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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Agru America Inc. Invests $39.1 Million To Increase operations In Two South Carolina Counties

12/13/2012
A geosynthetics producer, Agru America, will invest $39.1 million to expand its current operations in Georgetown and Williamsburg County, South Carolina, with plans to create 126 new jobs.

Agru America, Inc. is expanding its Georgetown production facility by 40,000 square feet, installing a 130,000-square-foot asphalt storage yard to accommodate new production equipment. This includes at least three new machines and new employees to support the additional production capacity. This expansion will involve a $19.2 million investment and the creation of 49 jobs.

In January, Agru America purchased the assets of a production facility in Williamsburg County, where the company has expanded its business to include production of needle-punched, non-woven textiles for environmental, industrial, automotive, bedding and furniture products. The company is upgrading and expanding this facility to accommodate additional production equipment and an increased labor force. The $19.9 million investment is expected to create 77 new jobs.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to move forward with these expansions. We have seen demand for our products increase and adding capacity at both facilities will help us meet our manufacturing goals. South Carolina has provided us with an excellent business environment for almost two decades, and both Georgetown and Williamsburg counties are perfect fits for our business. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Robert Johnson, president of Agru America.

“Seeing a South Carolina company decide to increase its footprint not just in one, but two counties is always exciting. We are working hard everyday to help companies prosper by strengthening our state’s business-friendly climate and develop the skills of our workforce. Today’s announcement by Agru America is another sign we are on the right track,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“I’ve always said that economic development is a team effort, and today’s announcement is a striking example of what can happen when state, regional and local pool their resources. Agru America’s decision to build on its Palmetto State investments not only creates jobs with impact, but also adds steam to our state’s manufacturing renaissance,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

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

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