Essex Weld Solutions, an international manufacturer of automotive racking products, is establishing operations with Essex Weld USA Inc. in Cherokee County, South Carolina. The development will bring a capital investment of $2.6 million to the Upstate and create 70 new jobs.

To establish operations in Cherokee County, the company is moving into a 15,000-square-foot industrial warehouse, located at 597 Ford Road in Gaffney. A subsidiary of Essex Weld Solutions, Essex Weld USA Inc. is a full-service manufacturer of custom and standard automotive racking products, providing professional engineering services along with certifications for shipping and storage containers to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

“We are thankful for the support we have received from the State of South Carolina and the Cherokee County team. We look forward to adding local design and manufacturing support for our customers,” said, Essex Weld Solutions President John Friesen.

“Essex Weld Solutions’ decision to do business in South Carolina is another example of a company that needs skilled employees recognizing that South Carolina’s workforce is one of the best in the world. We’re excited to welcome Essex to the South Carolina family and look forward to watching them expand,” Governor Nikki Haley added.