Area Development
Germany-based Con-Pearl North America, a maker of lightweight recycled plastic boards, will make a $14.25 million investment to establish its first North American production facility in Greenville County, South Carolina, generating more than 50 new jobs.

"We are pleased with the opportunity to locate our new operations in Greenville. South Carolina offers us an exceptional business environment and great access to markets in the U.S. We look forward to bringing our facility online and appreciate all the support we've received from state and local officials," said Stefan Hoedt, director of Business Development for Con-Pearl North America.

Con-Pearl North America, a subsidiary of Germany-based Friedola-Tech, will locate its new facility in Greenville County at 6400 Augusta Road. As an incentive, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $150,000 to help the company retrofit its building.

Con-Pearl North America's parent, Friedola-Tech, is a recycled plastics processing and products company, with its main product being a lightweight structural board made of polypropylene. Its finished products are primarily returnable packaging containers used by a variety of industries and in many applications. The boards are also used as structural supports in applications where a non-rotting, lightweight structural material is required, such as automotive interior and exterior applications, and in construction systems.

"We are very pleased that Con-Pearl decided to locate their business here in Greenville County," said H. G. "Butch" Kirven, director of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council. "Everything lined up for them here - skilled workforce, proximity to customers and a great quality of life. We welcome this fine company into our community."