Area Development
Sigmatex, a world leader in the manufacturing of carbon fiber textiles, selected John W. Matthews Industrial Park in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, as the location for its next facility. The British-based company will invest $12 million initially and create 50 jobs over the next five years.

The new 75,000-square-foot facility will be located on 20 acres at the entrance to the park. In order to meet the company’s future expansion goals, the facility will be constructed so that it can be expanded to 150,000 square feet and eventually up to 450,000 square feet to accommodate the prospective growth in the aerospace industry and automotive industry.

Locating in the South Carolina Global Logistics Triangle, near I-26, U.S. 301 and I-95, aligns with Sigmatex’s strategic plan to expand into new targeted markets. This facility, along with its sister facilities, will give Sigmatex the ability to offer its customers a product that is made locally, economic development officials said. The company’s investment in Orangeburg County is one of the largest capital investment projects the company has undertaken. The facility, the fifth manufacturing facility in Sigmatex's global system, is scheduled to be in operation by mid-2015 to begin supplying its North American customers.

“We are very excited to be building our latest manufacturing facility in South Carolina. This will be our second, and largest, in North America, representing a major step in our commitment to global expansion. Sigmatex will continue to invest in technology, capabilities and capacities to ensure we satisfy the growing demands of our current and future partners across the globe. We believe this facility will enable us to meet any foreseeable future market requirements and ensure we are prepared to continue to support the supply chain in delivering the growth requirements in the aerospace and automotive sectors. We look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with the state and local officials and to further supporting our expanding customer base with carbon textile solutions,” Sigmatex CEO Scott Tolson said.

According to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, “Sigmatex, which supplies the aerospace and automotive industries, adds to the growing number of aerospace-related companies that call Orangeburg County home.”

“We couldn’t be more excited that a company like Sigmatex has chosen Orangeburg as the location of their fifth manufacturing facility – it’s great news for the local community and the hardworking people who live there. With an investment of $12 million and the creation of 50 new jobs, Sigmatex will further strengthen our reputation as a place where manufacturers of carbon fiber not only want to be but can grow and succeed for many years to come,” Governor Nikki Haley said.

“It’s a great day in Orangeburg County. This announcement represents years of effort and development from the citizens of Orangeburg County. Having Sigmatex locate in the Matthews Industrial Park is a game changer. Industries like to be located by other industries and with Sigmatex kicking off this park we feel confident that more aerospace companies will follow their lead. The work is not over. We must continue to work hard so we can continue to build a bright future for our citizens,” Senator John W. Matthews, Jr. said.

“We congratulate Orangeburg County for their vision and delivery of quality sites and infrastructure in support of future growth and economic development. Today’s announcement is a classic example of being ready to meet the needs of industry. Speed to market is critical as the automotive and aerospace sectors in South Carolina continue to flourish,” said CentralSC Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan.