BISHOPVILLE — Ahlstrom Specialty Reinforcement will buy an existing filtration division building in Bishopville and add multiaxial machines.
The $11.7 million investment is expected to bring 56 jobs to Lee County.
The announcement was made in a press release from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Lee County Economic Development Alliance, and the Central S.C. Alliance.
Dan Jonsas, vice president of Ahlstrom Specialty Reinforcements, said in the press release, “Ahlstrom looks forward to many years of growth and cooperation with Lee County and the state of South Carolina. This expansion shows Ahlstrom’s commitment to the American fiberglass industry, as well as a commitment to the renewable energy market.”
Ahlstrom produces engineered fiberglass products for wind energy, marine, and transport industries. The company plans to expand its operations in Bishopville to meet current and new customer demand.
“Ahlstrom is a global leader in the manufacturing of fiber-based materials and Ahlstrom Specialty Reinforcements in Bishopville is producing an innovative product with promising future growth potential. Their decision to expand in South Carolina is a testament that the state’s business-friendly climate and skilled work force are working to attract investments that will positively enhance the state’s economy with new jobs. Thanks to the team efforts of state and local officials, Lee County will benefit from this investment,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“We are excited and pleased to welcome this expansion by Ahlstrom. We value them not just as an employer, but as a member of our business community,” said Chairman Charles Arthur Beasley, Lee County Council.
Ruby Gibbs Williams, Chair of the Lee County Economic Development Alliance added, “We are blessed to have Ahlstrom continue to grow in Lee County and provide job opportunities for the citizens of the county and the region.”
Central S.C. Alliance Chairman George Bullwinkel Jr. said, “Ahlstrom’s announcement today in Lee County further demonstrates their commitment in deepening its roots in South Carolina. They are a global player in the fiber-based materials industry and have discovered the cost competitive environment that is offered here in Central South Carolina. We have the beginnings of a wind energy cluster which will lead to other suppliers over time.”
Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fiber expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom’s 6,500 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. Ahlstrom’s share is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Helsinki. The company Web site is www.ahlstrom.com.
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