Rhythmlink International, LLC to expand Richland County facility

$1.4 million investment to build new automated manufacturing packaging line and cleanroom

COLUMBIA, SC – Rhythmlink International, LLC, a medical device manufacturing company, is expanding its Richland County facility at 1140 First Street South in the Columbia Industrial Park. The expansion includes a $1.4 million investment expected to create 50 new jobs and a world-class automated packaging line in a new 1,500-square-foot ISO 8 Certified, Class 100,000 cleanroom.

Founded by neurodiagnostic technicians and engineers in 2002, Rhythmlink designs, manufactures and distributes a variety of medical devices for intraoperative neuromonitoring, electroencephalography, evoked potentials, polysomnography, long-term monitoring epilepsy and critical care units.

The company began manufacturing medical devices at its facility in China 12 years ago, but it now plans to move a manufacturing packaging line to South Carolina with this expansion. Rhythmlink product made in the USA will be available for sale in mid- to late 2015.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $50,000 set aside grant to be used for real property improvements for the project.

“After careful analysis, it made sense to take some of our production processes out of our facility in China and move them closer to home. We looked at Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico and even a couple of other states. After working with and receiving support from our partners at the state of South Carolina, Richland County and Capital Bank, in the end it was less expensive and clearly more practical to invest in automation for a new packaging line right here in our own facility in Columbia. We’re very excited about our new expansion in Columbia and thrilled that Rhythmlink can add new jobs in South Carolina,” said Michael O’Leary (pictured), chief operating officer for Rhythmlink.

“Not only has Rhythmlink made South Carolina their company’s home for more than 12 years, they have now decided to move a significant manufacturing packaging line to our state to create their first-ever ‘Made in the USA’ products. We congratulate them on their investment of $1.4 million and 50 new jobs in Richland County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“We are thrilled that Rhythmlink chose Richland County over other international locations including China to expand operations and add 50 jobs. The greatest evidence of a business-friendly climate is the growth and success of our existing industries, and this announcement is confirmation that Richland County and South Carolina are creating that climate.  Congratulations to Rhythmlink on their expansion; Richland County is proud that you chose to expand your facilities here,” said Norman Jackson, chairman of Richland County Council. 

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Rhythmlink International, LLC is expanding its Richland County facility at 1140 First Street South in the Columbia Industrial Park.
• $1.4 million investment is expected to create 50 new jobs and a world-class automated packaging line in a new 1,500-square-foot ISO 8 Certified, Class 100,000 cleanroom.
• The company plans to move a significant manufacturing packaging line to South Carolina with this recent expansion.
• Rhythmlink product made in the USA will be available for sale in mid- to late 2015.
• Rhythmlink manufactures and distributes a variety of medical devices for intraoperative neuromonitoring, electroencephalography, evoked potentials, polysomnography, long-term monitoring epilepsy and critical care units.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. and also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and community development. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. South Carolina ranked first in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment, according to IBM-Plant Location International reports in both 2012 and 2013. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. For more information, visitwww.SCcommerce.com.