Kingstree, S.C.-based Palmetto Synthetics LLC -- a manufacturer of polyester, nylon, and other specialty man-made staple fibers for apparel, automotive and industrial applications -- will invest $7 million to expand operations at its headquarters, with the expectation of adding 75 employees. The expansion -- which includes construction of a second building and the addition of an equipment line -- is expected to be operational by March 2011. The company will begin hiring in January. Palmetto previously expanded its operations in 2008 (See " Palmetto Synthetics To Expand Williamsburg Plant," Oct. 1, 2008).

Palmetto Synthetics currently operates a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Kingstree with multiple production lines. The company supplies carded fiber for needlepunch, spunlace, thermal bond and resin bond processes; and can custom-design fibers with components such as ultraviolet absorbers, polytetrafluoroethylene additives, non-halogenated flame retardants, internal silver- and copper-based antimicrobials, and anti-mite finishes, among others.

August 17, 2010