Driven by an investment to grow the ZF Transmissions Gray Court plant into eMobility, the Laurens County Development Corporation announced last Tuesday the largest ever investment by industries in our home county.
The $648.6 Million investment figure is a record for the industrial recruiting agency’s three-person staff. The money will finance 503 new jobs, the third highest hiring total in Laurens County history.
Announcements of the investment and jobs figures were made during the LCDC annual meeting at the Musgrove Mill Golf Club.
LCDC posted, “2023 was a historic year for Laurens County! On Tuesday afternoon, we hosted numerous community leaders, investors, and industry representatives at our Annual Meeting & 2023 Year in Review and reception. President & CEO Jonathan Coleman gave an overview of LCDC’s historic 2023 announcements and successes. Guest presenter was Tobias Brugger, Vice President and Plant Manager of ZF Transmissions Gray Court, who presented an overview of the Laurens County plant as well as a look ahead at ZF’s eMobility Strategy.
“Last year, LCDC helped bring in the highest investment commitments in history, with over $648 million announced in new industry or industry expansions. Over 500 new jobs were announced, which is the third largest commitment in history. We hope you will celebrate these successes with us. A win for LCDC is a win for Laurens County as a whole and we are grateful for your support of our community!”
LCDC is funded by the Laurens County government through the fees-in-lieu-of-taxes that industries pay. It fielded 81 requests for information last year; just three years ago that number was 49 (pandemic). The previous largest ever capital investment was $307.4 Million in 2021. More information is available by visiting: www.GrowLaurensCounty.com.
ALSO ANNOUNCED:
Flame Spray North America, a thermal spray coatings manufacturer, has announced it is expanding its operations in Laurens County. The company’s $2.5 million investment will create 40 new jobs.
Part of Flame Spray S.p.A., Flame Spray North America offers a complete portfolio of thermal spray coating and heat treatment services. The company’s only North American facility, located at 576 International Blvd. in Fountain Inn, primarily aims to serve the industrial gas turbine and aerospace markets.
The expansion includes the addition of advanced thermal spray coating technologies available for servicing industrial gas turbine components and technological improvements for the current facility.
Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Flame Spray North America team should contact the company’s Human Resources Department (hrfsna@flamespray.org).
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.
QUOTES
“Flame Spray North America is thrilled to continue to grow in Laurens County, South Carolina. We appreciate the support of Laurens County and South Carolina and are deeply grateful for the dedication of our employees and the commitment of our customers.”
-Flame Spray North America President and CEO Marco Prosperini
“It is always a great day when an existing company expands in South Carolina. We applaud Flame Spray North America’s commitment to Laurens County and extend our congratulations on this latest expansion in our state.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster
“South Carolina’s talented workforce is something that brings tremendous pride. When companies like Flame Spray North America continue to expand and create jobs for our citizens, it is something worth celebrating.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“We are excited for Flame Spray North America’s continued growth and commitment to Laurens County. They are a great corporate partner, and we look forward to their continued success in Laurens County.”
-Laurens County Council Chairman Brown Patterson
