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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Japan-Based Suminoe Textile Of America Plans $5 Million Expansion At Gaffney, South Carolina, Manufacturing Plant

04/03/2014
Suminoe Textile of America Corporation, a supplier of textile products for the North American automotive market, is investing $5 million to expand its needle punch automotive carpet facility in Cherokee County, South Carolina, with plans to create 100 jobs.

Suminoe is the wholly owned subsidiary of Suminoe Textile Ltd., which originated in Japan more than 125 years ago. Suminoe Textile of America Corporation began operations in the United States at its Gaffney, South Carolina, facility in 2003.

Over the past decade, Suminoe has grown from an initial 10 employees to more than 400 currently employed at its Gaffney facility, South Carolina Department of Commerce officials said. As part of the expansion, Suminoe will be hiring machine operators, forklift drivers, inspection operators as well as management positions.

"Suminoe is excited to continue growth at our United States facility in Cherokee County. They welcomed us with open arms ten years ago and we appreciate the continued support of Cherokee County and the South Carolina Department of Commerce," Said Kathie Ledford, HR mManager for Suminoe Textile of America Corporation.

"Suminoe is a national leader in the textile industry, and their decision to invest $5 million into Cherokee County and create 100 new jobs here is not only good news for the Gaffney community, but for the entire state of South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley said. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.

"The automotive sector continues to drive business location and expansion decisions in South Carolina, including companies in the textile industry. Thanks to companies like Suminoe, South Carolina's rich history in textiles is growing,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

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