TIGGES USA, LLC, a subsidiary of Wuppertal, Germany-based TIGGES GmbH, will establish its first North American facility at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville County. The $1.5 million investment is expected to generate at least 5 new jobs.
“We are pleased to establish our first American facility in South Carolina’s Upstate, and are particularly excited to be locating here in Greenville County at CU-ICAR,” said John Ferrell, Jr., general manager of TIGGES USA. “This strategic expansion will help us meet accelerating demand for fasteners and connecting elements needed by our core automotive, aerospace and marine industry customers, and Greenville County provides us with an excellent business environment, a top-notch workforce and exceptional market access. We look forward to becoming a part of the Palmetto State’s business community.”
Founded in 1925 and privately owned, TIGGES is a leading international manufacturer of fasteners and connecting elements required by the automotive, industrial, marine, energy and aerospace industries. TIGGES offers four production technologies in-house -- cold forming, hot forging, machining, and grinding – to provide customers with a strategic and solution-based approach to the development, production of connection-based elements.
The company’s new Greenville location at CU-ICAR will be a technical sales office to drive supply chain efficiency and improve customer service to North American customers, and complements the company’s current international portfolio locations in Germany, Malaysia, Japan, and Taiwan.
“It’s exciting to see another international company choose to put down roots in South Carolina. We celebrate TIGGES USA’s decision to invest $1.5 million and create new jobs in Greenville. Today’s announcement is another indication that more and more companies from around the globe are seeing South Carolina as the right place to do business,” 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.
“The automotive industry continues to thrive and grow in South Carolina. It also continues to serve as a wealth and job creator all across the state. TIGGES’ decision to locate new operations here once again shows that we are a leader in the nation’s automotive club,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
While TIGGES is a relatively new brand name in America, it has long-standing and deep penetration across Europe and with major global manufacturers, which fueled the decision to establish operations in the United States, added Ferrell, Jr.
“From our German roots, we have tremendous experience and technological know-how, and a strong brand reputation, serving major customers like BMW and Bosch across the European continent,” said Ferrell, Jr. “This physical expansion into North America is a vital first step in our global growth and customer service plans.”
“The reputation of Upstate South Carolina as a hub for manufacturing excellence makes it an ideal home for TIGGES,” stated Ferrell, Jr. “We are grateful to the state of South Carolina, Greenville Area Development Corporation, CU-ICAR and others for helping us in this process.”
With the addition of TIGGES USA Inc., CU-ICAR now boasts 18 corporate campus partners from around the world.
"The decision of TIGGES to establish North American operations in Greenville County is great news," added Chris Riley, Chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. "They are a globally respected manufacturer with expertise in applying advanced technology to manufacturing fasteners and connecting elements for multiple industries. This announcement affirms that Greenville County continues as a center for specialty manufacturing.”
“We are exceptionally pleased to welcome TIGGES USA to the CU-ICAR campus. TIGGES USA’s decision to bring its outstanding international reputation to CU-ICAR is an exciting complement to the growing eco-system of successful automotive companies in the Upstate of South Carolina. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with TIGGES USA,” said Suzanne Dickerson, director of Business Development at CU-ICAR.
The company will announce details on hiring in early summer.
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 16,000 new jobs and more than $2.6 billion in capital investment in Greenville County, SC. To learn more, visit www.goGADC.com or call (864) 235-2008.