Fenner Precision Polymers selects Cherokee County for new South Carolina operation
December 18, 2025
Approximately $30 million investment will create 51 new jobs
FAST FACTS
- Fenner Precision Polymers (Fenner) selects Cherokee County to establish the company’s new South Carolina operation.
- The approximately $30 million investment will create 51 new jobs.
- Fenner is a leader in reinforced polymer technology.
- The company is located at 1 Commerce Drive in Gaffney, S.C.
- Operations are expected to be online in mid-2026.
Fenner Precision Polymers (Fenner), a leader in reinforced polymer technology, announced it selects Cherokee County to establish the company’s new South Carolina operation. The approximately $30 million investment will create 51 new jobs.
Founded in 1861, Fenner is a member of the Michelin Group of companies and specializes in manufacturing high-tech composite applications, from coated and calendered fabrics to shaped flexible components, belts and hoses.
- The company’s product lines support a variety of industries including manufacturing, material handling, food processing, aerospace, transportation and more.
- Fenner’s new 113,000-square-foot facility, located at 1 Commerce Drive in Gaffney, will expand its production capabilities and build in agility to adapt to evolving market needs.
- Operations are expected to be online in mid-2026.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $350,000 Set-Aside grant to Cherokee County to assist with the costs of building improvements.
“We’re investing in scalable infrastructure that aligns with our long-term vision. The Gaffney site will showcase advanced coated fabric processing, applying our material science expertise to address demanding technical applications. We are excited to build a great place to work for our teams and to offer state-of-the-art capabilities for our customers. It is a true commitment to our sustainable and forward-looking growth strategy.” -Fenner Precision Polymers Managing Director Vincent Peter
“With our skilled workforce and strong business environment, South Carolina continues to attract companies like Fenner Precision Polymers. We are proud to celebrate another win for rural South Carolina and applaud Fenner on this significant investment in Cherokee County.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“South Carolina’s rural communities are a critical part of state’s economy, and we are excited Fenner Precision Polymers selected Cherokee County for its new operation. This investment and the 51 jobs will provide increased opportunities and benefit the region for years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Fenner’s decision to grow in Cherokee County is another strong reflection of the momentum we’re seeing across our community. Investments like this reinforce the confidence companies have in our workforce, our infrastructure, and the business-friendly environment we’ve worked hard to build. This new facility adds to the industrial strength of our county and supports the long-term prosperity we want for our residents. We’re proud to see continued growth here at home and appreciate Fenner for choosing Cherokee County as a place to expand their future.” -Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer
About S.C. Commerce
Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state’s lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle – allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.
About Fenner Precision Polymers
Fenner Precision Polymers is a Michelin Group Company. With over 900 employees worldwide, Fenner Precision Polymers is a trusted supplier of engineered solutions for performance-critical applications. The company’s product lines support clients across a variety of industries including document handling, transportation, mining, agriculture, aerospace, climate control, material handling, food processing, and manufacturing.
Fenner’s product families include:
Product lines include, but are not limited to, coated fabrics and technical textiles, link belting for power transmission and conveying, keyless locking devices, polyurethane belting, industrial conveyor belting, wire cloth, silicone and organic rubber hoses, customized bearing solutions, pipe rehabilitation, and composite products. Brands under Fenner Precision Polymers include: Fenner Drives, Fenner Precision, James Dawson, Fabri Cote, Fenlon, Critical Thermal Composites, Hoyt, Lumsden, B-LOC, Trantorque, Eagle, POWERTWIST, Trackstar, NuTLink, SuperTLink, NinjaTek, and MAV.
