In one of the largest capital investments ever in Richland County, the world’s leading fiberglass manufacturer will invest an initial $300 million into the local economy and create 400 new jobs to build a production facility in Lower Richland.
China Jushi, which makes and promotes fiberglass products, is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operations in the Pineview Industrial Park, a 900-acre site near Shop Road in the southeast part of the County. The company will locate in the area that was slated for the new State Farmers Market.
The company’s entry into Richland County is attributed to the County’s investment in the industrial park, the role of the County’s economic development team and the penny program.
The $300 million investment by China Jushi is one of the largest in Richland County history; second to the former Union Camp (International Paper) $600 million investment in 1984. China Jushi expects to begin construction on its new facility late this year.
“Jushi’s decision to locate in Richland County is a major step forward in our quest to recruit world-class companies,” said Richland County Council Chairman Torrey Rush. “While today’s announcement is a reason to celebrate, the County is committed to the company’s long-term success in South Carolina.”
Three key components led to the success of attracting China Jushi to Richland County:
- Richland County Council’s commitment to purchase the Pineview Industrial Park property.
- The creation of the County’s Economic Development Office, which worked for years to secure the project.
- The Transportation Penny Program’s funding of the Shop Road extension from Pineview Road to Longwood.
In addition to the Shop Road extension, the penny program is expected to improve several roads near the industrial park located between I-77 and Lower Richland.
While China Jushi is the first tenant for the Pineview Industrial Park, the County is confident more industries will follow. In addition to being close to the interstate and railroad lines, the property also has the needed infrastructure – water, sewer and natural gas lines.
Headquartered in Zhejiang, China, China Jushi is a leading supplier of fiberglass reinforcements and fabrics to the reinforced plastics industry worldwide. With more than 20 years of experience in the U.S. market, Jushi already has a strong brand influence in American markets. The new production line is designed to supplement the growing composite material industry in the United States.