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Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Futures Group of Spartanburg County today announced that Fehrer Automotive North America LLC will expand its production operations to a site in Spartanburg County. The company expects to make a capital investment exceeding $14 million and to generate 130 new jobs over the next five years.
“Fehrer Automotive is very excited to partner with state and county agencies and its advisors on this project. The Duncan site is a good fit and allows us to position ourselves for future business opportunities,” said company spokeswoman Robin Mathis. “We are excited to become part of the Spartanburg County business community and look forward to continued growth, as well as our ability to add additional jobs in the local community.”
Fehrer Automotive’s strategic successes over the last several years have resulted in the company outgrowing its current 80,000 square feet of combined manufacturing and warehouse facilities in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. The new Duncan site has 100,000 square feet with room to expand.
“Fehrer Automotive has been part of the South Carolina’s business community for several years and we are excited to see the company expand its presence here with a $14 million investment and 130 new jobs. We love when new companies come to South Carolina, but it’s a celebration when the ones we already have expand,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Automotive continues to be a leading sector in South Carolina. Commerce has been involved in recruiting more than $2 billion in investment and more than 9,800 jobs since the beginning of 2008.
“Our state’s standing in the automotive club continues to grow. When a company like Fehrer chooses to expand in South Carolina, it not only indicates the vigor of our automotive sector, but the strength of our state’s business climate as well,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
“We are extremely pleased that Fehrer Automotive has chosen Spartanburg County to expand its production operations. We appreciate the efforts of our economic development team, public and private, in securing this business venture in Spartanburg County. We welcome them to our business community and wish them much success,” said David Britt, chairman of Economic Recruitment Committee of Spartanburg County Council and member of the Economic Futures Group Board.
Lewis F. Gossett, President and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance added that Fehrer Automotive’s investment is another strong endorsement of South Carolina’s growing international leadership role in the automotive industry. “Fehrer is a world class company that has a history of doing business in our state, and with this investment, Fehrer expressed not only satisfaction with its South Carolina experience but also confidence in its ability to continue to be successful here.”
The company plans to begin hiring for the new positions in September. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company can send a resume to Robin Mathis, Human Resources, Fehrer Automotive North America LLC, 385 South Woods Drive, Fountain Inn, S.C. 29644.
The state will provide job development credits approved by the Coordinating Council for Economic Development when the company reaches its hiring commitments. The county is providing a Fee-in-Lieu-of-Taxes agreement and special source revenue credits.
Fehrer Automotive North America is a subsidiary of F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbH. Fehrer is an international developer and series supplier for the automobile industry. The product range comprises moulded seat pads for car seats, arm rests, centre consoles, side bolsters, headrests and inner trim panels as well as structural parts for cars. Founded in 1875 in Kitzingen, Germany, the family-owned enterprise has 22 production facilities in countries like Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, United States, South Africa, India and China today. For more information on the company, please visit www.fehrer.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. In 2010, Commerce recruited a record 20,453 new jobs and $4.1 billion in capital investment. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Deal of Year Award in 2011 from Area Development magazine. Trade & Industry Development magazine selected two projects recruited by Commerce and its allies in 2010 for the magazine’s annual Corporate Investment & Community Impact Awards. Commerce’s efforts have resulted in the successful recruitment of numerous world-class companies such as Boeing, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services and offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
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