$3 million investment expected to create more than 30 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – MAPAL Inc., a global leader and innovator in the tooling industry, today announced that it will establish its new North American production facility in Greenville County. The $3 million investment is expected to generate more than 30 new jobs over the next three years.
“Our mission is to provide outstanding customer service, operational excellence and rapid delivery to support manufacturing customers in the aerospace, automotive, energy and general industry arenas,” said Donald Lynch, vice president of finance for MAPAL Inc. “We are extremely pleased to establish our new operations here in Fountain Inn in Greenville County, and very appreciative for the support and leadership of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, readySC, South Carolina Department of Commerce and others who assisted in making this announcement a reality.”
MAPAL will locate its new facility in approximately 27,000 square feet of space in Fountain Inn at 110 Valley View Road. The company expects to begin operations at the facility in December of this year with upfitting of the space and launch team recruiting already underway. The expansion reflects the company’s rapid growth serving customers, many of them manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, medical equipment, consumer goods and energy industries.
“More and more companies are learning the advantages of doing business in South Carolina and choosing to start operations here. We celebrate MAPAL Inc.’s decision to invest $3 million and create 30 new jobs in Fountain Inn. Today’s announcement is another win for our state,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
The American arm of Germany-based MAPAL, MAPAL Inc. has served the U.S. and Canadian metal cutting industries from a technologically advanced manufacturing facility near Detroit, Michigan. At that facility, MAPAL engineers, manufactures and services tooling with guide pads, brazed PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tooling and carbide round tools with some of the most precisely engineered geometries available.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in capital investment and more than 17,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce continue to attract investments that create jobs in South Carolina, and today’s announcement is another example of that. Manufacturers continue to see the Palmetto State as the place to make products. Every one of these jobs will have impact in Fountain Inn,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
The expansion to South Carolina allows MAPAL to “add capabilities and enhance responsiveness to our regional customers, particularly in the areas of regrinds and equipment sharpening,” said Lynch. “We see tremendous opportunity to grow our business in the Southeast, and to create quality jobs here in response to growing demand for advanced tooling and grinding applications.”
“MAPAL is a wonderful example of an international company that is using world-class technologies and lean processes to expand their brand right here in the Upstate,” said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “The company is an entrepreneurial business with innovative processes and rapid growth potential, and is a wonderful example of the opportunity to be found here in Greenville County.”
MAPAL is currently working with readySC in the recruiting and training of master machinists and apprentices.
For over 50 years, MAPAL has pioneered design innovations in the tooling industry, with companies around the world depending on MAPAL to design special tools customized to exacting specifications. The company, with nearly 4,000 associates around the globe, is recognized for designing tools that satisfy incredibly tight tolerances, solve machining challenges and improve overall processes.
For more information about MAPAL, contact Mary Gilbert, Human Resource Manager at [email protected] or visit them at www.mapal.us.