JTEKT Corporation, an automotive systems and industrial components supplier, announced plans to expand its Koyo brand bearing manufacturing facility in Richland County, South Carolina. The $130 million investment is expected to generate 175 new jobs over the next three years.
“We are excited for our associates and the community to expand our current operation in Richland County. Customer demand continues to increase for our bearing products, and this expansion will provide the capacity needed to meet this demand,” said Bobby Rowell, JTEKT plant manager and lifelong Richland County resident. “We are proud of the success at this plant since it opened in 1995. This expansion, plus our continued hard work to satisfy our customers, will ensure our future success.”
The company’s planned expansion will double the size of the facility to more than 500,000 square feet. The plant manufactures bearing hub units for automotive customers including Toyota, BMW and General Motors.
“This is a great announcement for our Richland County plant,” added Steve McCullough, JTEKT vice-president and general manager. “Many locations were considered for this large capital investment by JTEKT. One of the key reasons we selected this location was the collaborative effort of Richland County, the town of Blythewood, the state of South Carolina and South Carolina Electric & Gas.”
“South Carolina continues to prove to companies from around the globe that it is the right place to do business. We celebrate JTEKT Corporation’s decision to invest $130 million and create 175 new jobs in the Midlands area. By further strengthening our state’s business-friendly climate and developing our workforce talent, we can continue to expect more job-creating announcements like this one,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $4.4 billion in capital investment and more than 6,800 jobs in the automotive-related sector.
“The manufacturing renaissance continues to grow in South Carolina, especially with announcements in the automotive sector, like this one from JTEKT. The automotive industry continues to be a creator of wealth and a source for good jobs throughout the Palmetto State,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“Today’s announcement by JTEKT is significant not only for the size of the capital investment, but more importantly, for the trust the company has in our citizens to produce a world class product,” said Kelvin Washington, chairman of Richland County Council. “JTEKT has been a great corporate citizen since 1995, and we look forward to continuing that relationship.”
“We congratulate JTEKT Corporation on this significant capital investment and job creation announcement. The Central SC Alliance has worked with JTEKT on projects in both Richland and Orangeburg counties for nearly two decades. They have a long and productive history of manufacturing quality products for the automotive industry here in the Central South Carolina region. I want to express my appreciation to all of our partners that worked together in assisting JTEKT. We continue to see solid economic momentum in the region and state,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple.
Construction is expected to begin in early January and additional hiring will begin later during 2013. For additional information please contact Leon Harris, JTEKT project manager, at leon.harris@jtekt.com or 864-770-2490.
JTEKT is a major global producer of automotive systems and industrial components. For more information about the company, please visit www.jtekt.co.jp.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.