Area Development
Delfin Group USA, the North American division of Russia-based Delfin, will invest US$55 million to retrofit its operation in North Charleston, South Carolina, according to economic development officials in the region. The expansion, which will add capacity for automotive and industrial lubricant production, will create 160 new jobs at the facility, which currently employs 15. The company expects to complete the initial expansion next year. "The port and infrastructure attracted our attention," says Markos Baghdasarian, president of Delfin Group USA. "However, the support pledged to us by state and local officials created an important advantage for North Charleston versus any other location." Financial details about the expansion were not detailed; however, officials say that both state and local agencies are involved.