PICKENS COUNTY — Thirty new jobs are headed to the Upstate following the announcement that Safeplast NA, a manufacturer and provider of hose protectors and hose binding products, is launching a new facility to be constructed in the Pickens County Commerce Park.
Previously referred to only as “Project Sod” by Pickens County Council, the company was finally revealed at an event on Tuesday along with the news of the upcoming construction of a new 30,000-square-foot facility that will function as the company’s North American headquarters.
In total, county officials estimate the company represents a $4.3 million investment into the area.
“Safeplast NA Company’s decision to invest in Pickens County and create 30 new jobs serves as an opportunity for South Carolinians to show the world how special of a place our state is, and we are confident they will do just that,” said S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster. “We know that this is just the beginning of an important and lasting relationship between Safeplast NA Company and our state.”
S.C. Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt echoed the governor’s statement adding that the state is known for “its remarkable manufacturing ability.”
“Today’s announcement by Safeplast NA Company is further proof that this reputation is well-earned, as yet another tremendous company has chosen to call our state home,” Hitt said.
Affiliated with Safeplast Finland, Safeplast NA began manufacturing and distributing its signature Safeplast Spirals in 2007, according to the company’s website.
Designed to protect hydraulic hoses from abrasion that can lead to premature equipment failure, the company’s state-of-the-art products are generated through a unique manufacturing process with technology only available in two places worldwide – Finland and the new facility in Pickens County.
“For the past year, Safeplast NA has explored various geographic locations to build a new facility, searching both in Canada and the United States,” said Jerry Pawluk, president of Safeplast NA Company Ltd. “Thanks to the expert developmental planning of Alliance Pickens and the warm personal reception from the South Carolina community, it became clear that Pickens County Commerce Park was the perfect choice for the future growth of Safeplast.”
Pickens County Council Chairman Roy Costner attributed the county’s continued success in attracting international business to the area to its competitive economic initiatives and quality workforce.
“We are proud to welcome Safeplast NA’s headquarters and we are excited about our future together creating the company’s state-of-the-art products in Pickens County – one of only two places in the world where this technology is being used,” Costner said.
Hiring for the 30 new positions should begin in the first quarter of 2018.
