Lugoff, S.C.-based TB Kawashima USA Inc. -- a producer of interior automotive fabrics, and the U.S. division of Japan-based TB Kawashima Co. Ltd. -- has announced it will invest $9 million to expand it manufacturing plant, with the expectation of adding 50 jobs over the next five years. The company will start hiring in the fourth quarter of this year and expects the new operations to begin at that time. TB Kawashima's fabrics are used in cars made by Honda, Nissan, Toyota and GM.

"This represents the second expansion to this plant in the last couple of years," said Yuzo Mori, president, TB Kawashima USA. "Demand for our products has continued to grow, and [Lugoff] has provided us with an excellent business environment in which to operate. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials."

August 17, 2010