Spain-based Hidral USA Inc., a manufacturer of freight elevators, platforms, lifts and vertical reciprocating conveyors, selected an 18,000 square foot facility at 500 Tillessen Blvd. in Ridgeway, South Carolina, for its new sales office. The $1.5 million investment is expected to create 25 new jobs in Fairfield County, with plans to expand the initial sales office to include manufacturing over the next five years. The company is currently seeking employees to work in: engineering, drafting, clerk/administration, logistics, production, purchasing and quality assurance.

"We are excited to participate in all the advantages that South Carolina has to offer Hidral USA Inc. Additionally, I would like to thank the Central SC Alliance, Fairfield County and the South Carolina Department of Commerce for making this project a reality. Without their continued support, this would have never been possible, said Jose L. Casanova, Vice President/General Manager of Hidral USA Inc.

"We are beginning to see a trend develop among European family-owned companies investing in Central South Carolina. Our regional development team was delighted to join with the South Carolina Department of Commerce European office representatives last summer to visit with Hidral in Spain. We are very appreciative of Hidral's executive management team and their vote of confidence in our workforce and overall positive business environment,” Mike Brenan, Chairman Central SC Alliance said.

"We are extremely pleased that Hidral chose to locate its first North American facility in Ridgeway, adding to a growing list of international companies that have chosen to call Fairfield County home. We look forward to partnering with the company to ensure their success as they start up operations in Fairfield and will continue to support them as they grow their presence in the North American market,” said Fairfield County Council Chairman David L. Ferguson, Sr.