Suominen expanding Kershaw County manufacturing operations
June 2, 2015
Company confirms the addition of a new product line at Bethune, S.C. plant
COLUMBIA, SC – Suominen, a globally-leading supplier of nonwovens, is expanding its manufacturing operations in Kershaw County. It is the largest single initiative in Suominen’s current growth investment program and is expected to create at least 25 new jobs in Bethune, S.C. over the coming years.
Currently headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, the origins of Suominen can be traced back to 18th and 19th centuries. Since that time, the company has transformed significantly. Today, Suominen specializes in the manufacturing of nonwovens for wiping, hygiene and medical products, such as wet wipes, feminine care products and swabs. As a truly global firm, Suominen employs approximately 600 people in three continents.
The company is expanding its Kershaw County facility by adding a wet laid production line to its existing operations. The new line will be housed in Suominen’s current Midlands facility, located at 500 Chestnut St. in Bethune, S.C. This investment supports the firm’s target growth initiatives for the strategic period of 2015-2017.
The new line is expected to be installed during the second half of 2016. Open positions will be posted online once hiring progresses. Those with applicable skills and experience, who are interested in joining the Suominen team at Bethune, should e-mail resumes to [email protected].
“Bethune is ideally located in the nonwovens hub of North America. The plant already has some specialized production lines and very talented staff, and the investment will further strengthen Bethune’s market position as a leading supplier of nonwovens with higher added value.” -Suominen Corporation President & CEO Nina Kopola
“It’s always a great day when we can celebrate the expansion of one of our South Carolina companies. Suominen’s decision to expand its Palmetto State operation is a win for the company and for our entire state, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these 25 new jobs will have on the local community.” -Gov. Nikki Haley
“South Carolina’s world-class workforce and positive business climate have made our state the ideal location for industry, and, as a result, the manufacturing sector in our state continues to thrive. Suominen’s Kershaw County expansion is a testament to that, and I look forward to watching them succeed here for many years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“It is indeed a great day in Kershaw County. Suominen’s decision to expand its Bethune plant is a direct result of the outstanding workforce and business environment in our community. Suominen could have chosen any of its U.S. locations but decided Bethune is the best place for growth. I am delighted to welcome Suominen’s expansion and look forward to working together for many years to come.” -Kershaw County Council Chair Julian Burns
“Manufacturing is indeed on an upward trajectory in Central South Carolina. Today’s expansion announcement is a testament to the leadership and outstanding workforce at Suominen. Congratulations to Suominen and to all stakeholders involved.” -Central SC Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan
Five Fast Facts
- Suominen is expanding its manufacturing operations in Kershaw County.
- The investment will create at least 25 new jobs.
- Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Suominen employs approximately 600 employees in three continents.
- The company is expanding its Kershaw County operations by adding a wet laid production line.
- Those interested in joining the Suominen team at Bethune, should e-mail resumes to [email protected].
About Suominen
Suominen manufactures nonwovens as roll goods for wipes as well as for medical and hygiene products. The end products made of Suominen’s nonwovens – wet wipes, feminine care products and swabs, for instance – bring added value to the daily life of consumers worldwide. Suominen is the global market leader in nonwovens for wipes and employs approximately 600 people in Europe and in the Americas. Suominen’s net sales in 2014 amounted to MEUR 401.8 and operating profit excluding non-recurring items to MEUR 26.9 (continuing operations). The Suominen share (SUY1V) is listed in NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Stock Exchange. Read more atwww.suominen.fi
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 business 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 startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C Technical College System viareadySC 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. Consistently, South Carolina has ranked as one of the top states in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment, according to IBM-Plant Location International reports. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
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