The South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Greenville Area Development Corporation and the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) announced that Alexium Inc., a subsidiary of Alexium International Group limited listed on the Australian Stock exchange (ASX:AJX), will establish its new technical fabric manufacturing and research and development plant in Greenville County. The $8 million investment is expected to generate 200 new jobs in the next five years.
“We are pleased to locate our new facility in the South Carolina Upstate. The area offers us an excellent business environment and a strong workforce, as well as exceptional market access. We are already working on contracts for the military and this facility will allow us to meet increasing demand for our products. Greenville County provides an excellent location and a positive business environment for our operations. We appreciate all the support given to us by state and local officials as well as SCRA,” said Stefan Susta, director of Alexium Inc.
This announcement follows years of extensive research undertaken by the U.S. Air Force Research Labs, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL), Air Base Science Division and funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, Joint Science & Technology Office and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Alexium will not only produce innovative technical fabric products for the U.S. military but will cooperate with AFRL to create exciting new textiles and advanced materials for a broad range of commercial applications using a reactive surface treatment technology.
“Alexium is an innovative company that produces and improves leading-edge technologies. The state’s strengths in high-tech manufacturing, the defense industry, a growing advanced materials industry and a skilled workforce second to none were driving forces in our ability to recruit Alexium to Greenville County. This announcement coupled with many others in recent months clearly demonstrates that Commerce and its economic development partners are successful in recruiting job opportunities that grow the knowledge base in our state. We welcome Alexium to South Carolina and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them in the years ahead,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
Alexium, which is locating its operations at 8 Distribution Court in Greer, expects to have the facility completely up and running by the end of July. The company will be training part of its workforce with help from readySC.
“Alexium’s decision to establish its base of operations in Greenville County is welcome news,” noted H.G. “Butch” Kirven Jr., director of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council. “This is truly the result of a team effort at the local and state level. Advanced manufacturing is alive and well here, and we welcome the innovations of such talented individuals, and the quality jobs that Alexium will provide for our citizens.”
“We’re pleased to welcome Alexium to Greer and delighted that they recognize the many advantages that Greer and Greenville County offer their company,” said Wryley Bettis, chairman of the Greer Development Corporation. “As an innovative organization with global opportunities in multiple industries, the company will be a prized member of our local and South Carolina business communities.”
“In concert with our partners at S.C. Commerce, GADC and Clemson University, SCRA is pleased to contribute to Alexium’s establishment of U.S. operations by landing in South Carolina,” said Bill Mahoney, SCRA CEO. “SCRA will assist Alexium in bringing its advanced materials technologies to our federal clients, thereby improving platforms, protection and support for our war fighters.”
The company has already started the hiring process and will focus on hiring chemical engineers, materials engineers, scientists and similar positions in the first phase. Later the company will add workers with experience in the textile industry. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Stefan Susta at alexium@earthlink.net.