SKF Group expanding facility in North Charleston

SKF Group, a maker of precision bearings, today announced that it will expand its existing operations in North Charleston. The $3 million investment is expected to generate up to 25 new jobs over the next three years.

“It’s the SKF philosophy to try to have production close to its customers, and we have the sufficient volumes today to make these investments, with the prospects for good growth in the future,” said Jack Bellomo, general manager of the SKF North Charleston facility. “We expect to increase the number of shifts in the new channel within the next few years.”

SKF is expanding its North Charleston facility, and will operate as part of its recently established global business unit, known as Super Precision and Specialty Bearings. The company will invest in a new production channel for super precision angular contact bearings, and it will help meet the growing needs of the U.S. market with domestic production, rather than importing from its Italian factories.

“There is growing need for these products both in the original production and the repair of machine tool spindles and in medical equipment,” said Poul Jeppesen, CEO of SKF USA Inc. “The SKF Solution Factory concept, a technology and repair access point close to major customer locations, will have 15 regional locations in North America by 2016, and this new production channel will help supply the resulting demand. I am confident that the good local support from the state and the competent work force will allow us to continue the progress we have made in South Carolina over the past 10 years.” 

“We are sincerely grateful for SKF reinvesting in our city, bringing additional jobs and a sizeable capital investment that will have a great benefit to our community,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “This commitment tells us that North Charleston continues to be a business friendly city with a workforce capable of performing in highly technical environments.”

“We work hard every day to recruit new companies to South Carolina, but it’s always exciting to see one of our existing businesses expand. When a firm like SKF chooses to grow here, it sends a message to other companies that South Carolina is a place where they can do well. We celebrate SKF’s decision to invest $3 million and create 25 new jobs in North Charleston,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $9 billion in capital investment and more than 23,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“SKF has been a part of the South Carolina business community for more than a decade, and it’s great to see them choose to grow in South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

The company also has a second facility in the Charleston area, Venture Aerobearings LLC, which is a joint venture with GE.

“We congratulate SKF on its recent expansion,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “Super precision bearings represents a promising new business niche for SKF, and we are honored that the company’s leadership has entrusted our local facility and workforce to see this new initiative to fruition. As the SKF-Charleston County relationship has grown and matured, our community has benefitted in numerous ways.”

For those interested in job opportunities with the company, please visit www.skf.com/us/career/.

SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. SKF is represented in more than 130 countries and has around 15,000 distributor locations worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit www.skf.com.

Shimano expanding its North Charleston facility in Palmetto Commerce Park

Shimano American Corporation, a maker of fishing tackle and bicycle components, today announced the expansion of its distribution center in North Charleston. The expansion will double the company’s original investment and increase employment at the facility by 50 percent. The company broke ground on the new construction today.

“With this investment, it’s much more than just doubling the size at our South Carolina facility – we'll also be prepared for both current and future distribution needs for all our brands,” said Dave Pfeiffer, president of Shimano American Corp. “Taking our original investment in 2003 in a 25,000-square-foot distribution center in North Charleston’s Benchmark Industrial Park to another level again, this a needed positive step in order to increase services to our business partners up and down the East Coast, and throughout the Midwest and Southern states. We look forward to our South Carolina facility playing a larger role in Shimano’s operations in the U.S., and we appreciate the cooperation we’ve received from local, regional and state agencies in our expansion plans.”

The new construction adds nearly 99,000-square-feet to the current 102,000-square-foot facility at 9550 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, built by Shimano in 2006. The addition will be ready in August 2013.



“It’s always exciting to see one of our existing businesses increase its footprint in South Carolina. We celebrate Shimano’s decision to expand its North Charleston facility with an additional investment and the creation of new jobs. We work hard every day to strengthen our business-friendly climate so we will continue to see South Carolina companies expand and create more jobs,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Along with the added capacity, the expanded facility “will allow Shimano to improve our material handling automation processes, and will also provide us with nearly 3,000-square-feet of needed office space,” said Shimano’s senior manager of operations Allen Johnston. He notes that along with Shimano bicycle components and fishing tackle, the company distributes its G.Loomis fishing rods and PowerPro fishing line from the North Charleston facility. When the improvements are complete, Shimano will add the distribution of its Pearl Izumi technical cycling and running products, and also Jackall brand fishing lures, to the facility.

“When companies need to get products to customers on the East Coast or throughout the Southeast, South Carolina offers the best options for reaching those markets. Shimano’s decision to expand its Charleston County facility provides another example of that, and we look forward to the company’s continued growth here,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Our congratulations go out today to the entire Shimano team on the momentous occasion of their expansion,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “An expansion is the ultimate corporate testimonial that a community can receive, and we are happy to see that the Port of Charleston, the Charleston area workforce, and our business climate have proven to be fertile soil for the company’s success. We at Charleston County have thoroughly enjoyed our relationship, and we will remain steadfast partners to Shimano in the years to come.”

“In 2003, North Charleston welcomed Shimano to our great city, and since that time we have been fortunate to see the company’s growth within our community. Today, we congratulate Shimano on its second expansion at Palmetto Commerce Park,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “It is our commitment to maintain a local environment that is friendly to commerce and accommodating to the needs of Shimano and all of our North Charleston businesses.”

Shimano American Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Shimano, Inc., a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of fishing tackle and bicycle components. Along with its Irvine, Calif. sales, service and distribution operations and its Pearl Izumi USA headquarters in Louisville, Colo., Shimano manufactures its PowerPro braided fishing line in Grand Junction, Colo., and its G.Loomis fishing rods in Woodland, Wash. Beginning in January 2013, it will also handle the sales, marketing and distribution of Jackall Lures in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit www.shimano.com.

Cummins Turbo Technologies expanding in North Charleston, $19.5 million investment expected to create 76 new jobs

Cummins Inc. is expanding its Turbo Technologies operations in North Charleston with a $19.5 million investment that is expected to generate 76 jobs.

Cummins Turbo Technologies, which designs and manufactures turbochargers for diesel engines, is adding a new building and expanding its office space at its campus in the Palmetto Commercial Park in North Charleston. As part of the expansion, Cummins is building a 125,000-square-foot warehouse. Another 10,000 square feet of new office space will be added to the existing building and 10,000 square feet of existing space will be renovated.

“We are excited about the chance to expand in Charleston County. South Carolina has provided an excellent environment in which to do business, and this expansion will help us to better serve our customers. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Cummins Turbo Technologies Plant Manager Willis Pugh.

“It’s another great day in South Carolina when a company like Cummins Turbo Technologies chooses to expand here. We celebrate the company’s $19.5 million investment and the 76 new jobs they will create in North Charleston. South Carolina’s business-friendly climate continues to attract job-creating investments like this one,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Cummins Turbo Technologies opened its first Charleston area manufacturing plant in 1989, operating under the name Holset Engineering until 2006. The company previously announced an expansion at the plant in July 2008. The current expansion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter.

“Cummins has had a presence in the Lowcountry for a number of years and it’s exciting to see them grow in Charleston. We continue to see manufacturers across the state expand and create new jobs. Today’s announcement builds on that trend,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

Since January, South Carolina recruited more than $2 billion in investment and more than 3,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Our heartiest congratulations go out today to Cummins on this fabulous expansion project,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie E. Pryor. “Cummins and Charleston County have written three decades of great business history together, and we welcome this expansion of the Turbo Technologies campus, which we know will create great synergies and keep the North Charleston operation globally competitive. Our hats are off to the Cummins management and workforce today, and you will always find a partner in Charleston County.”

“The expansion of Cummins Turbo Technologies in Palmetto Commerce Park gives us confidence that the City of North Charleston and the greater Charleston region remains a ripe environment for businesses to flourish. We applaud Cummins’ success as an industry leader and are thankful for the sizable capital investment and new jobs that our community will receive,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey.

Hiring for the new positions will be handled by Malace International. Anyone interested in applying for a job should e-mail Bryan Stewart at bryan@malacehr.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $150,000.

About Cummins
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, (USA) Cummins employs approximately 44,000 people worldwide and serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of more than 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and approximately 6,500 dealer locations. Cummins earned $1.85 billion on sales of $18.0 billion in 2011. Press releases can be found on the Web at www.cummins.com.

Streit USA Armoring announces expansion in North Charleston

Streit USA Armoring, a maker of armored vehicles, today announced plans to expand current operations in North Charleston. The $5.8 million investment is expected to generate more than 50 new jobs over the next three years.

“Demand for our products has grown, so we needed to grow in order to keep up. We are pleased to have the opportunity to grow here. North Charleston and South Carolina have provided an excellent business climate and a great location for our business, and we look forward to expanding here. We’d also like to thank our builder, Frampton and Associates, who has helped us move this project forward,” said Eric Carlson, vice president/partner of Streit USA Armoring.

Streit USA Armoring will establish a new facility to be built by Frampton and Associates in the Palmetto Commerce Park, moving its existing operations from a leased building. The move will allow the company to add four new production lines, greatly increase its output and more than double the manufacturing space to 75,000 square feet.

“We are always excited when one of our existing businesses chooses to increase its footprint in South Carolina. We celebrate Streit USA Armoring’s decision to expand and create more than 50 new well-paying jobs in North Charleston,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“Congratulations to Streit USA Armoring on this exciting expansion news,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “This dynamic company occupies a very unique security market niche, and we are gratified to have them expand their operations in North Charleston during such trying economic times. I am confident that our skilled workforce, superior logistics and positive business climate will be a recipe for profitability as Streit continues to grow. As they do, they will always have a steadfast partner in Charleston County.”

“The expansion of Streit USA Armoring to Palmetto Commerce Park gives us confidence that North Charleston and the greater Charleston region remain ripe environments for businesses to flourish,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “We applaud Streit’s success and are thankful for the capital investment and job creation in our community.”

“It’s wonderful to see the automotive industry strengthening and growing in our community,” said Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman R.M. Singletary. “Streit USA Armoring’s expansion is good news for us all, particularly the Port of Charleston, another key driver of our regional economy. This partnership will continue to drive economic prosperity throughout the three-county region for years to come.”

Proximity to the Port of Charleston was an important factor when the company initially decided to locate operations in the area. The company will continue to import parts and export finished products through the port.

“We appreciate Streit USA Armoring’s trust in our port, the region and our state,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority.  “The Port of Charleston has the quality facilities, skilled labor and support industry to handle any international shipping need.”

The company will begin hiring for the new positions next summer, and will be using ReadySC to assist with the hiring process.

For more information about the company, please visit www.armored-cars.com/streit/.