Suminoe Textile to open new manufacturing facility in Gaffney

22 Jan '10

3 min read

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Cherokee County announced that Suminoe Textile of America Corporation (STA) will expand its operations in Cherokee County. The $6.5 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs.

“We are excited about this expansion. Cherokee County has provided an excellent business environment for us, so we are pleased to continue growing our operations here. The new facility will allow us to add capacity and meet growing demand from our customers and clients. STA appreciates all the support we've received from state and local officials and we look forward to bringing this new plant online in Cherokee County. Our company will work hard to make a contribution to the U.S., more specifically to Cherokee County's economy through our efforts in the automotive industry,” said Satoru Kuninaka, president of Suminoe Textile of America Corporation.

As part of the expansion, Suminoe will open a new manufacturing facility in Gaffney, S.C. The new facility will house the company's Automotive Materials Division, as well as shipping and receiving operations. The original plant site will open a new Needle Punch Carpet Division.

“South Carolina's automotive sector continues to bring opportunities to our state, and Suminoe Textiles' expansion here is the latest example of that. The company's decision to expand here is another sign that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to foster growth among existing businesses and attract new job opportunities for South Carolinians. This announcement and recent announcements in Cherokee County are also an indication that the community has built a strong foundation to support business growth and attract new investment. We thank Suminoe Textile for investing in South Carolina and wish them continued success in their endeavors here,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

South Carolina Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler noted, “Suminoe has seen the benefit of doing business in Cherokee County, and their expansion gives our area another reason to believe that our economy is on the mend. In the Upstate, the automotive industry and its suppliers have found one of the most welcoming business climates around, and Suminoe's new investment is a prime example.”

“Cherokee County continues to reap the rewards of the hard work of our Cherokee County Development Board. Everyone in Cherokee County, from the County Council to its citizens, is excited that Suminoe has experienced positive growth from being here. It goes to show that Cherokee County and Upstate South Carolina is the right location for global business,” said state Representative Dennis Moss.

“Suminoe's growth in Cherokee County is a vote of confidence not only to this wonderful county but to this region and the State of South Carolina,” said state Representative Steve Moss.

The company expects to begin hiring for the positions in late February and into March. Anyone interested in opportunities with Suminoe Textile of America should contact the Cherokee County Employment Security Commission/Gaffney Workforce Center at 864-489-3112 or visit their offices at 133 Wilmac Road in Gaffney.

Suminoe Textile of America (STA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suminoe Textile Ltd., which originated in Osaka, Japan over 125 years ago. The company is a leading supplier of quality textile products for the North American automotive market. STA began operations in April 2003 in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Gaffney S.C..

South Carolina Department of Commerce

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