Area Development
BauschLinnemann North America, a manufacturer of surfaces and edge bandings for furniture makers, will invest $8 million to establish a production facility and its North American headquarters in Myrtle Beach, Horry County, S.C.

"We are pleased to establish our new production facility and North American headquarters in Horry County. South Carolina has the right business environment for us and has the skilled workforce we need. We appreciate all the support we've received from state and local officials in moving this project forward. The Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development group has been key in this process and we are impressed with Horry County and what it has to offer," said Mike Phillips, President and CEO of BauschLinnemann North America.

BauschLinnemann North America Inc. was established in 1984 as Linnemann USA Inc. In 2004, Linnemann merged with a world-wide competitor Germany-based Bausch and the company name was changed to BauschLinnemann North America, headquartered in Greensboro, N.C.

In 2010, BauschLinnemann North America acquired Coastal Paper, a Myrtle Beach, S.C. company with manufacturing locations in Myrtle Beach and Conway. Then, in the first quarter of 2012, the manufacturing assets of CDM Papier Decor, Inc. of Drummondville Quebec were also acquired. To achieve manufacturing and operational efficiencies, the decision was made to consolidate all operations in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the company said.

BauschLinnemann's relocation to Harrelson Boulevard in Myrtle Beach will generate a $31 million annual economic impact to the area. The operation will create an initial 55 jobs, with room to expand its 75,000 square feet space to 200,000 sq. ft.

"The scope of industry is widening in Horry County. BauschLinnemann announcing the relocation of its North American headquarters in Horry County comes on the heels of other recent announcements by AvCraft Technical Services and Frontier Communications. This is a clear indication that the strategy Horry County Council and the MBREDC have put in place is working. We are having a great year, and our mission to create jobs is becoming a reality," said MBREDC Chairman, Doug Wendel.

While details on incentives offered the firm were not immediately available, The Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation noted its agency and the North Eastern Strategic Alliance, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Horry County Council, Burroughs & Chapin Co., and the City of Myrtle Beach all came together in support of this project.

"The North Eastern Strategic Alliance is excited to learn that BauschLinnemann will locate its North American headquarters and consolidate its manufacturing operations in Myrtle Beach. This decision represents a fine example of what happens when we all work together in economic development. BauschLinnemann's decision makes a strong statement regarding the workforce and pro-business environment within our region, and we are confident that those two factors will help BauschLinnemann to be successful. We welcome BauschLinnemann as our newest corporate neighbor," said Senator J. Yancey McGill, NESA Chairman.