locate Wastequip manufacturing facilities in areas of key customer density will mean even faster service, greater product availability, more competitive freight rates, and the convenience of on-site pick-up.

“Our investment in this area is evidence of our commitment to customers and to a region where we had lost focus,” said Marty Bryant, Wastequip CEO. “As the supplier of choice for several large national haulers, our expansion strategy is key to continuing to provide the waste industry’s best products at the most competitive rates and delivery times. We look forward to making more exciting expansion announcements this summer.”

Suminoe Textile of America Corporation to expand Cherokee County facility

$5 million investment expected to create 100 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Suminoe Textile of America Corporation, a supplier of textile products for the North American automotive market, is expanding its needle punch carpet facility in Cherokee County that makes automotive carpeting. The $5 million investment is expected to create 100 new jobs.

Suminoe is the wholly owned subsidiary of Suminoe Textile Ltd., which originated in Japan more than 125 years ago. Suminoe Textile of America Corporation began operations in the United States at its Gaffney facility in 2003.

South Carolina’s automotive sector employs more than 46,000 in the state at 250 companies in 38 of the state’s 46 counties, according to South Carolina Department of Commerce data.

Over the past decade, Suminoe has grown from an initial 10 employees to more than 400 currently employed at its Gaffney facility. As part of the expansion, Suminoe will be hiring machine operators, forklift drivers, inspection operators as well as management positions. Those interested in career opportunities with the company may apply by emailing Suminoe’s human resources division.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.

QUOTES

“Suminoe is excited to continue growth at our United States facility in Cherokee County. They welcomed us with open arms ten years ago and we appreciate the continued support of Cherokee County and the South Carolina Department of Commerce.” -Kathie Ledford, HR manager for Suminoe Textile of America Corporation

“Suminoe is a national leader in the textile industry, and their decision to invest $5 million into Cherokee County and create 100 new jobs here is not only good news for the Gaffney community, but for the entire state of South Carolina.” -Gov. Nikki Haley

“The automotive sector continues to drive business location and expansion decisions in South Carolina, including companies in the textile industry. Thanks to companies like Suminoe, South Carolina’s rich history in textiles is growing.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“It’s always exciting to see a company grow in South Carolina.  Suminoe celebrated their tenth anniversary last year in Cherokee County.  This expansion validates Cherokee County has a business-friendly climate and is poised for success. We wish Suminoe continued success in the future.” -State Senator Harvey Peeler

“We appreciate Suminoe’s decision to expand in Cherokee County.  This announcement is a testament to the workforce of Cherokee County and is a signal to all that we are open for business. We are grateful for the vote of confidence by Suminoe’s management team” – State Representative Dennis Moss

“Suminoe has been a critical part of county’s success for some ten years now.  This is the second expansion since they arrived here and every one of these new jobs will have a positive impact on Cherokee County.” -Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Suminoe Textile of America Corporation is expanding its Cherokee County facility.
  • The Gaffney facility makes carpeting for the automotive industry.
  • The $5 million investment is expected to create 100 new jobs.
  • Subsidiary of Suminoe Textile Ltd., a Japanese company established more than 125 years ago.
  • South Carolina’s automotive industry employs more than 46,000 in the state at 250 companies in 38 of the state’s 46 counties.

About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. and also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and community development. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. South Carolina ranked first in the national for attracting jobs through foreign investment, according to IBM-Plant Location International reports in both 2012 and 2013. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

Visit the Commerce Newsroom for more project announcements and South Carolina business news.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Allison Skipper, APR
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
askipper@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

Core Molding Technologies Inc. expands Gaffney facility

$6.4 million investment brings more than 50 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Core Molding Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of sheet molding compound and a molder of fiberglass reinforced plastics, is in the process of expanding its operations in Cherokee County. The company is investing $6.4 million in machinery and equipment and adding more than 50 new jobs as part of the expansion, which is expected to be completed by the middle of 2014.

Core’s growth plans were accelerated in 2013 when it announced an award of new business to produce roofs, hoods and other molded parts for a heavy duty truck manufacturer. A significant portion of the new business will be manufactured at the Gaffney manufacturing facility.

Since 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $10 billion in capital investment and more than 29,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Anyone interested in job opportunities with Core Molding Technologies should visit the company’s website, www.coremt.com.

QUOTES
“We are excited to be moving forward with an expansion of our Gaffney manufacturing operations. Cherokee County and South Carolina have established a great business environment and we appreciate the support we’ve received from state and local officials.” -Kevin L. Barnett, president and CEO of Core Molding Technologies

“Expansions of existing companies continue to be a driving force behind our state’s strong and growing economy. Today we celebrate yet another expansion as Core invests $6.4 million in additional assets, creating more than 50 new jobs, and proving once again that South Carolina is not only just right for business, but also just right for growth.” – Gov. Nikki Haley

“Last year, 42 existing in-state manufacturers announced expansions, representing $1.3 billion in investment and bringing nearly 3,700 jobs to the Palmetto State. Thanks to companies like Core, South Carolina is experiencing measurable growth in its already booming advanced manufacturing industry.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Core has been a great asset to Cherokee County for more than 15 years. We are excited they have chosen our county to expand.  The $6.4 million investment will bring more than 50 new jobs to our county.  We are very happy that Core calls Cherokee County home.” -County Council Chairman Tim Spencer.

“Congratulations to Core for their recent expansion. Cherokee County is proud to partner with excellent companies like Core and help them, help us make our county a better place to live and work.” -State Rep. Steve Moss

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • $6.4 million investment in machinery and equipment and more than 50 new jobs.
  • Since 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $10 billion in capital investment and more than 29,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
  • More than 250 existing businesses have committed to expand their operationsin South Carolina since 2011.
  • Last year, more than 42 existing manufacturers announce expansions, representing $1.3 billion in investment and nearly 3,700 new jobs.
  • For job opportunities visit the company’s website, www.coremt.com.

Core Molding Technologies Inc.
Core Molding Technologies Inc. is a manufacturer of sheet molding compound (SMC) and molder of fiberglass reinforced plastics. Core specializes in large-format moldings and offers a wide range of fiberglass processes, including compression molding of SMC, glass mat thermoplastics (GMT) and bulk molding compounds (BMC); spray-up, lay-up, resin transfer (RTM) and vacuum resin transfer molding (V-RTM). Additionally, the company offers liquid molding of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). Core serves a wide variety of markets, including the medium and heavy-duty truck, marine, automotive, agriculture, construction and other commercial products. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Core maintains plants in Columbus and Batavia, Ohio; Gaffney, South Carolina and Matamoros, Mexico. For further information, visit the company’s website at www.coremt.com.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. and also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and community development. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. South Carolina ranked first in the national for attracting jobs through foreign investment, according to IBM-Plant Location International reports in both 2012 and 2013. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Allison Skipper, APR
Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
askipper@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com