Industry to locate in Colleton, bring 100 jobs – ColletonToday.com: News … – Collection Today

Project Frankfurt is no more.

Sarla Performance Fibers, a producer of yarn and threads, today announced Friday that it will locate a new operation in Colleton County.

The $13.8 million investment is expected to generate 100 new jobs.

The announcement ended months of speculation about the economic development operation known simply as “Project Frankfurt” that first appeared on a county council agenda in April.

Colleton County Administrator Kevin Griffin said negotiations to bring in the new industry actually began in January.

“We are pleased to establish our U.S. presence here in South Carolina. Colleton County offers us an excellent business environment, skilled workforce talent, exceptional market access and close proximity to the Port of Charleston,” said Bobby Downs, executive vice president of Sarla Performance Fibers. “We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials in bringing this project to fruition,”

Sarla, based in Mumbai, India, will establish a new yarn and thread manufacturing facility in Colleton County under the name Sarlaflex, located at the Industrial Park in Walterboro. The facility will serve customers in the apparel and upholstery markets.

The new plant, located in the old New York Wire building at 1497 Industrial Road purchased by the county in December, is expected to begin operations by May 2013.

“We are thrilled that Sarla Performance Fibers has chosen South Carolina for its new manufacturing facility,” said Gov. Nikki Haley in a press release. “Today’s announcement is another indication that companies from across the globe are seeing the benefits of doing business in our state. It’s also exciting to see Sarla Performance Fibers invest $13.8 million and create 100 new jobs in one of our state’s rural areas.”

Colleton County Council Chairman Evon Robinson was happy that Sarla opted to launch its U.S. operations in Walterboro.

“We are very pleased that Sarla Performance Fibers has chosen Colleton County in which to establish their

presence in the U.S.,” Robinson said. “This repatriation of jobs into the U.S. is a strong indicator that our workforce is globally competitive. Welcoming this industry here is an important touchstone not only for Colleton County but for the state of South Carolina as well.”

The addition of Sarla comes just two months after the announcement that Colleton County had secured a buy for its interstate spec building in the form of a milk production facility. All in all, the two projects are expected to add 160 new jobs to the local economy.

“Colleton County provides a strategic location and an excellent workforce for manufacturing,” said Southern Carolina Alliance Chairman Johnny Williamson. “Good jobs created through economic development are the key to improving the quality of life for our communities.”

Sarla will begin hiring for the new positions in January 2013. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact the Human Resources Department at the facility at 1497 Industrial Road.

“The South Carolina Department of Commerce has done an excellent job in matching the assets in Colleton County with the requirements of Sarla Performance Fibers,”  said Bill Workman, chairman of the Colleton County Resource and Development Board.

“We anticipate the result being long-term benefits for South Carolina, Sarla Performance Fibers and Colleton County. (Colleton County Economic Development Director) Heyward Horton and our local economic development team have shown outstanding commitment to see this project come to fruition. We are proud of what is being accomplished here and are confident that this positive trend will continue.”