Kronotex USA, one of the largest producers of laminate flooring in the United States, will invest $29.5 million in an ongoing expansion of its operations in Barnwell County, South Carolina. The firm plans to add a new paper impregnation process to enhance and diversify designs of its finished products.

The firm plans to expand its existing Barnwell plant, located at South Carolina Advanced Technology Park, by an additional 90,000 square feet. The facility upfit is expected to be completed by September.

Kronotex, a division of Swiss Krono Group, has 11 plants in eight countries worldwide. The company’s products include wood panels used in construction, furniture, and laminate flooring. This announcement marks Kronotex’s third expansion at its Barnwell facility in less than a decade. Overall, the flooring manufacturer has invested more than $126 million and has generated more than 190 jobs in Barnwell County since 2005.

“Kronotex USA is extremely grateful for the support we have received over the past 10 years from the state of South Carolina, the SouthernCarolina Alliance and all the communities in Barnwell and the surrounding counties. Our company would never have been able to invest over $126 million in our Barnwell site if it were not for of our 190 hardworking, dedicated employees who live in these communities and the ‘Business Friendly’ atmosphere of South Carolina that is so enthusiastically demonstrated by Governor Haley,” said Norm Voss, President of Kronotex USA.

“Kronotex is a world leader in the flooring industry, and their continued investment in South Carolina speaks to the strength of our workforce and our state’s dynamic business climate. We applaud Kronotex’s decision to invest $29.5 million and create 28 new jobs in Barnwell County,” Governor Nikki Haley said.

“Kronotex’s decision to once again invest in our region is a testament to our workforce. We appreciate the help that Governor Haley and the South Carolina Department of Commerce provided in this project, and we congratulate Kronotex on their continued success,” SouthernCarolina Alliance President Danny Black said.