$29.5 million investment expected to create 28 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. –Kronotex USA, one of the largest producers of laminate flooring in the United States, is announcing the ongoing expansion of its operations in Barnwell County. The $29.5 million investment is expected to create 28 new jobs with plans to add a new paper impregnation process to enhance and diversify designs of its finished products.
Kronotex plans to expand its existing Barnwell plant, located at South Carolina Advanced Technology Park,by an additional 90,000 square feet. The facility upfit is expected to be completed by September.
This announcement marks Kronotex’s third expansion at its Barnwell facility in less than a decade. Overall, the flooring manufacturer has invested more than $126 million and has generated more than 190 jobs in Barnwell County since 2005.
Kronotex, a division of Swiss Krono Group, has 11 plants in eight countries worldwide. The company’s products include wood panels used in construction, furniture, and laminate flooring.
QUOTE
“Kronotex USA is extremely grateful for the support we have received over the past 10 years from the state of South Carolina, the SouthernCarolina Alliance and all the communities in Barnwell and the surrounding counties. Our company would never have been able to invest over $126 million in our Barnwell site if it were not for of our 190 hardworking, dedicated employees who live in these communities and the ‘Business Friendly’ atmosphere of South Carolina that is so enthusiastically demonstrated by Governor Haley.” - Norm Voss, president of Kronotex USA
“Kronotex is a world leader in the flooring industry, and their continued investment in South Carolina speaks to the strength of our workforce and our state’s dynamic business climate. We applaud Kronotex’s decision to invest $29.5 million and create 28 new jobs in Barnwell County.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“Kronotex’s decision to expand in Barnwell County is further indication that the region’s skilled workforce and the state’s business-friendly climate are working to help existing businesses grow and compete. The company’s continued trust in Barnwell County and South Carolina will have a lasting effect on the community and the state for years to come.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“Kronotex’s decision to once again invest in our region is a testament to our workforce. We appreciate the help that Governor Haley and the S.C. Department of Commerce provided in this project, and we congratulate Kronotex on their continued success.” -SouthernCarolina Alliance President Danny Black
“Kronotex is an international leader in the industry, and their North American plant here in Barnwell County is a leader in our regional economy, providing good jobs and tax revenue for our area. Their announcement to bring a paper treatment operation here in addition to their other manufacturing is more good news for our county.” -Barnwell County Council Chairman Freddie Houston
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Kronotex USA is expanding its Barnwell facility.
- The $29.5 million investment is expected to create 28 new jobs.
- Kronotex plans to expand its existing Barnwell plant, located at South Carolina Advanced Technology Park,by an additional 90,000 square feet. The facility upfit is expected to be completed by September.
- This announcement marks Kronotex’s third expansion at its Barnwell facility in less than a decade.
- Overall, the flooring manufacturer has invested more than $126 million and generated more than 190 jobs in Barnwell County since 2005.