$1.5 million investment expected to bring 80 new jobs to the area
COLUMBIA, S.C. – July 6, 2011 – Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Greenville Area Development Corporation today announced that PRETTL Electronics Greenville Inc., a new enterprise, will launch operations this summer to produce inverters for the fast-growing solar panel and wind turbine industries. The new operation will be housed at PRETTL Electric Corporation’s existing Greenville County facility.
The new business initiative and addition of a custom production line will account for the addition at least 80 new jobs and investment of upwards of $1.5 million in specialty equipment and space upfitting over the next three years at PRETTL’s facility at 1721 White Horse Road in Greenville. Hiring for at least a dozen positions to launch the effort will begin immediately, officials announced.
“PRETTL has been part of our state’s business community for years and we look forward to the company expanding its presence in South Carolina with this new initiative. The announcement of the new jobs and investment serve as another indication that our state is doing the right things to attract business from around the globe,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Founded in Germany in 1953, PRETTL has grown to encompass over 5,000 employees at 33 locations in 19 countries around the world, through four primary business units: Automotive, Consumer, Home Appliances and Electronics. PRETTL operations were originally established in Greenville in 1988, where upwards of 100 associates are currently employed.
PRETTL's Electronics Division is a leading end-to-end supplier for electronics providers, offering services ranging from research and development to manufacturing and service after the sale. PRETTL products are found in such diverse industries as medical engineering, telecommunications, automotive and lighting, with the company's diverse product portfolio including electronic components for wireless systems, wireless communication modules, and inverters for photovoltaic and drive system applications.
PRETTL Electronics Greenville Inc. represents the electronics division's first presence in the United States marketplace, and will result in the assembly and distribution of inverters for solar and wind energy industries. Inverters are electrical devices that convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) at any required voltage and frequency with the use of appropriate transformers, switching, and control circuits. Inverters are commonly used to supply AC power from DC sources such as solar panels or wind turbines.
“Our goal with this initiative is to provide outstanding customer service, product quality, high value, and rapid delivery to meet the needs of customers in the growing alternative energy space,” said Rainer Koschate, president of Prettl Electronics Greenville, Inc. “We are pleased to establish operations here in Greenville County, are very appreciative for the support and leadership of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, readySC, South Carolina Department of Commerce, and everyone who assisted in making this announcement a reality.”
The jobs being added include assemblers, quality support positions, planners, warehousing and related positions, Koschate noted. To fill the positions, PRETTL is working with readySC in the recruiting and training of associates. All positions being recruited for will pay “competitive market wages with full benefits based on experience,” he added. Applications for Prettl Electronics are being accepted at the One Stop/Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Office at McAlister Square in Greenville. The jobs are also posted on the Virtual One Stop system where individuals can apply online from anywhere in the state (www.sconestop.org).
“South Carolina has a strong trade relationship with Germany, with a number of Germany-based companies investing in our state. PRETTL’s decision to further invest in our state will certainly help strengthen that relationship as well as create new jobs for South Carolinians. We appreciate PRETTL’s decision to continue doing business in the Palmetto State,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
“PRETTL is a wonderful example of a company that combines world-class technology, lean processes and Upstate talent to succeed here in the Upstate,” said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “The company is an important member of our international business community, has identified a growth industry with significant potential, and is a wonderful reflection of the economic vitality to be found here in Greenville County.”
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