Lectra Unlocks The Real Value Of Automotive Manufacturing Data

PARIS — May 29, 2018 — Lectra, the technological partner for companies using fabrics and leather, welcomed guests from all areas of the automotive leather supply chain at its International Advanced Technology Center (IATC) in Bordeaux-Cestas, France, for two action-packed days of demonstrations, workshops and talks by industry experts during the fourth annual “Go Digital” automotive leather event.

Building on the previous editions’ themes of digitalization of manufacturing processes and the adoption of Industry 4.0 principles, this year’s presentations focused on the value creation enabled by leveraging manufacturing data. A showcase for the innovative applications Lectra is developing based on Industry 4.0 principles, the company’s trade gathering demonstrated how disruptive new technologies are enhancing the onboard experience while reorganizing the automotive interiors supply chain.

Several guest speakers provided insight into the ways industry megatrends are impacting the automotive cockpit of the future. As motorized vehicles become increasingly autonomous, connected and electrified, cementing their place in the shared mobility landscape, suppliers must now devise new strategies to achieve profitable growth. Traditional business models are losing ground to cross-functional collaboration partnerships, making it even more challenging to compete in the fast-moving connected, shared economy.

“It is disruptive for the entire automotive supply chain,” remarked Nathalie Saint Martin, vice president, Group Purchasing, Faurecia. “We are all learning to evolve together and enhance the added value to our end-customers. The level of collaboration we are now seeing among suppliers is unprecedented.”

Other keynote speeches included market research consultancy Frost & Sullivan’s analysis of automotive trends in the data-driven economy, Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) specialist Bureau Veritas’ vision of data protection for automotive and a presentation of industry insights firm WardsAuto’s selection of top 10 best vehicle interiors of 2018.

The event enables a diverse array of supply chain players in automotive interiors to gather with their peers. “Events like this one are a great opportunity to talk face-to-face with other suppliers about industry-wide challenges,” notes Claus Lattner, Director Engineering, Process Management, CoC Cut Sew Wrap Global, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. “It is not often we find ourselves in the same room to talk about consumer perception and the sustainability of leather, for instance.”

“The event provided a great opportunity to interact with suppliers who have a direct impact on innovation in interior design and manufacturing,” said John Sousanis, managing director of Wards Intelligence.

For Javier Garcia, senior vice-president, Automotive Sales, Lectra, bringing together the automotive leather community is especially important as it rises to new business challenges stemming from continually changing consumer habits and the digitalization of manufacturing processes. “Connectivity and occupant comfort are increasing the amount of high-tech content in automotive interiors, but the up-market appeal of leather makes it a constant,” states Javier Garcia. “By fostering exchange, Lectra is doing its part to help the automotive leather ecosystem evolve to meet new consumer expectations.”

Posted May 29, 2018

Source: Lectra

KARL MAYER Launches The World’s Widest Tricot Machine

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — May 28, 2018 — KARL MAYER has extended its successful model in the HKS machine series, the HKS 3-M, by including a version having a wider working width. To complement the current machines having widths of 186″ and 218″, a version having a width of 280″ is now available. The HKS 3-M, 280″, is the widest tricot machine available on the global market, and its wider width delivers greater productivity and flexibility.

Increased flexibility for the same production repertoire

Like all the HKS three-bar machines, this new machine targets a wide variety of end-uses, from car interiors, through furniture and sportswear, to coating/backing substrates and advertising media. Fabrics processed with different widths can now be produced on one machine instead of two, which used to be the case. The simultaneous production of webs can also be increased by a factor of one, i.e. two webs can be produced on a 186″-wide machine compared to three webs on a 280″-wide machine, and three webs can be produced on a 218″-wide machine as opposed to four on the new machine. The finished fabric is wound using standard batching unit no. 6 when using the normal-width, high-speed machines, whereas the new batching unit no. 51A is used with the new machine. Batching unit no. 51A winds the fabric on friction rollers, which are driven by the fabric take-up unit.

Proven performance

As well as its new features, the HKS 3-M also offers all the usual features. For example, this high-speed tricot machine operates with a 3 x 32″ beam mounting arrangement as standard. A mounting configuration with a diameter of 40″ for beam position GB 1, and 32″ each for beam positions GB 2 and GB 3, is available as an option. Just like the machines having a smaller working width, the HKS 3-M, 280″, is available in the gauges of E 28 and E 32.

It can be equipped with the new KAMCOS® 2 efficient computer platform, the LEO® Low Energy Option for energy-efficient running, and a camera monitoring system above or below the web. A face plate under the textile web for monitoring transparent fabrics is also available as an option. The knitting motions and elements are the same as on the existing machines. This machine delivers the dependable quality typical of all KARL MAYER’s machines. It can be supervised easily and operates steadily and reliably with low maintenance requirements. It is also extremely efficient. The HKS 3-M, 280″, operates at a maximum speed of 2,200 min-1.

This extra-wide machine has just been launched onto the market, but a number of modifications are already on the agenda. The developers and engineers at KARL MAYER are currently working on a three-bar, high-speed tricot machine with an intermediate width of 238″ – with the possibility of extending this by 10″.

Posted May 28, 2018

Source: KARL MAYER

CHOMARAT North America Awarded AS 9100 Certification For The Aerospace Industry

PARIS — May 28, 2018 — CHOMARAT North America has just been awarded AS 9100 certification. Chomarat Group’s US facility that specializes in Advanced Composites reinforcements is located in Williamston, S.C. The new certification covers aerospace quality management systems and follows the Group’s development strategy relative to quality and risk management. “Our North American plant’s new AS 9100 certification proves our organisational maturity and provides a vital asset to enable us to become a leading aerospace supplier,” said Michel Cognet, group managing director at CHOMARAT.

Meeting The Demands Of The Aerospace Market

With this certification, Chomarat North America is following in the footsteps of the Group’s French plants that were certified to ES 9100 in 2012. The facility now meets the strict criteria set by the market for high performance composites reinforcements for the aerospace industry. The quality system and risk management standards are recognised by purchasers worldwide and is in line with the Group’s growth strategy for the aerospace market. “We are proud of this AS 9100 certification that clearly demonstrates our commitment to quality management and reliability. This accomplishment now allows us to compete as an international aerospace supplier from multiple continents!” said Brian Laufenberg, President of Chomarat’s NA business.

C-Ply™,
The Chomarat Reinforcement That Has Already Proven Its Worth In The Aerospace Industry

Chomarat has already made a name for itself in the aerospace market with fabrics, tapes and multiaxial carbon reinforcements, particularly its C-PLY™ range. These materials are designed for primary and secondary structures as well as aircraft interior parts. These highly modular materials offer great angle and ply flexibility and open up new opportunities for designing lighter, more efficient and lower cost composite parts. This is a huge advantage in a market with high productivity demands.
This is why C-PLY was recently chosen by VX AEROSPACE for their foldaway drone, which can be stowed inside a cylindrical container and deployed from a tactical aircraft. The carbon multiaxial material is used in the construction of the wing, the horizontal stabilizers, the vertical fin and all of the control surfaces. “There is no better material! The extremely thin multiaxial reinforcement is perfect, because strength and stiffness are tailored according to demand. It offers extremely high performance at a reduced cost.” said VX AEROSPACE Chief Engineer Bob Skillen.

Posted May 28, 2018

Source: CHOMARAT

Archroma Breaks New Ground With New Aniline-Free* Indigo For Denim

REINACH, Switzerland — May 28, 2018 — Archroma, a global supplier of color and specialty chemicals, has presented an aniline-free* denim indigo dye at the recent Planet Textiles 2018 Conference in Vancouver, Canada. The brand new dye provides a non-toxic way to produce the traditional, iconic indigo blue that consumers associate with denim and jeans.

Currently, aniline impurities are an unavoidable element of producing indigo-dyed denim. Unlike other chemical impurities, aniline is locked into the indigo pigment during the dyeing process and therefore cannot be washed off the fabric.

Scientific testing has shown that aniline impurities are toxic to humans, causing skin allergies, damage to major organs and genetic defects, as well as being linked to cancer. Aniline is also toxic to aquatic life, which is an issue as two thirds of the 400 metric tons of aniline waste on an annual basis ends up in the environment as wastewater discharge.

The toxic chemical is therefore starting to feature on the restricted substance lists (RSL) of some major clothing brands and retailers.

“We have tested denim garments and found that aniline concentrations are frequently higher than expected,” said Alexander Wessels, CEO, Archroma. “This could put some manufacturers over the limits agreed on their RSLs.”

True to its commitment to take on innovation challenges, Archroma decided to take a closer look at the issue with its R&D experts, and developed an alternative system that is aniline free*.

“At Archroma, we continuously challenge the status quo in the deep belief that we can make our industry sustainable,” continues Alexander Wessels. “By removing a hazardous impurity from the denim supply chain, we aim to protect the workers who create denim, the consumers who wear denim, and the environment with cleaner waterways.”

The Denisol® Pure Indigo 30 dye is the latest in a long line of sustainable innovations for denim started in 2009. That year, Archroma introduced its ‘Advanced Denim’ technology which uses up to 90-percent less water during the dyeing process. “Being not indigo but sulfur based, ‘Advanced Denim’ itself was an aniline free solution too!”, added Wessels.

For designers and brand owners who long for authentic indigo inspiration, the new Denisol Pure Indigo 30 now also makes it possible to produce indigo-dyed denim without high levels aniline impurities.

Archroma successfully tested Denisol Pure Indigo 30 at Absolute Denim mill in Thailand. “During the testing everything performed exactly the same as it would with conventional indigo,” said Vichai Phromvanich, Board Member, Absolute Denim. “There was just one important difference: no aniline.”

“We’ve had an overwhelming positive reaction from the industry in sneak previews and during the launch at Planet Textiles,” continued Wessels. “As a responsible industry leader, we believe it’s important to actively look for eco-advanced solutions that are attractive and at the same time cost-efficient for clothing brands, retailers and end-consumers.”

Archroma will make the Denisol Pure Indigo 30 dye in the most sustainable way as possible. The new dye will be produced in Archroma’s facility in Pakistan, a plant that made the headlines in 2012 for being what Archroma believed to be the industry’s first zero liquid discharge plant.

* Below limits of detection

Posted May 28, 2018

Source: Archroma

Acquisition Expands Radians’ Portfolio In Flame Resistant (FR) Clothing And Protective Rainwear Markets

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — May 22, 2018 — Safety Supply Corp., a manufacturer of high quality personal protective equipment (PPE) and parent of Radians Inc., announced today they have acquired Neese Industries Inc., an established global leader in FR clothing and protective rainwear for almost 60 years.

Radians and Neese combined will have manufacturing capabilities in Mexico which will improve lead times on several product lines by bringing manufacturing closer to the United States. Owning their plants, equipment and in-house design and production teams allows both companies to respond quickly to unique customer needs.

“FR clothing and protective rainwear are an important growth area in the Radians portfolio,” said Bill England, president, Radians. “The acquisition of Neese bolsters our PPE platform and will build on our combined strengths of manufacturing, distribution, and product innovation. The acquisition allows us to broaden our efforts to be a top-tier, single-source supplier of high quality protective gear.”

“We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with the management and employees of Radians,” said Bob Riches, Neese product champion of FR clothing. “Radians and Neese share a respected reputation in the safety industry and the mutual mission of ‘Protecting What Matters Most,’ which includes our relationships with workers, consumers, and our customers.”

Riches will continue to lead and manage the 134 employees that work for Neese Industries and will play a major role in the expansion of FR clothing and rainwear at Radians. After systems integration is completed later this year, customers will be able to conveniently order both Radians products and Neese products on a single purchase order.

Posted May 25, 2018

Source: Radians®

 

R2G, The Majority Owner Of Pegas Nonwovens, To Acquire First Quality’s U.S. And China Nonwovens Businesses

GREAT NECK, N.Y./PRAGUE, Czech Republic — May 22, 2018 — R2G, a family office based in Prague, Czech Republic, which owns majority interest in Pegas Nonwovens A.S., and First Quality Enterprises Inc. today announced that the two companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which R2G will acquire 100-percent of First Quality’s nonwovens operations in the United States and China. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed early in the third calendar quarter of 2018.

R2G’s nonwovens business Pegas Nonwovens is a producer of nonwoven textiles with operations in Europe and Africa. The acquired operations will continue, post transaction, to supply nonwovens to First Quality’s U.S. absorbent hygiene division, which manufactures premium infant care, adult incontinence, and feminine hygiene products for the retail and healthcare markets. This strategic acquisition will expand R2G’s presence into North America and Asia and will act as a fantastic platform for growth in these two important markets.

Michal Smrek, CEO, R2G, said: “We believe strongly in the nonwovens business. This transaction will enable us and our group companies to support our global customers across four continents. Post transaction, we will have state-of-the-art production facilities and unrivalled know-how and R&D expertise to ensure that our customers benefit from the premium products we offer and the joint innovation and synergies that this combination will bring. When we acquired Pegas, we said that this was the first step to building a global platform. This transaction is the second step and we look forward to now investing into our global platform and the people that have made the production companies a success.”

Jim Dodge, CFO, First Quality Enterprises, said: “In the past 21 years, we have built First Quality Nonwovens into a global leader in the nonwovens industry through strategic investments, strong product development, and differentiation; with full commitment to our workforce, customers, and our communities in Hazleton, Pennsylvania and Wuxi, China. We are very pleased to pass along this legacy to a company which shares our principles and values. While it is extremely difficult to part with our nonwovens division and the fantastic team members that work there, we are pleased that, following the completion of the transaction, they will be part of the R2G family of nonwovens companies with similar core values as the First Quality Group. We are also excited about continuing to work closely with them in the years to come as they continue to supply First Quality with premium nonwoven materials. We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to our entire workforce for their tireless dedication for the last 21 years.”

Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC served as financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz served as counsel to First Quality. Dentons served as counsel to R2G. CSOB bank, together with KBC Bank N.V branch in New York, arranged debt financing for the acquisition by R2G.

Posted May 25, 2018

Source: First Quality Enterprises

Avery Dennison Joins Forces With Softwear Automation To Enable The Supply Chain Of The Future

ATLANTA — May 21, 2018 — Avery Dennison — a producer of pressure-sensitive, functional materials, branding, weaving and labeling solutions for the retail apparel market — and SoftWear Automation — a  sewing technologies company for manufacturing automation in the home goods, footwear and apparel industries — have teamed up to help apparel manufacturers create a fully-digital supply chain that enables speed in the manufacture of apparel and textile products.

Through this partnership, Avery Dennison is leading a transformative change in the apparel industry, ushering in innovation that is in keeping with the company’s history of pushing boundaries to create positive change across the supply chain.

Sparking Change in the Apparel Industry

Automating and simplifying production processes is key for speed to market and new levels of customization, which are increasingly in demand by consumers. The success of fast fashion retailers is a testament to growing consumer expectation for more choices, at rates greater than ever before.

“At Avery Dennison, we recognize that the apparel industry is changing,” said Michael Colarossi, vice president of Innovation, Product Line Management and Sustainability at Avery Dennison. “As consumers continue to demand fast, customized solutions, the apparel industry is challenged to respond. Innovation is in our DNA, and this partnership, combined with our expertise and unique position in the value chain, is part of our broader strategy to help factories and brands get their customers the products they want, when they want it.”

Avery Dennison’s capabilities in branding, labelling and RFID, combined with SoftWear Automation’s autonomous sewing worklines, enable digitalization and automation within the apparel and textile supply chain to accelerate this progression.

“You can’t make an on-demand, made-to-measure garment if it needs to travel through the global supply chain. It will never be fast enough. We have to rethink how we deliver apparel to customers to match their demand for speed, variation and quality,” said Palaniswamy “Raj” Rajan, chairman & CEO, Softwear Automation.

SoftWear Automation’s revolutionary digital t-shirt SEWBOT® Workline, is a fully autonomous, single operator system that produces one complete t-shirt every 22 seconds — twice as fast as manual sewing. Digitizing the production portion of the supply chain presents exciting new opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers.

Advancing Sustainability Through Automation

In addition to the clear business value delivered by supply chain automation, there is also great potential to advance sustainability. In a world in which garment manufacturers only make product that is needed, and in the markets where it would be consumed, the amount of waste and greenhouse gases generated could’ve be significantly less than what is produced today. Colarossi continued: “ Sustainability is a core value of Avery Dennison, and this partnership aligns with our ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our operations and the broader industry. Automation allows manufacturers to drive greater productivity and create new, higher-value opportunities for brand owners to better service their consumers.”

“We can solve a lot of what ails fashion if we only make the goods when the order is made. Local, on-demand, made-to-measure manufacturing presents an enormous economic opportunity to tackle the priorities that will help make fashion more sustainable as outlined by the Global Fashion Agenda and The Boston Consulting Group,” said Pete Santora, chief commercial officer for Softwear Automation. “Local-for-local manufacturing is a profitable business model with the opportunity to “bake in” the social and environmental responsibility from the beginning.”

Posted May 25, 2018

Source: Avery Dennison

RMC Advanced Technologies To Locate US Headquarters And Manufacturing Facility In Hawkins County Tennessee

SURGOINSVILLE, Tenn. — May 16, 2018 — Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and RMC Advanced Technologies officials announced today that the company will locate its U.S. headquarters and establish a manufacturing facility in Surgoinsville. The composite components manufacturer will invest $7 million and create 54 new jobs in Hawkins County.

“I want to welcome RMC to Hawkins County and thank the company for choosing to locate its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Surgoinsville,” Rolfe said. “It means a great deal that another international-based company has chosen our state for its new operations. Tennessee is home to more than 70 Canadian-owned companies that employ approximately 8,000 Tennesseans and we appreciate RMC for creating 54 new jobs in our state and Surgoinsville.”

RMC Advanced Technologies, a subsidiary of Sigma Industries Inc., produces and sells composite components. The company offers products for the heavy-duty truck, coach, transit and bus, machinery, agriculture and wind energy markets. Sigma Industries Inc. was founded in 2005 and is based in Saint-Ephrem-de-Beauce, Quebec, Canada.

“This location in the U.S. represents an important strategic milestone for us,” said Denis Bertrand, president of Sigma Industries Inc. “It is the first step in our strategy to grow our operations in the U.S. market. In essence, it will allow us to better serve existing customers while providing us with the opportunity to grow our business in a market of significant size. Furthermore, we are proud to be in a position to serve our transit industry customers with Buy America compliant products.”

RMC’s new operations, which will be located in the Phipps Bend Industrial Park Spec Building in Surgoinsville, will be the company’s U.S. headquarters and will also include manufacturing and production. The company plans on manufacturing composite components in Hawkins County.

“I’d like to welcome RMC to Hawkins County and look forward to the company’s future growth,” Hawkins County Mayor Melville Bailey said. “I am pleased RMC has chosen to call Phipps Bend Industrial Park home. RMC’s decision to locate here reinforces our position that Hawkins County offers the quality of workforce that industries need. We look forward to working with them to ensure many prosperous years in Hawkins County.”

“I am pleased to welcome RMC to Hawkins County.  A company like this was exactly what we envisioned to locate in the spec building in Phipps Bend Industrial Park,” Larry Elkins, chairman of Hawkins County Industrial Development Board, said. “The quality of jobs RMC will bring to Hawkins County speaks volumes about the company and what it will provide to our community. RMC Advanced Technologies Inc. will have state of the art robotics technology that will require highly skilled employees. I’d like to thank NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, TVA, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, and Rebecca Baker for their hard work and many hours of service in helping to locate RMC to Hawkins County.”

“TVA and Holston Electric Cooperative congratulate Sigma Industries, Inc. on its decision to locate in Hawkins County,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “Helping to create new job opportunities in the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we are proud to partner with Hawkins County Industrial Development Board, Phipps Bend Joint Venture Managing Committee, NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership and USDA Rural Development to help further that mission.

Surgoinsville and Hawkins County are represented by Sen. Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) and Rep. Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville) in the Tennessee General Assembly.

Posted May 25, 2018

Source: The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

Dixie Color To Create 100 Jobs In Chattooga County Georgia

TRION, Ga. — May 18, 2018 — Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that Dixie Color Inc., a color resin pellets manufacturing company, will create 100 jobs and invest more than $19 million in a new Dixie Specialty Fibers facility in Trion, Ga. New jobs will include production, management, supervisory, technician and administrative positions.

“Georgia offers a wealth of resources for innovative companies like Dixie Color to grow their business, including our top-ranked business climate and high-performing transportation infrastructure,” said Deal. “By establishing this new facility in Trion and utilizing the state’s highly skilled workforce, Dixie Color will have the resources necessary to meet the needs of a growing customer base. We look forward to Dixie Color’s continued investment in Georgia and appreciate the company’s commitment to creating jobs in Chattooga County.”

Dixie Color specializes in single pigment dispersions, custom color masterbatches and plastic compounding. The Trion expansion will support the development of a new product line of polyethylene terephthalate microfiber for use in bath mats, area rugs and carpet.

“Will Dendy and I started Dixie Color in 2009 with the vision of being a full-service color supplier to the tremendous growth of the solution-dyed flooring industry,” said Lee Starks, vice president of Dixie Color. “The formation of Dixie Specialty Fibers is representative of our commitment to continue to reinvest our resources into our employees, community, and customer base. We are excited to be the first local domestic supplier of microfiber, and we are even more excited about the opportunities it will create for our existing and future employees, as well as continuing to meet our customers’ needs.”

The newly formed Dixie Specialty Fibers Inc. will support the growing demands of the fine denier microfiber market.

“The Town of Trion is pleased to welcome Dixie Color into our community,” said Trion Mayor Larry Stansell. “We are excited that they will be the anchor tenant in our industrial park and look forward to the new opportunities that their expansion will create for the town, the county, and the region as a whole.”

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Regional Project Manager Stephanie Scearce represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Trion and Georgia Power.

“As a regional economic development authority, we are pleased that we were able to assist one of our existing industries in expanding their operations within our territory,” said Chairman Jeff Mullis, president and CEO of the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority. “Their expansion will result in a net gain in jobs and capital investment to our Northwest Georgia community and we look forward to working with Dixie Color as they continue to operate in Walker County and expand their presence to Chattooga County.”

“This announcement is a well-deserved win for Chattooga County,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “This region has strategic economic development assets as well as an equipped workforce that Dixie Color is sure to benefit from. Congrats to all partners involved.”

Posted May 25, 2018

Source: Georgia Office of the Governor

Carolina Composites To Expand Pioneer Boats Manufacturing Operations In Colleton County

COLUMBIA, S.C. — May 23, 2018 — Carolina Composites, doing business as Pioneer Boats, has announced that the company will expand its existing operations in Walterboro, S.C. Through its $3 million investment, the company is projected to create 92 jobs over the next five years.

Located at 208 Upchurch Lane in Walterboro, S.C., Carolina Composites currently employs 90 associates at its manufacturing facility. Increasing demand has allowed the company to launch an additional 10 new models over the last six years. The company, now producing 20 boats per week, plans to increase production to 30 boats per week in the near future.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $100,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Colleton County to assist with the costs of real property improvements.

“We are happy that our company is thriving in Walterboro, where our team builds some of the best boats in the world,” said Carolina Composites Co-Owner Roy McSwain. “We are pleased that we will be able to create more new jobs and bring more investment to Colleton County, where most of our workforce resides. We are now benefiting from the growing economy and the great business climate here in South Carolina.”

“It’s a special day whenever an existing South Carolina company announces plans to expand, as it sends a message to the world that we live up to our commitment to being business-friendly,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “I congratulate Pioneer Boats on this new investment and look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”

“When a South Carolina business grows the way Pioneer Boats has, it’s yet another testament that we are a state that fosters manufacturing innovations,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “We appreciate Pioneer Boats’ commitment and longstanding relationship with Colleton County and our state.”

“Pioneer Boats is an asset to our community,” said Colleton County Council Chairman Dr. Joe Flowers. “We appreciate the job creation and investment they have made in Colleton County. We congratulate them on their continued success, and Colleton County Council will continue to do anything we can to help Pioneer Boats and other companies succeed in economic development.”

“We are extremely pleased that Pioneer Boats has decided to reinvest in Colleton County,”  said Colleton County Economic Alliance Chairman Lee Petrolawicz. “This expansion project is a big win for all. Brothers Mike Holmes and Roy McSwain produce world-class boats. The plant expansion will allow an increase in boat production, while employing more than 90 more of our friends, family members and neighbors. Congratulations to Pioneer Boats, and thanks to SouthernCarolina Alliance for its generous contribution to the expansion project.”

“SouthernCarolina Alliance congratulates the team at Pioneer Boats on their success, which stems from a commitment to excellence,” said Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls. “We are proud that Pioneer Boats are manufactured exclusively in our region of South Carolina and sold around the world. This expansion will bring another 90 jobs to Colleton County, improving the quality of life for almost 100 families who will benefit from these jobs. What a great American product and a great South Carolina business story!”

Fast Facts:

  • Carolina Composites is expanding its Pioneer Boats manufacturing operations in Colleton County.
  • $3 million investment to create 92 new jobs.
  • The company, now producing 20 boats per week, plans to increase production to 30 boats per week in the near future.
  • The company’s facility is located at 208 Upchurch Lane in Walterboro, S.C.

Posted May 25, 2018

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce

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