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The ZF Group, a supplier to the automotive industry, will expand its operations in Laurens County. The $80 million investment is expected to generate 300 new jobs.
“ZF is pleased to make this announcement and is excited about the opportunities it represents for the resurging North American market,” said Dr. Ludger Reckmann, CEO of ZF Transmissions LLC. “As ZF plays a stronger role in delivering efficiency-enhancing products for North America, the encouraging climate and strong resources in South Carolina help make us more competitive.”
ZF Group will expand operations in Laurens County due to an increase in demand from the automotive market. This expansion is an addition to the new manufacturing operations announced in July 2010 in Laurens County. At the time, the company announced a $350 million investment and 900 new jobs.
“We celebrate ZF’s decision to create 300 more jobs at the company’s Laurens County facility. This facility will be a game changer for one of our state’s rural counties. It also shows we are doing the right things to spur economic development,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Automotive continues to be a leading sector in South Carolina. Commerce has been involved in recruiting more than $400 million in investment and more than 800 jobs in the automotive-related sector since the beginning of the year.
“ZF’s decision to expand on its previous investment is a big win for South Carolina and bolsters our automotive sector. In fact, this is the sixth automotive announcement we’ve had in the past two months,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
“The relationship between Laurens County and ZF has been outstanding,” said Laurens County Council chairman Jim Coleman. “We are very excited about the new expansion and look forward to a continued excellent relationship with the company.
Ted Nash, council member for District One added, “ZF has already been a great addition to our community and it continues to get better.”
The state offered a $500,000 grant for site improvements and readySC™ training funds.
ZF is currently hiring for positions as they are needed. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Human Technologies Inc at www.htijobs.com .
ZF is a leading worldwide automotive supplier for Driveline and Chassis Technology, with 123 production locations in 27 countries. On the ranking list of automotive suppliers, ZF is ranked among the 10 largest automotive suppliers worldwide. For more information, visit www.zf.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, 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.
