Brazilian company investing $7.7 million to establish its first international operations
COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Brazilian company that specializes in the production of plastic and rubber additives is opening a new manufacturing facility in Orangeburg County – its first in the U.S. Inbra Indústrias Químicas, Ltda. is investing $7.7 million to establish a chemical additive production facility in Orangeburg, S.C. It will be Inbra’s first investment outside Brazil, where it operates two facilities in the Southeast of the country. The investment is expected to create 14 new jobs. The new facility is scheduled to be in operation by mid-2016.
Founded in 1939 in São Paulo, Brazil, Inbra is celebrating 76 years of business this year. In its early years, the firm specialized in the production of soaps for the textile industry. In 1950, the company relocated to Diadema, Brazil, where it still operates today.
Housing Inbra’s Orangeburg County operations will be a new 24,000-square-foot facility that will be constructed at Orangeburg County’s Oaks Rail Site off of Highway 21 at Methodist Oaks Drive. This facility will specialize primarily in plasticizer production with a focus on polyvinyl chloride market. Because of South Carolina’s favorable logistics network and cost advantages with regards to trade, the Orangeburg County operation will allow Inbra to create a new export base, specifically targeting European and Central America markets, as well as strengthen Inbra’s position in the US market.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $75,000 rural infrastructure fund grant to Orangeburg County to assist with the costs of real property improvements related to the project.
QUOTES
“We are enthusiastic about establishing our first international facility in South Carolina and especially glad to have chosen Orangeburg as the optimal location for this development. This is a major step for our organization; however, we are certain that the logistical and cost advantages of this project will enable us to improve our presence in the global market, and, most important, benefit our current and future customers. As a Brazilian family-controlled business, it is important to emphasize the priceless assistance of the state and county entities throughout the process of choosing our new American home. It is very clear to us now that South Carolina is a pro-business state, and we look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with the state and Orangeburg County officials as we continue to grow our business.” –Inbra President Paulo Heininger
“It’s a real reason to celebrate when an international company, like Inbra, can expand anywhere in the world, and its leadership chooses to do business in South Carolina. This decision speaks to the reputation we have built as a state that is dedicated to helping our businesses thrive, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Inbra to its new home in Orangeburg County.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“With more than 100,000 South Carolinians currently employed by international companies, it’s no secret that the recruitment of foreign direct investment is an important piece of our economic strategy. I congratulate Inbra on joining the more than 1,200 foreign-owned firms that have decided that our state is ’Just right’ for business.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“Inbra’s investment in South Carolina represents another example of how our state’s value-added agriculture sector has a significant impact on the global economy while simultaneously contributing to the continual growth of South Carolina agribusiness. I am pleased that Inbra has recognized the success and potential for even greater development of our state’s number one industry.” –Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers
“The SC Ports Authority is pleased to fulfill Inbra’s export needs through the Port of Charleston. Our capable, deepwater harbor is an asset to manufacturers of heavy export goods across our state and region.” –SC Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome
“Inbra is a great company and we welcome them to Orangeburg County. This is another step forward that will benefit economic development and the agriculture sector in the area.” –South Carolina State Senator John W. Matthews, Jr., District 39
“We are excited that Inbra has chosen Orangeburg County for their first facility in North America. We look forward to the job creation and economic growth that this company will provide to Orangeburg County and its citizens.” –Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright, Sr.
“It truly is another great day for the City of Orangeburg and the County. The City and DPU would like to welcome Inbra to Orangeburg County. We know that Orangeburg has the environment that will allow them to succeed and to continue growing.” –City of Orangeburg Mayor Michael C. Butler
“It is a real pleasure to welcome Inbra to Orangeburg County, South Carolina, ‘the place where success is made!’ We always say,’ teamwork makes the dream work!’” –Orangeburg County Development Commission Chairman Kenneth Middleton
“Central South Carolina is excited to welcome Inbra, the first Brazilian company to locate in our region and in Orangeburg County. As a business friendly, business ready environment, we house over 146 foreign-affiliated companies from 25 different countries. We look forward to Inbra’s growth and success in the region.” –Central SC Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Inbra Indústrias Químicas, Ltda. is establishing a plasticizer production facility in Orangeburg County.
- $7.7 million investment creating 14 new jobs.
- Inbra Indústrias Químicas, Ltda. was founded in 1939.
- The facility will be constructed at Orangeburg County’s Oaks Rail Site on Highway 21 at Methodist Oaks Drive.
- Hiring for the 14 position is expected to begin in Mar/2016. Those interested in applying for an open position may visit Inbra’s homepage at www.inbra.com.br.
About Inbra Indústrias Químicas, Ltda.
Indústria Brasileira de Anilinas S.A (INBRA)., was founded on October 1, 1939 and began the production of soaps for the textile industry in a garage in downtown São Paulo. With the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) innovation that has taken place over the last 60 years, the company began the production of liquid and solid stabilizers for PVC, epoxidized soybean oil and foaming agents (azodicarbonamide). In 2003, the line of metallic stearates was increased, beginning the production of calcium and zinc solid stabilizers for PVC. In 2009, continuing its expansion, Inbra Indústrias Químicas, Ltda. inaugurated its second plant in the city of Elias Fausto, São Paulo. Presently, the firm has more than 40,000 square-meters of production installations on 100,000 square-meters of land in two separate facilities, and a staff of approximately 150 employees. To provide the best service to its clients, Inbra Indústrias Químicas, Ltda. maintains a quality policy that ensures the customers’ satisfaction through the continuous improvement of products and services, provides a safety and training system to encourage the professional development of all collaborators and protects the environment. For more information on Inbra Indústrias Químicas, Ltda., visit www.inbra.com.br.