International economic development initiative leads to invitation to China: Partnership continues with China Jushi

Richland County officials recently met with Chinese business leaders to build upon the international relationship forged when a top manufacturing company selected Richland County as the home of its first American production plant.

Richland County Council Chair Joyce Dickerson, District 2, Councilman Paul Livingston, District 4, and Economic Development Director Jeff Ruble were invited to Tongxiang, China to attend an annual business conference and speak about the benefits of doing business with Richland County. This invitation came after China Jushi, the leading fiberglass manufacturer in the world, broke ground for a 660,000-square-foot production plant in Richland County in December 2016.

“We are committed to making sure China Jushi has long-term success in Richland County and we are excited to fortify and build upon our relationship with them in every way we can,” Dickerson said.

While there, Richland County officials met with the leaders of Tongxiang, a city of about 850,000 people where China Jushi is headquartered, to explore a sister-city type of relationship that would encourage stronger trade between the two regions and promote more foreign direct investment from that region.

China Jushi’s facility, located in the County’s Pineview Industrial Park off Shop Road, is expected to bring an estimated $300 million in capital investment and 400 new jobs to Richland County.  It is the second largest investment in County history, behind the former Union Camp (International Paper) $600 million investment in 1984.

With more than 20 years of experience in the U.S. market, Jushi already has a strong brand influence in American markets. Its new production line is designed to supplement the growing composite material industry in the United States.

Construction of the new facility is expected to be complete in 2018. For updates on job postings, visit jushiusa.com.

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