China Hengshi Foundation Company, a fiberglass fabric provider, is locating a facility in Lower Richland, a move that is expected to bring $11.1 million in capital investment and lead to 48 new jobs.
The company expects to have the 111,000-square-foot manufacturing plant at 1440 Atlas Road operational later this year.
The announcement marks the second major investment in the past 12 months in Richland County that’s being made by a China-based manufacturer. Last year in May, China Jushi announced plans to invest up to $500 million and create 800 jobs at a manufacturing facility in Pineview Industrial Park, located off Pineview Road in the Lower Richland area.
"China Hengshi's announcement is a further demonstration that Richland County's decision to invest in economic development is paying dividends," said Richland County Council Chair Joyce Dickerson.
Founded in 2000, China Hengshi specializes in the research, development, production and marketing of a variety of fiber-weaving products for export around the world. Primarily used in wind turbine blades, the company's products also are utilized in space flight, aviation, construction, transportation, and environmental protection.
Hiring for the new positions at China Hengshi is expected to begin soon, and interested applicants should visit the company's website at www.chinahengshi.com.cn or contact lewis.stern@hengshiusa.com. ReadySC also has established a microsite at www.readysc.org/hengshi/ to assist in hiring for China Hengshi.