The Okonite Company, a premier manufacturer of high-quality, insulated electric wire and cable, is investing $19.5 million to expand its existing operations in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.

Established in 1878 and headquartered in Ramsey, New Jersey, The Okonite Company primarily manufactures cables that range from 300V to 345kV insulated products. With six manufacturing facilities, the company serves a multitude of industrial markets.

To accommodate increased customer demand and position the firm for future growth, The Okonite Company decided to expand its existing Orangeburg County facilities, which are situated on 122 acres at 2276 Rowesville Road in Orangeburg. Along with adding one new insulating line and two new rewind packing lines, the company will be expanding its rewind building by 12,600 square-feet and its manufacturing building by 49,000 square-feet. The project is expected to be completed in October 2016.

As an incentive, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project.

“This expansion will give The Okonite Company additional capacity to allow for incremental increases in future business conditions. It will also posture us for future growth in both manning and equipment at our Orangeburg County facilities,” said The Okonite Company Orangeburg Plant Manager Tom Sanchez.

“Team South Carolina’s commitment to workforce training and creating a business-friendly environment continues to result in new companies locating here and our existing companies expanding here. The Okonite Company’s $19.5 million investment shows that our state is open for business, and we look forward to seeing this great company continue to grow and thrive here for many years to come,” Governor Nikki Haley said.