$29.5 million investment expected to create 125 jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. - U.S. Engine Valve, a global automotive supplier of high-engineered valves, will expand operations in Oconee County. The $29.5 million investment is expected to add at least 125 new jobs to the company's existing facility in Westminster.
U.S. Engine Valve - which is a joint venture between Nittan Valve Co., Ltd. and Eaton Vehicle Group -- supplies high-engineered valves that help increase fuel economy as well as improve a vehicle's overall efficiency and performance. Through this latest expansion, the company will bring on a new line of equipment to serve its customers in North America.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $5 billion in capital investment and more than 8,000 jobs in the automotive-related sector.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.
QUOTES
"This investment to support growth in our North American valve business is great for our customers, employees, and the communities where we live and work. We especially want to thank the South Carolina's Department of Commerce and the Oconee County Economic Development Commission for their support in helping make the expansion in the Westminster facility come to fruition." -Bobby Dover, plant manager, USEV in South Carolina
"U.S. Engine Valve is a prime example of how South Carolina is ideal for growing existing businesses, especially those in the automotive sector. Their commitment of $29.5 million investment and 125 new jobs will continue to provide a positive economic impact to the Upstate region." - Gov. Nikki Haley
"Over the past two decades, South Carolina has become a heavy hitter in the automotive industry, with more than 250 auto-related companies and suppliers located here. Thanks to companies like U.S. Engine Valve, more than 45,000 South Carolinians are employed today in the automotive industry alone." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
"It's exciting to see this global company expand their footprint in Oconee County. This demonstrates to the world we have the labor force, a positive business climate and an excellent partnership with our technical school to satisfy the needs of industry." - Joel Thrift, chairman of Oconee County Council
FIVE FAST FACTS
- $29.5 million investment is expected to add at least 125 new jobs.
- Company is bringing on a new line of equipment to service customers in North America.
- Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $5 billion in capital investment and more than 8,000 jobs in the automotive-related sector.
- More than 250 auto-related companies and suppliers are located in South Carolina.
- More than 45,000 South Carolinians are employed by the automotive industry alone.
About Nittan Valve Co., Ltd.
Nittan Valve Co., Ltd. manufactures and sells engine valves, marine parts, variable cam phasers, and gears primarily in Japan. The company offers engine valves for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, and buses, as well as for marine and general-purpose products. It also provides variable cam phasers for automobiles; precision forged gears for automobiles and trucks, as well as for agricultural, construction, and industrial machinery; and other products, such as valve lifters, roller rocker arms, machine tools, etc. Nittan Valve Co., Ltd. was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Hadano, Japan.
About Eaton
Eaton is a power management company with 2013 sales of $22.0 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 102,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.