$8 million investment by automotive manufacturer to create 20 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Hengst of North America Inc. will expand its Kershaw County manufacturing facility for the third time in less than a decade. The company, which located its North American headquarters in Camden in 2005, will invest an additional $8 million, create 20 new jobs, and expand its warehousing and distribution activities in the former Steeplechase Spec Building in Camden.
Hengst of North America supplies numerous well-known vehicle manufacturers, such as Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC), Chrysler Group, General Motors (GM), Freightliner and Paccar. The Camden production facility focuses on the production of filter cartridges, assembly, machining, and plastic injection molding.
The 75,000-square-foot facility in Steeplechase Industrial Park –the same park as its headquarters – will house the company’s distribution and warehousing operations. The company expects the new facility to be operational by January 2015.
Hengst intends to hire 20 new employees over the next three years to support the growth in its operations. Those interested in employment opportunities with the company may visit Hengst’s careers page. Go online at www.hengst.com to learn more about Hengst.
Hengst of North America, Inc. is an independent and wholly owned subsidiary of the Hengst Group with global headquarters in Münster, Germany. Founded in 1958, Hengst today operates in ten locations in six countries on four continents, with more than 3,000 global employees.
QUOTES
“We are excited about this expansion of our distribution operation in SC and are confident in the continued growth of this region being a force in the automotive sector. This investment in our facility will not only benefit the companies’ growth and development but it is also an investment in our local community’s future.” –Robert Junker, president of Hengst of North America
“I was excited to meet with Hengst’s team at the International Auto Show in Frankfurt last year, and it’s even more exciting to see them continue to grow in our state. Our international companies play a vital role in the economic success of our state, and I applaud Hengst for making their third major expansion since establishing in Kershaw County in 2005.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“South Carolina’s automotive industry has more than quadrupled in the past two decades, accelerating our state’s economy. Expansions like this one by Hengst of North America help drive the growth of the Southeast region’s automotive sector.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“We are pleased Hengst has chosen to locate its new warehouse and distribution operation in Kershaw County. Our existing industries are the foundation of our local economy and their growth means good things for our community.” –Gene Wise, chairman of Kershaw County Council
"Congratulations to Hengst and Kershaw County on today's announcement. Since 2005, Hengst has realized the value of doing business in South Carolina, and today’s expansion announcement is a great example why our state consistently ranks among the best in the nation.” –Mike Brenan, chairman of the Central SC Alliance
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Hengst is expanding its Kershaw County presence for the third time in less than a decade.
- $8 million investment to create 20 new jobs.
- 75,000-square-foot facility in Steeplechase Industrial Park to house distribution and warehousing operations.
- At the Camden manufacturing facility, Hengst produces filter cartridges, assembly, machining and plastic injection molding.
- For job opportunities, visit the company’s careers page.
About Hengst Automotive
Hengst Automotive is an international established development partner and OEM supplier in the array of filtration and fluid management to the automotive and engine industry as well as in the fields of industrial filtration applications and in the Automotive Aftermarket. Hengst has more than 3,000 employees worldwide at ten locations in Germany, Brazil, China, India, Singapore and North America. Hengst is a leading company in the areas of fluid management, crankcase ventilation systems as well as filter systems for oil, fuel, air and cabin air. Furthermore, in the range of the industrial and environmental technology, Hengst develops customized solutions for nearly all engineered filtration applications