Shawmut Corporation, Kawashima Textile USA Announce New Operations in Lugoff
March 10, 2009Operation will supply textiles to automotive industry
LUGOFF, SC – March 10, 2009 – Shawmut Corporation and Kawashima Textile USA announced jointly today the opening of Shawmut Corporation’s new manufacturing operation in Lugoff, South Carolina, and the addition of a new production line at Kawashima. As North America’s leading independent supplier of lamination for both the automotive and non-automotive markets, Shawmut will supply Kawashima’s existing facility in Lugoff. Shawmut Corporation is expected to utilize 18,000 square feet within one of Kawashima’s buildings with production planned to begin immediately on fabrics produced by Kawashima. Kawashima will add new production equipment to supply Nissan with specialty fabric for the redesigned Altima. Over the next two years, the companies anticipate creating over 30 new jobs with a capital investment of more than $2.2 million.
“The partnership between our two companies is a natural extension of the business relationship we have built over the years. When Kawashima expressed an interest in closer cooperation with a lamination supplier, we considered our mutual commitment to innovation and quality, similar business philosophies, and Shawmut’s existing presence in the region as strong credentials to support the strategy,” said James Wyner, CEO of Shawmut Corporation. “Shawmut is proud and excited to begin this new venture with a global automotive textile leader like Kawashima.”
Chris Cowger, vice president of sales for Kawashima, said the company is proud and excited to work with Shawmut Corporation on the new endeavor. “This in house lamination puts us in a very favorable position against our competitors when the market begins to turn around. The automotive OEMs are very appreciative at our aggressiveness in reducing waste and increasing efficiency throughout the supply chain as well as our foresight in understanding what is needed to be a valuable supplier. It is already leading to possibilities of increasing our market share as well as beginning discussions on new business opportunities outside of what we are currently providing to the automotive market. We will continue to move in phases to grow and become a valuable supplier to the automotive OEMs, a valuable business partner in the state of South Carolina, a valuable employer to Kershaw County and a valuable neighbor for the Lugoff community.”
“Shawmut and Kawashima have a strong history and are leaders in supplying the automotive industry. It’s great to see this partnership at work in South Carolina both in terms of growing an existing operation and bringing new investment to the state. This announcement is also a testament that the state’s business-friendly climate, market access and skilled workforce are working to encourage new investment and job creation even in these tough economic times. Thanks to the team efforts of state and local leaders, Kershaw County will benefit from this investment,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“Kershaw County is excited about today’s joint announcement from Shawmut and Kawashima of their new operations in Lugoff. Shawmut is a welcome addition to our manufacturing community at the same time as we continue to support Kawashima in their efforts to grow,” stated Steve S. Kelly, Jr., chairman of Kershaw County Council.
About Shawmut Corporation
Founded in 1916, Shawmut is headquartered in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The company operates facilities in Massachusetts, New York, Michigan and Tennessee. Shawmut is a leading supplier of multi-layer performance materials for use in automotive soft trim applications. Shawmut is the largest independent laminator in North America serving the automotive, medical, military and other high-performance industries. For more information visit www.shawmutcorporation.com.
About Kawashima
Kawashima Textile USA Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kawashima Selkon Textiles Co. Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Kawashima Selkon is a world leader in traditional and artistic textiles, interior fabrics and transportation fabrics. Kawashima Selkon, established in 1843, employs approximately 3,000 persons world-wide. Kawashima Textile USA (KTUSA) is the first and only production facility for Kawashima Selkon in the United States. KTUSA located in Kershaw County in 2002 and began operating in 2003. KTUSA produces fabrics for automotive seating. Customers include automakers such as Honda, Nissan, Toyota, GM and Mitsubishi. For more information visit www.kawashima-usa.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agent, the Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new businesses and jobs and help existing businesses grow. In 2008 Commerce recruited a record 18,993 new jobs and $4.17 billion in capital investment. Many well-known names and world-class companies chose to invest in South Carolina during 2008, some of which include: Target Corp., Home Depot, Heinz, Monster, American Titanium Works, BMW, Michelin and URS Corp. Commerce also assists companies in locating buildings and sites in which to operate, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.