Unitex USA Announces New Facility in Anderson County
November 3, 2010
ANDERSON COUNTY, SC – October 29, 2010 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Anderson County today announced that Unitex USA will establish its new synthetic products operation in Anderson County. The $4 million investment is expected to generate 40 new jobs over the next five years.
“Unitex USA is excited about establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Anderson, South Carolina,” said Jim Posa, CEO of Unitex USA. “We feel very strongly that there is significant opportunity for a company like ours that brings state-of-the-art manufacturing and a unique product portfolio to the lifting and safety industries. We expect to energize the industry and grow rapidly in our targeted markets.”
Unitex USA will locate its synthetic products operation in an existing building near I-85 in Anderson County, where the company will manufacture and distribute its synthetic lifting slings and tie-down products. The company’s product portfolio includes synthetic slings that are used for commercial industrial lifting and material handling applications. The facility is expected to be fully operational during the first quarter of 2011.
“Today’s announcement that Unitex will invest and create 40 new jobs in Anderson County is another sign that efforts to focus on the business fundamentals such as keeping taxes and regulatory burdens low are working to attract new investment. This announcement is also a reminder that manufacturing continues to play a critical role in our state’s economy and growth in this sector over the past several months is a positive reflection of our state’s skilled workforce. We recognize that Unitex could have made this investment anywhere and we appreciate their decision to do business in South Carolina,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“The most important thing Anderson County Council can do, other than provide essential services to our citizens, is to promote a pro-business atmosphere,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “Unitex USA’s choice to locate in Anderson County demonstrates the effective collaboration of our Economic Development Office with the S.C. Department of Commerce in order to bring quality business to the Upstate. Unitex USA’s $4 million investment and 40 new jobs over the next five years is a welcomed addition to Anderson County’s industry base.”
“In these tough economic times, every job and every investment counts,” said Anderson County Councilman Ron Wilson, District 6. “It is always gratifying when a company chooses to locate in our fine county, but being chosen during a time when competition for industry is fierce, speaks volumes about our business-friendly climate. I certainly applaud the efforts of our Economic Development Office and their efforts to attract industry. This is a success and we are proud to welcome Unitex USA to District 6.”
Unitex USA will begin hiring for the new positions in January. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should check the company’s Web site, www.unitexusa.net, in November for more information on hiring times and dates.
Unitex USA, headquartered in Atlanta, is a subsidiary of the Unitex group, a multi-faceted international manufacturing company that currently services companies throughout the world with a complete line of synthetic slings and tie-down products. The company is a vertically integrated manufacturer and controls all aspects of the manufacturing process, assuring customers the highest quality products at competitive costs. For more information about the company, please visit www.unitexusa.net.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has been recognized for its success in the areas of job creation and economic impact by Area Development and Business Facilities magazines. The S.C. Department of Commerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations to receive Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award in 2009 and Commerce received the 2009 Deal of the Year award from Business Facilities magazine. Southern Business & Development also awarded the S.C. Department of Commerce the “Deal of the Year” for the 2010 SB&D 100. Commerce received the recognitions for Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant to support the 787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services and offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
