On The Move
Kronotex USA Announces Expansion in Barnwell County
Sep 1, 2010
Investment expected to create 40 new jobs
BARNWELL COUNTY, SC – September 1, 2010 – The South Carolina Department
of Commerce, Barnwell County and SouthernCarolina Alliance today
announced that Kronotex USA will expand its Kronotex Flooring LLC
manufacturing facility in Barnwell County. The $45 million investment is
expected to generate 40 new jobs. The construction project, expected to
start immediately, will enhance clean energy development and increase
production capacity by 60 percent with the installation of a third set
of high-speed laminating and profiling lines.
“The expansion of our Barnwell facility will enable us to produce a
complete line of high-end laminate flooring products with improved
design, which were previously only produced in the company’s European
factories and imported by Kronotex USA,” said Norm Voss (pictured, left), president and
CEO of Kronotex USA Holdings Inc. “The increase in both capacity and
capability will create new jobs in Barnwell while providing our
customers with higher value products more quickly and more reliably, in
addition to reducing their delivery costs and working capital
requirements.”
Kronotex’s expansion project includes 225,000 square feet of additional
warehouse space and new factory, administrative and sales offices.
“This significant investment during a time of weak economic growth is a
testimonial to the excellent quality of our products and our workforce
in Barnwell,” continued Voss. “We could not have continued to grow our
business during these tough economic conditions if it weren’t for the
close working relationships we have developed with our customers and
critical vendors.”
“Kronotex’s decision to expand in Barnwell County is another positive
indication that the region’s skilled workforce and the state’s
business-friendly climate are working to help existing businesses grow
and compete. From Dixie Narco’s expansion to Horsehead’s recent ribbon
cutting, good things are happening in Barnwell County and Kronotex’s
announcement is more positive news. The community’s strong leadership
and regional support have been a key element in attracting new jobs and
investment to Barnwell County. As well, we continue to enjoy working
with Norm Voss and the entire Kronotex team as they grow in Barnwell
County. The Department of Commerce congratulates Kronotex on its
expansion and wishes the company much success in its endeavors,” said
Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“This is great news for us,” said Barnwell County Economic Development
Director Marty Martin. “Kronotex’s management team and ownership has
certainly done a wonderful job in maintaining a strong presence in the
laminate flooring market amid adverse economic conditions. This speaks
well for the future of Kronotex and their commitment to Barnwell
County.”
“On behalf of SouthernCarolina Alliance, we congratulate the Kronotex
team and extend our gratitude for their commitment to our region and our
people,” said Johnny Williamson, chairman of SouthernCarolina Alliance.
“We’re proud that the company, which was the region’s largest capital
investment announcement in the state in 2000, has chosen South Carolina
once again as a great place to grow their business. We would like to
thank the S.C. Department of Commerce and the Barnwell EDC for their
support of industrial recruitment in our area.”
“Norm Voss and the entire team at the Kronotex USA facility have
demonstrated their ability to compete, succeed, and grow, even in a
challenging economy. We look forward to working with the team in the
coming year as they begin their expansion at the S.C. Advanced
Technology Park,” said SCA President Danny Black. “We appreciate their
investment in our workforce and our community.”
Kronotex U.S.A. Inc.
Kronotex U.S.A. Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Swiss Krono Group, is one of the largest laminate flooring manufacturers in the world. For more information on Kronotex USA, call (866) 334-9923 or visit www.kronotexusa.com.About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has been recognized for its success in the areas of job creation and economic impact by Area Development and Business Facilities magazines. The S.C. Department of Commerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations to receive Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award in 2009 and Commerce received the 2009 Deal of the Year award from Business Facilities magazine. Southern Business & Development also awarded the S.C. Department of Commerce the “Deal of the Year” for the 2010 SB&D 100. Commerce received the recognitions for Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant to support the 787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services and offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
