Alupress AG, an aluminum casting company based in Italy, announced that it will establish its new production facility in Laurens County. The $19.9 million investment is expected to generate 57 new jobs.
“We are pleased with the opportunity to move forward with plans to locate our new production facility in Laurens County. The new plant will give us close proximity to our customers. South Carolina provides us with an excellent business environment and the sort of workforce talent we need. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Wolfgang Knollseisen, chief financial officer of Alupress AG.
Alupress recently purchased Koerber LLC, now named Alupress LLC, in Laurens, and the company will open a new 30,000-square-foot aluminum castings plant. The plant will manufacture products for automotive industry clients. The new facility is expected to begin operations in 2014.
“It’s always exciting to see another international company choose to set up shop in the Palmetto State. This announcement is also another win for one of our state’s rural areas. We celebrate Alupress’ decision to invest $19.9 million and create 57 new jobs in Laurens County,” 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.
“South Carolina’s automotive sector continues to be a strong contributor to our economy and a force in our state’s manufacturing renaissance. When companies like Alupress AG locate operations here, it not only creates new jobs but also increases our reputation in the automotive club,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“We are extremely pleased to see our existing industry grow. Alupress is another example of industry realizing success in a rural county,” said Laurens County Council Jim Coleman.
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in January 2014. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should e-mail personnel@alupress.com.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits.
For more information about the company, please visit www.alupress.net/en/.
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. Also, the state was ranked first in attracting jobs through foreign investment by IBM-Plant Location International. 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.