Image via Wikipedia
Sensor Electronic Technology Inc., the world’s leading maker of ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs), will expand its operations in Richland County. This phase of the company’s expansion plan, which includes retrofitting its existing facility plus the purchase of a new property, is expected to create more than 150 new jobs with over $20 million in capital investment.
“Our company has experienced rapid growth over the past years and is now taking a large step in manufacturing capacity to enter new very high volume markets. We are excited to move forward with our expansion plans here in Columbia. Richland County has provided us with an excellent business environment and a talented workforce,” said Remis Gaska, Ph. D., president and CEO of Sensor Electronic Technology.
Since its start-up a decade ago, Sensor Electronic Technology (SETi) has been based in Columbia, and currently operates out of a 15,000-square-foot facility. It was the first company the world to launch its unique UV LED products and has been very successful in marketing them for use in research and development, drug development, environmental monitors, numerous military applications and in space exploration by NASA. As part of the expansion, the company will increase the size of this facility by 5,000 square feet, and will focus the work here on its research and development center.
SETi has recently experienced increased customer demand for its LEDs in more mainstream markets, where they can be used for a range of applications, including disinfection and personal healthcare. In order to cater to these markets, SETi has purchased a new facility in Columbia that will house the company’s high-volume manufacturing operations. SETi’s growth plans include the expansion of this facility up to 130,000 square feet.
“Today’s announcement is a big win for the Midlands area and shows that cutting-edge companies are finding success in South Carolina. We celebrate Sensor Electronic Technology’s decision to increase its footprint here and create 150 new jobs,” said Nikki Haley.
Since the beginning of the year, South Carolina has recruited more than $3.3 billion in investment and more than 10,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Sensor Electronic Technology is an excellent example of a home-grown business success story for South Carolina. The company’s decision to expand here further strengthens our state’s manufacturing reputation,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
“Richland County is pleased to work with Sensor Technologies, Inc. as they expand their existing operations in our community. Sensor is a high tech company that has a tremendous growth potential, and we look forward to assisting the company as they continue to prosper,” said Paul Livingston, chairman of Richland County Council.
Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple said, “We congratulate Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. on their success and steady growth over the past decade. They are a great example of how a home-grown company can utilize the business support assets that exists here in the Central South Carolina region. From the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College to having a pro-business government we can offer much to companies looking to expand.”
“We have some amazingly talented people living and working here in Columbia and throughout the Midlands Region,” said Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. “This announcement helps demonstrate how deep that talent pool is and how bright our future can be if we’re willing to think big and work together.”
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved the company for job development credits, which will be made available when hiring targets are met. The county provided a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement and a special source revenue credit.
The company is hiring for the expansion. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact hr@s-et.com.
For more information about Sensor Electronic Technology Inc., please visit www.s-et.com.
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. This year, Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Deal of Year Award from Area Development magazine. 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.
