$15 million investment expected to create more than 30 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – January 10, 2013 – Kiswire Inc., a maker of steel cord for the tire industry, will expand its manufacturing operations in Newberry County. The first phase will involve a $15 million investment that is expected to generate 30 new jobs.
“We are excited about this opportunity to expand our manufacturing operations in Newberry County. South Carolina has provided a great home for our company for more than a decade, giving us an excellent business environment and a talented workforce. We look forward to continuing to grow in South Carolina and appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Dave Minnick, president of Kiswire Inc.
Kiswire is located in Newberry County and will add a new manufacturing facility that will be located on U.S. Hwy 76. The company expects to begin construction on the building this quarter and begin production at the facility by the end of 2013.
“We celebrate Kiswire’s decision to invest $15 million and create more than 30 jobs in Newberry. Existing businesses like Kiswire continue to choose to increase their footprint in South Carolina, and that shows the strength of our business-friendly climate and strong workforce. Announcements like today’s indicate we’re on the right track with our economic development efforts,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Company officials said that the recent growth of the tire industry in South Carolina was a driving factor leading to the expansion.
“Today’s announcement is a great example of the further impacts we’re seeing from the investments made by the tire industry firms in the past two years. Kiswire’s decision to expand its Newberry County operations also provides another boost for our state’s manufacturing renaissance,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in capital investment and more than 20,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“We have been fortunate to have Kiswire in our community for more than a decade,” said Newberry County Council Chairman and Central SC Alliance Vice Chairman Henry “Buddy” H. Livingston III. “The fact that they chose Newberry County for this new product line is very gratifying. The company’s expansion will provide great job opportunities for our citizens, and allow us to build on our relationship with one of the finest international companies in this region."
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in May. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact SC Works office located at 833 Main St. in Newberry at that time.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a Governor’s Closing Fund grant of $550,000 for site preparation and road work, and approved job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
Kiswire Inc. manufactures steel wire and bead wire. The company was founded in 1999 and is based in Newberry. Kiswire Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Kiswire Co. Ltd. which is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. For more information about the company, please visit www.kiswire.com.
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 won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. Also, the state was ranked first in attracting jobs through foreign investment by IBM-Plant Location International. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.