Investment expected to create 20 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Munich, Germany-based in-tech Automotive Engineering, which provides systems integration testing to global automotive manufacturers, will establish its inaugural North American facility at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville County. The undisclosed investment is expected to generate as many as 20 new jobs over three years.
“We are pleased with the opportunity to open a new location at CU-ICAR in Greenville County, as we believe that South Carolina is rapidly becoming a hub of the automotive world and is an excellent place for our new operations,” said Christian Wagner, CEO of in-tech. “We are extremely appreciative for the support and positive reception we have received from the Department of Commerce, the Greenville Area Development Corporation, and CU-ICAR in making this launch a reality.”
The company serves global automakers and system suppliers and manufacturers of electronic components for the automotive industry, specializing in quality analysis and project management in the development, integration, testing and fault analysis on automotive electronics systems.
“in-tech helps our clients to achieve greater efficiency in the integration and validation of their automotive electronics systems through both practical test implementation and in the quality and project management stage of electrical-/electronic system integration,” added Michael Ostermair, general manager of in-tech’s new office. “We have long desired to have a presence in the Southeastern United States’ growing automotive corridor, and are very pleased to be launching this initial operation here in Greenville.”
Founded in 2002 and privately held, in-tech describes itself as a “car-fascinated company” that is committed to ongoing training and development of associates to keep the company on the leading edge of automotive development. Wagner noted that in-tech’s new office will open for business immediately and will be under the direction of general manager Ostermair.
“It’s exciting to see another international company decide to put down roots in the Palmetto State. We celebrate in-tech’s decision to invest and create 20 new jobs in Greenville. South Carolina continues to show that it is the right place for companies from around the world to do business,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $5 billion in capital investment and more than 8,000 jobs in the automotive-related sector.
“The automotive industry continues to be a real job creator in our state’s economy and today’s announcement is another sign of that. in-tech’s decision to locate new operations in South Carolina builds on our reputation for job creation related to foreign investment, and build on our existing automotive stronghold,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
The company, which employs nearly 300 associates worldwide, will scale its new South Carolina operations “as customer demands necessitate,” said Wagner. “While our initial team will be approximately five individuals, it is entirely conceivable that we may add as many as 20-30 additional professionals here as we ramp up our business.”
“We’re pleased that in-tech Automotive Engineering has chosen to locate their initial North American operations in Greenville County, and appreciate the valuable roles played by Commerce, the City of Greenville and Clemson University’s ICAR team in making this happen,” said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “in-tech’s decision is an important affirmation of this region’s continuing strategic focus on attracting and developing automotive suppliers of all types, and we welcome them to Greenville.”
“We welcome in-tech Automotive Engineering to the Upstate. in-tech is truly an innovative and fast growing engineering firm focused on building the automobile of the future. Their engineering talent will be an asset to the ever-growing Upstate Automotive Corridor," said Hal Johnson, CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance.
“CU-ICAR’s focus on building a robust automotive ecosystem where industry collaborates with academia continues to attract best-in-class partners from around the world, and we welcome in-tech Automotive Engineering to the campus,” said Suzanne Dickerson, marketing director for CU-ICAR. “The company’s new Greenville operations focus on systems integration testing complements our expanding corporate partner base at what is a global venue for the automotive industry.”
Details on hiring plans and specific positions will be announced in early summer 2013.
For more information about in-tech Automotive Engineering, please visit the company’s website at www.in-tech.us.