More than $14 million investment expected to create 51 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Con-Pearl North America, a maker of lightweight recycled plastic boards, today announced plans to establish its first North American production facility in Greenville County. The $14.25 million investment is expected to generate 51 new jobs over the next five years.
“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. The company expects to begin operations at the facility in October of this year.
“South Carolina continues to be the place to do business for companies from across the globe. We celebrate Con-Pearl North America’s decision to invest $14.25 million and create 51 new jobs in Greenville. We are committed to strengthening South Carolina’s business climate and bringing more investments like this one,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
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. The innovative product also supports client goals for reduction of carbon emissions and energy saving in the transportation sector, as well as in other industries.
“Today’s announcement bolsters our state’s manufacturing sector and also strengthens our economic ties with Germany. We welcome Con-Pearl North America to South Carolina’s business community and look forward to the company’s growth here,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in capital investment and more than 17,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector. Additionally, more than $430 million in capital investment and more than 1,000 new jobs have been recruited in the recycling-related sector since the beginning of 2010.
“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.”
The company will begin hiring for the new positions immediately. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Beth McNamara from FGP on [email protected].
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $150,000 for building upfit.
For more information about Con-Pearl North America and Friedola Tech, please visit www.friedola-tech.de/.