COLUMBIA, S.C. – August 10, 2010 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Williamsburg County and the Town of Kingstree today announced that Palmetto Synthetics LLC, a producer of staple fiber, consisting of polyester, nylon and other specialty polymers, will expand its facility in Williamsburg County. The $7 million investment is expected to generate 75 new jobs.
“We continue to see demand growth for our products, and this expansion will allow us to further grow our market share. Williamsburg County has consistently provided us with an excellent business environment and a strong workforce. We are pleased to expand our presence here in South Carolina. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said David Poston, vice president of Palmetto Synthetics.
Palmetto Synthetics is expanding its Williamsburg operations, located at 633 Commerce Drive, by adding a new building and an equipment line. The expansion is expected to be completed and brought online by March 2011. The company expanded its operations last in September 2008.
“Palmetto Synthetics produces high-quality specialty polyester fibers used in a range of applications, from apparel to automotive products. The company has been a growing part of our state’s business community for the past decade, and their decision to expand again in Williamsburg County is a positive reflection of our state’s skilled workforce and business-friendly climate. South Carolina’s commitment to continually enhance the fundamentals businesses need to be successful such as low taxes and low regulatory burdens will help our state compete and help our businesses grow. We congratulate Palmetto Synthetics on its growth and wish them continued success,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“Palmetto Synthetics continues to consistently be a great corporate and environmental neighbor. We are truly proud that this corporate leader in South Carolina provides not only jobs and a tax base, but also provides tremendous economic opportunities for South Carolina and its citizens. We welcome this new expansion in Williamsburg County and in this region of South Carolina,” said state Sen. Yancey McGill.
“We are extremely pleased that Palmetto Synthetics has chosen Williamsburg County for their expansion. Their investment and great potential for continued growth is welcomed by our community. The creation of new jobs for our citizens is very much appreciated. We look forward to an extended relationship that will be mutually beneficial and contribute to the overall prosperity of Williamsburg County,” said Stanley S. Pasley, Williamsburg County supervisor and chairman of Williamsburg County Council.
“Palmetto Synthetics has been a great asset to Williamsburg County. They will be starting another expansion in the next few weeks. The $7 million investment will bring 75 new jobs to our county. We are so happy that Palmetto Synthetics calls Kingstree home,” said Ricky Burrows, mayor of the Town of Kingstree.
“We are pleased that Palmetto Synthetics has chosen to do yet another expansion in Williamsburg County. Their continued growth is a testament to the strong work ethic and business climate of this area of South Carolina,” said Jeff McKay, executive director of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance.
The company will begin hiring for the positions in January. At that time, anyone interested in job opportunities with the company can contact the Kingstree Workforce Center at 843-354-7436 or visit the offices 530 Martin L. King, Jr. Ave. in Kingstree.
Founded in 1997, Palmetto Synthetics LLC is a privately held company that has distinguished itself in the fiber industry by providing high quality, specialty thermoplastic fibers adding tremendous value to the products of its global customer base. Palmetto Synthetics maintains a dedicated staff in a 250,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Kingstree, South Carolina, with regional sales offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and in the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.palmsyn.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has been recognized for its success in the areas of job creation and economic impact by Area Development and Business Facilities magazines. The S.C. Department of Commerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations to receive Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award in 2009 and Commerce received the 2009 Deal of the Year award from Business Facilities magazine. Southern Business & Development also awarded the S.C. Department of Commerce the “Deal of the Year” for the 2010 SB&D 100. Commerce received the recognitions for Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant to support the 787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services and offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
SC Department of Commerce
1201 Main St., Suite 1600
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-1998 direct
(808) 737-0894 fax