The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Greenville Area Development Corporation announced that JTEKT Automotive South Carolina Inc., a manufacturer of automotive components, plans to expand its operations in Greenville County. The $102 million investment is expected to generate at least 80 new jobs over the next two years.
"We are excited about expanding our manufacturing operation in Greenville County, said Katsuhiko "Ike" Ishikawa, president of JTEKT Automotive South Carolina Inc. "The South Carolina facility will give us the opportunity to expand our product line and reach new customers as well as grow our overall production capacity and operations. This is an important step in the life of our company."
JTEKT Automotive South Carolina will build a new building near the company's existing facility, located at 1866 Old Grove Road in Piedmont, S.C. The new addition will increase JTEKT's driveline component capacity and flexibility.
"It's another great day in South Carolina when one of our existing businesses chooses to increase its footprint here. We celebrate JTEKT Automotive's decision to invest $102 million and create 80 new jobs in Piedmont with this expansion," said Gov. Nikki Haley.
In 2011, South Carolina recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
"With announcements like this, we see South Carolina's manufacturing renaissance continuing to gain steam. We also see our reputation in the automotive club grow. We appreciate JTEKT Automotive's confidence in South Carolina as the right place to make new products," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
"JTEKT is a world leader in the automotive industry, and had no shortage of options of where to place this investment and new positions, so we're delighted that they have selected Greenville County," said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. "As a global manufacturer with a diverse array of technology-driven quality products and a history of success, the company is a valued member of our business community, and another indication of the strong momentum we are experiencing in South Carolina."
"JTEKT's decision to substantially increase its presence in Greenville County underscores the advantages that are available here, including our highly trained workforce and strong pro-business environment," said Butch Kirven, Greenville Area Development Corporation director and chairman of Greenville County Council. "We are proud to be home for JTEKT and our growing family of strong international companies."
JTEKT Automotive will begin hiring for the new positions in October. For more information about the company, please visit www.jtekt-na.com.
About Greenville Area Development Corporation
The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a non-profit organization established by Greenville County Council to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenville County. Since its founding in 2001, GADC efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 12,000 new jobs and more than $2.3 billion in capital investment in Greenville County. To learn more, visit www.goGADC.com or call (864) 235-2008.