$5 million investment expected to create 50 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Fraenkische Industrial Pipes today announced that it will expand its existing operations and North American headquarters in Anderson County. The $5 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs over the next few years.
“We are very happy to be expanding again in Anderson. We have grown from 20 employees in 2009, at the worst of the great recession, to over 100 employees now. Anderson County has been a great partner through the years, supporting our initiatives, and the location here in the Southeast is central to many of our large customers,” said Joe Roznowski, president and CEO for Fraenkische North America. “This expansion and growth would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our employees, as well.”
Fraenkische Industrial Pipes will add 20,000 square feet of space to its facility, located at 416 A.M. Ellison Road on Highway 81, and will make room for the company’s new manufacturing equipment. Fraenkische Industrial Pipes also recently finished a facade upgrade to this facility to align the look more with the company’s corporate identity and in celebration of its 10-year anniversary in the United States.
“More and more companies from around the globe are learning that South Carolina understands what businesses need in order to do well. Fraenkische Industrial Pipes understands that and the company’s expansion is a testament to the success companies can find here in the Palmetto State. We celebrate the company’s decision to invest $5 million and create 50 new jobs in Anderson,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
A smaller warehouse addition of 7,200 square feet was previously completed in 2011, with 20 additional jobs added at that time. The Anderson location became the North American headquarters after the company expanded their North American presence by adding a new facility in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico last year. The Mexico facility is managed by the Anderson team.
“South Carolina’s manufacturing renaissance continues to gather steam with announcements like this one from Fraenkische Industrial Pipes. I continue to believe that manufacturing is a strong creator of wealth in our state. Every one of these new jobs will have an impact in Anderson County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Fraenkische Industrial Pipes began operating at the Anderson site in 2003 and was the first location outside of the corporate headquarters located in Königsberg, Germany. The Industrial Pipes division produces plastic corrugated tubing and assemblies for the automotive and industrial markets.
“We are proud to stand with Fraenkische NA during this exciting announcement,” said Anderson County Council Vice Chairwoman M. Cindy Wilson. “Fraenkische NA’s success in Anderson is evidence of our pro-business climate, excellent logistics and our ability to tailor train our exceptional employees to a company’s specs. Congratulations to the Fraenkische NA team.”
The company is also growing in the non-automotive industrial segments in fuel related areas as well as household appliances such as dishwashers and also within the agricultural and construction equipment industries. The Anderson location serves over 100 customers throughout North and South America.
For additional information, contact Claire Overton-Greer at 864-328-0021 ext. 110. For employment opportunities, please visit the company’s careers web page at www.fraenkische-ip.com.
Fraenkische Rohrwerke, the parent company, is located in Königsberg, Germany and is a third generation family owned business that was established in 1906. Fraenkische became the first manufacturer worldwide to continuously produce electrical conduits made of plastic in 1959, and continues today to be the leader in the development, production and marketing of pipes, shafts and system components. The Fraenkische companies worldwide have over 2,300 employees working in 14 facilities located on four continents. For more information, please visit www.fraenkische-ip.com.