SC: JTEKT to Invest $19.4M, Expand in Oconee County, Add 56 Jobs

JTEKT North America, a producer of bearings, driveline components, steering systems and machine tools, announced it is investing $19.4 million to expand its existing Koyo Bearings production facility in Oconee County. The growth will result in the creation of 56 new jobs.

Established in 1960, this manufacturing plant was purchased by JTEKT Group in 2010 and operates as Koyo Bearings, supplying bearings and steering systems to major automotive manufacturers. A subsidiary of JTEKT Group, JTEKT North America currently employs more than 5,400 associates at 14 manufacturing facilities across the continent.

The expansion of the company's Oconee County operations, which are located at 430 Torrington Road in West Union, S.C., will include an 18,000-square-foot addition to the existing 173,000-square-foot plant. For more information on JTEKT North America or Koyo Bearings, visit www.jtekt-na.com.

Quotes

"Koyo's dedication to continuously improving our manufacturing processes shows we are a consistent employer of choice within Oconee County. This is shown by our facility investment of over $19 million over a two-year period to improve equipment, processes and our shop floor layout. We are proud of our location and glad to be part of this great area." -Koyo Engineering Facilities Manager Shawn Grimm

"Today, we celebrate JTEKT's Koyo Bearings facility in Oconee County, as well as the company's remarkable commitment to our great state. In operation for more than five decades, this plant is a longtime member of the Upstate business community, and we're proud to watch their continued success in South Carolina." -Gov. Henry McMaster

"The automotive industry continues to be a driving force in our state's economy, and today's announcement shows that South Carolina remains 'Just right' for original equipment manufacturers and suppliers alike. I look forward to the difference these 56 new jobs will make in the local community." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

"We are proud to welcome this new addition to our county as a result of the resources and benefits we can provide to local businesses. We look forward to watching the continued growth of Koyo in the years to come." - Oconee County Council Chair Edda Cammick

Five Fast Facts

• JTEKT North Americais expanding its Koyo Bearings plant in Oconee County.
• $19.4 million investment to create 56 new jobs.
• JTEKT North America is a producer of bearings, driveline components, steering systems and machine tools.
• The expansion of JTEKT's Oconee County Koyo Bearings operations, which are located at 430 Torrington Road in West Union, S.C., will include an 18,000-square-foot addition to the existing 173,000-square-foot plant.

For more information on JTEKT North America or Koyo Bearings, visit www.jtekt-na.com.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, since 2011, the Palmetto State has ranked among top three in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis, according to IBM-Plant Location International. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.