A producer of yarn and threads, India-based Sarla Performance Fibers, will invest $13.8 million to locate its new operations center in Walterboro, South Carolina, creating 100 new jobs in the region.

“We are pleased to establish our U.S. presence here in South Carolina. Colleton County offers us an excellent business environment, skilled workforce talent, exceptional market access and close proximity to the Port of Charleston. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials in bringing this project to fruition,” said Bobby Downs, executive vice president of Sarla Performance Fibers.

Sarla Performance Fibers, which is based in Mumbai, India, will establish a new yarn and thread manufacturing facility in Colleton County under the name Sarlaflex, located at Industrial Park in Walterboro. The facility will serve customers in the apparel and upholstery markets. The new plant is expected to begin operations by May 2013.

“We are thrilled that Sarla Performance Fibers has chosen South Carolina for its new manufacturing facility. Today’s announcement is another indication that companies from across the globe are seeing the benefits of doing business in our state. It’s also exciting to see Sarla Performance Fibers invest $13.8 million and create 100 new jobs in one of our state’s rural areas,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“We are very pleased that Sarla Performance Fibers has chosen Colleton County in which to establish their presence in the U.S. This repatriation of jobs into the U.S. is a strong indicator that our workforce is globally competitive. Welcoming this industry here is an important touchstone not only for Colleton County but for the state of South Carolina as well,” said Colleton County Council Chairman Rev. Evon Robinson.

As an incentive, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant of $500,000 and approved job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.