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The South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Greenville Area Development Corporation today announced that Carbures LLC will establish its first American facility at the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center (SCTAC) in Greenville County. The $6.5 million investment is expected to generate at least 50 new jobs over five years.
“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 the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center,” said Angel Vallejo, Vice President of Carbures Europe-USA. “This new facility will help us meet significantly accelerating demand for carbon fiber structures, 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.”
The new company, the first American-based spinoff from European-based Carbures, will design, engineer and manufacture carbon fiber structures for the defense, aerospace and automotive industries, as well as for civil infrastructure providers.
“Companies from across the globe continue to choose to set up shop in South Carolina. We’re excited Carbures has decided to put its first North American presence in the Palmetto State and create 50 new jobs,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
“This announcement brings yet another manufacturing company and builds on South Carolina’s international ties,” said South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Foreign-affiliated companies play an important role in our state’s economy, and we look forward to Carbures’ contribution.”
While Carbures, LLC is a new brand name to America, it was the long-standing and deep equity and knowledge of its parent company, Carbures Europe, which fueled the decision to establish operations in the United States, added Ivan Contreras, CEO of Carbures USA.
“From our Spanish and European roots, we have tremendous experience and technological know-how, and a strong brand reputation, serving major customers like Airbus across the European continent,” said Contreras. “This physical expansion into North America is a vital first step in our global growth and expansion plans. We are now prepared to begin design and calculation services in composite structures at our temporary office. We have both the knowledge and the work force to service large OEMs, such as Boeing.”
The new operations will have the ability to design and engineer custom products in carbon fibers, utilizing such advanced technologies as hand lay up, RTM and ATL, Contreras added. The location at SCTAC was critical to the organization’s decision to establish operations here in South Carolina, in part due to its proximity to Lockheed, Boeing, Proterra, BMW and others.
“The reputation of Upstate South Carolina as a hub for manufacturing excellence makes it an ideal home for Carbures. We literally considered locations for our first operations from other states to the Carolinas,” stated Contreras. “We found the right blend of talented workforce, business opportunity, proximity to customers, and quality of life right here in South Carolina.”
“We’re happy to be here, and grateful to the state of South Carolina, Greenville Area Development Corporation and others for helping us in this process,” concluded Vallejo.
The company will locate its new design and manufacturing facility in Greenville County on Perimeter Road, located within the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC). Construction on the 40,000 square foot facility will begin shortly, and Carbures plans to have the facility online in the second quarter of 2012.
"Carbures' decision to establish operations in Greenville County is great news," added H. G. "Butch" Kirven, chairman of Greenville County Council and director of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. "Together with our economic development partners, GADC assisted the company in making this announcement possible. This venture will create good paying jobs and offer good opportunities for local citizens, and also affirms that Greenville County is a great area for specialty manufacturing. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with this fine company in the years ahead.”
“The Carbures selection of SCTAC for their first American facility demonstrates our competitive edge on an international level,” said Jody Bryson, SCTAC President and CEO. “Carbures is the fourth company to expand to SCTAC in the last year. The new jobs and capital investment will add to our $1.4 billion state-wide economic impact, and is further evidence that our new economic development strategy is positioning us to win in today’s global economy.”
“We offer congratulations to Carbures, GADC and our other partners on this great announcement,” said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. “Carbures is a client company of our commercialization and development program, SC Launch. The program, in conjunction with SCRA’s Advanced Materials group, has provided introductions, business support and investment to support Carbures’ location in South Carolina.”
The company is currently recruiting to fill several key management and engineering positions, and will announce further hiring for intentions in early Fall. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company is encouraged to contact Hannah Chapman at (864) 593-3934 or to visit the new Carbures website at www.carbures.com.
About Carbures USA
CARBURES is an international technology company established in Spain and the United States with a clear vision emerging from the fusion of its predecessors, Easy Industrial Solutions and Atlantica Composites. The company’s highly qualified technicians and engineers manage and implement R & D in sectors including aeronautics, automotive, railway, healthcare, construction and shipbuilding. CARBURES designs and develops products, materials, composites and provides comprehensive related services to meet the demands of industry through a proprietary process technology utilizing carbon fiber to create structures that are lighter, stronger and more durable. Visit them on the web at www.carbures.com.
About South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center
SC Technology and Aviation Center is designed to meet the unique needs of technologically-advanced businesses in a global economy. The center features an attractive combination of advanced manufacturing, distribution, and aviation facilities. The park is also recognized as a major aircraft maintenance and modification center capable of completing major structural repairs, inspections, and other service needs. For more information on SC Technology and Aviation Center, or to learn more about available industrial or aviation facilities, please visit www.sc-tac.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.
