Investment expected to create at least 50 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – August 17, 2011 – Griffin Thermal Products LLC, a maker of thermal transfer products for automotive and industrial sectors, will relocate its existing operations to a significantly larger facility in Piedmont in Greenville County. The multi-million dollar investment is expected to generate at least 50 new jobs, and possibly more, as the new facility becomes fully operational.
“We are pleased to move forward with our plans to expand here in Greenville County, as this expansion will allow us to grow in size, sales and profitability while delivering industry leading cooling and quality to our customers,” said Tom Beebe, vice president of Griffin Thermal Products. “The Piedmont area and the Upstate have provided an excellent home for our business, and we appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials.”
Griffin Thermal will relocate from its current facility to 750 Estes Plant Road in Piedmont, acquiring and completely refurbishing the vacant former Delta Mills Estes Plant in the process. The 330,000-square-foot facility, which provides four times the space previously used by the company, will be completely updated and fitted to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The new location will include two vacuum braze ovens, an induction welding tube mill, and a radiator core building center as well as complete sales, marketing, distribution and administrative operations for the company.
“Today’s announcement shows we are doing what it takes to help South Carolina’s existing businesses grow. We celebrate the new jobs Griffin Thermal Products will create with this expansion and congratulate them on their success,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Founded in 1981, Griffin Thermal Products has been the industry leader in high performance cooling and specializes in after market racing radiators, oil coolers, intercoolers, and super charger coolers. Purchased in 2006 by a private investor, the company builds products for all forms of racing including circle track and drag racing. Street rod, classic and muscle car products have long been a staple of the company’s product line, which also includes OEM, industrial, agricultural, construction and aviation/aerospace cooling systems. The company prides itself on manufacturing every component of its aluminum radiators and cooling devices, from small computers to seven foot tall radiators for diesel train engines.
“This is the fifth automotive-related announcement we’ve had in the past month, and serves as another indication that our reputation in the automotive club continues to grow,” Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
Automotive continues to be a leading sector in South Carolina. Commerce has been involved in recruiting more than $400 million in investment and more than 700 jobs in the automotive-related sector since the beginning of the year.
All employees currently with Griffin will transfer to the new location, and the new jobs will be created as the new facility comes fully operational. A limited number of positions have already been filled to assist with transition and improvements to the new facility, Beebe noted.
“We are pleased that Griffin Thermal has chosen to expand their successful operations here in Greenville County,” said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “Their decision to add dozens of jobs here is an important affirmation of one of the county's focus areas -- growing our advanced manufacturing base. Griffin Thermal is an innovation-driven enterprise with deep Upstate roots, and a prized member of our business community.”
The company will begin hiring for new positions in November, at which time further details will be released on how individuals interested in job opportunities with Griffin Thermal should apply.
For more information on Griffin Thermal Products, please visit www.griffinrad.com.
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