U.S. Engine Valve Company Announces Expansion in Oconee County
June 15, 2010
OCONEE COUNTY, SC – June 14, 2010 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Oconee County today announced that U.S. Engine Valve Company will expand its operations in Oconee County. The company expects to invest $18 million over the next five years and create 10 new jobs.
“We are pleased to expand our manufacturing facility in Oconee County. South Carolina continues to serve as an excellent home for our company, with a positive business environment and solid workforce. This expansion will help us meet growing demand for our automotive valves and better serve our customers. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Robert Griffin, plant manager for U.S. Engine Valve Company.
The company will expand its operation in Westminster by upgrading the manufacturing facility with new equipment. The expansion will allow U.S. Engine Valve to increase its plant’s capacity and efficiency, as well as improve product quality. The expansion will be completed in phases, with the first part expected to be in place late this year.
“U.S. Engine Valve has been a part of the Upstate business community for more than two decades, and the company’s decision to grow in South Carolina is a great compliment to our state, the local community and its workforce. South Carolina’s automotive sector continues to present opportunities and the growth of U.S. Engine Valve is another sign that the automotive industry can be successful here despite a challenging economy. By focusing on the fundamentals businesses require to be successful, such as low taxes, a low-burden regulatory environment and a workforce second to none, South Carolina will continue to benefit from new investment and growth among existing industries,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“We are thrilled to welcome this expansion by U.S. Engine Valve and for providing the much needed jobs for our citizens. U.S. Engine Valve Company is a valued member of the Oconee County industrial family and a vital member of our business community. The county council is working diligently to encourage this type of growth,” said Oconee County Council Chairman Reg Dexter.
“We are proud of our existing industries in Oconee County and make it a priority to assist with their expansion projects. This investment being made by U.S. Engine Valve demonstrates the company’s confidence in our community and our workforce,” said Hank Field, chairman of the Oconee County Economic Development Commission.
U.S. Engine Valve
U.S. Engine Valve supplies the global automotive industry with highly engineered valves that help to increase fuel economy as well as improve a vehicle’s overall efficiency and performance. Over the years, U.S. Engine Valve has received several awards from Toyota for both quality and delivery performance. Also, U.S. Engine Valve is the first two-time recipient of the Honda Corporate Citizenship Award which awards companies that have demonstrated outstanding results in six categories: Ethics & Compliance, Health & Safety, Community Involvement, Environment, Diversity and Government Relations. For more information about the company and for employment opportunities with U.S. Engine Valve, please visit www.usenginevalve.com.
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. Commerce received the top prize for Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant for the 787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements, and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
