ruhlamat America Inc., a designer and manufacturer of top tier customized automation equipment, will establish its U.S. operations in Greenville County, South Carolina. The undisclosed investment is expected to add at least 35 new jobs over the next few years.

Its new operations will be housed in approximately 10,000 square feet located at 138 Johns Road in Greer, with expansion to a larger facility in 3 to 5 years projected. Ruhlamat Americas Inc. anticipates hiring of approximately 15 associates in 2014 to support custom equipment assembly for U.S. customers, with additional hiring planned over 24-36 months, said Lloyd.

Founded in 1991, ruhlamat America Inc. is a division of the MACK Group, a diversified manufacturer with over 500 employees and operations in Germany , China, India and North America. The largest division of MACK Group, ruhlamat specializes in the design and manufacturing of customized automation equipment with primary applications in the automobile industry. The company is also world-renowned for its design and assembly of chip card.

“Ruhlamat has been doing business globally for many years and we are very pleased to begin this exciting new chapter in our organization’s growth here in Greenville County,” said Doug Lloyd, Vice President and Launch Manager for ruhlamat America Inc. “We are excited to become new members of the Upstate business community, and to focus our efforts on meeting the growing demand for our technologies and equipment. We appreciate the support of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, the Upstate South Carolina Alliance, the Department of Commerce, and all who joined to make today’s announcement a reality.”

“Advanced manufacturing continues to funnel foreign direct investment into South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Global companies establish are discovering that South Carolina is just right for business, and we are a world leader in creating quality products for the global marketplace.”

“Attracting high-quality, technology-driven global organizations is a key to growing our advanced manufacturing base here in Greenville County, and we welcome ruhlamat America Inc. to South Carolina,” said Dr. Bob Taylor, Board Member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and Chairman of Greenville County Council.

“We would like to welcome ruhlamat to the ever-expanding international business community of the Upstate and to applaud the teamwork of the economic development community for bringing this one home to the Upstate,” said John Lummus, President/CEO of the Upstate South Carolina Alliance, which was instrumental in attracting the company to the Upstate region.