Area Development
Rhythmlink International, a medical device manufacturing company, will invest $1.4 million to relocate some of its production back to the United States and expand its Richland County, South Carolina, manufacturing facility in the Columbia Industrial Park at 1140 First Street South.

The company began manufacturing medical devices at its facility in China 12 years ago, but it now plans to move a manufacturing packaging line to South Carolina with this expansion. Rhythmlink product made in the USA will be available for sale in mid- to late 2015. The firm’s investment expected to create 50 new jobs and a world-class automated packaging line in a new 1,500-square-foot ISO 8 Certified, Class 100,000 cleanroom.

"After careful analysis, it made sense to take some of our production processes out of our facility in China and move them closer to home. We looked at Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico and even a couple of other states. After working with and receiving support from our partners at the state of South Carolina, Richland County and Capital Bank, in the end it was less expensive and clearly more practical to invest in automation for a new packaging line right here in our own facility in Columbia. We're very excited about our new expansion in Columbia and thrilled that Rhythmlink can add new jobs in South Carolina,” said Michael O'Leary, Chief Operating Officer for Rhythmlink.

Founded by neurodiagnostic technicians and engineers in 2002, Rhythmlink designs, manufactures and distributes a variety of medical devices for intraoperative neuromonitoring, electroencephalography, evoked potentials, polysomnography, long-term monitoring epilepsy and critical care units.

"Not only has Rhythmlink made South Carolina their company's home for more than 12 years, they have now decided to move a significant manufacturing packaging line to our state to create their first-ever 'Made in the USA' products. We congratulate them on their investment of $1.4 million and 50 new jobs in Richland County,” Governor Nikki Haley said. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $50,000 set aside grant to be used for real property improvements for the project.

"We are thrilled that Rhythmlink chose Richland County over other international locations including China to expand operations and add 50 jobs. The greatest evidence of a business-friendly climate is the growth and success of our existing industries, and this announcement is confirmation that Richland County and South Carolina are creating that climate,” Norman Jackson, Chairman of Richland County Council said.