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For additional economic development information, contact:

Kenneth Moon Executive Director Phone: (864) 492-2889 moonk@sccsc.edu
Cherokee County Development Board 101 Campus Drive | Gaffney, SC 29341
Phone (864) 206-2804
Fax (864) 206-2801

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