Gestamp Announces Expansion in Union County

More than $57 million investment expected to create 100 new jobs 

COLUMBIA, SC – November 10, 2011 – Gestamp South Carolina LLC, aproducer of automotive components, today announced plans to expand itsfacility in Union County. The more than $51 million investment isexpected to generate at least 100 new jobs.
 
“Gestamp North America is pleased to expand its South Carolina operation in Union County as our business continues to grow,” said John Craig,president of Gestamp North America. “The officials of Union County andthe state Department of Commerce have worked diligently with us to makethis project feasible for this location.”
 
Gestamp South Carolina will add approximately 150,000 square feet to its existing facility in order to increase capacity. The expansion wasneeded in order to handle new business contracts. The company expects to complete the expansion in third quarter 2013.
 
“It’s another great day in South Carolina when one of our existingbusinesses decides to increase its footprint. We’re excited Gestamp will expand in Union County and create 100 more jobs there. This is anotherbig win for one of our state’s rural counties,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
 
“South Carolina continues to build on its reputation in the automotiveclub. Gestamp’s expansion shows that our state’s business-friendlyclimate and skilled workforce are helping automotive suppliers findsuccess,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
 
Automotive continues to be a leading sector in South Carolina. Commercehas been involved in recruiting more than $2 billion in investment andmore than 4,000 jobs in the automotive-related sector since thebeginning of the year.
 
“Union County is certainly pleased with Gestamp’s announcement. Theexpansion will benefit our economy and our citizens,” said Union CountySupervisor Tommy Sinclair. “The mutual investment that we have made ineach other to allow this expansion to happen reflects the growingconfidence Gestamp and other industries have in Union. Union Countycertainly has confidence in Gestamp and its future here. Thanks to allwho helped make this possible. We look forward to continued growth.”
 
“We are excited that Gestamp is choosing to expand its Union facilityand its current operations,” Union County Development Board Chairman Joe Nichols said. “The 100 jobs will greatly benefit our citizens and welook forward to working with them on this and future projects.”
 
“Gestamp South Carolina’s decision to expand its Union County facilityand create 100 jobs is welcome news,” said Union County DevelopmentBoard Executive Director Andrena Powell-Baker. “In Union County, webelieve that our existing industry is a life line for economicdevelopment.  We will continue to support Gestamp as they grow and openup opportunities for new employment and capital investment in ourcommunity.”
 
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved the companyfor job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met. The S.C. Technical College System will provide pre-employmenttraining.
 
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in January 2012.Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contactGestamp via email at [email protected]
 
For more information about Gestamp South Carolina, please visit www.gestamp.com.
 

About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, theDepartment of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. This year, Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and theDeal of Year Award from Area Development magazine. Commerce has beenpart of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such asBoeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW andGoogle Inc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, ruraldevelopment initiatives and offers grants for community development. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.