New solar panels installed in front of BMW Manufacturing South Carolina power the BMW Visitors’ Center. (Photo and caption provided by BMW).

Solar panels are put into position to complete BMW Manufacturing’s new solar energy program. (Photo and caption provided by BMW).

The Greenville Area Development Corporation today announced that Fluid Tech Machines Inc., which engineers and designs custom “smart machines” that combine multiple processes within a single cycle and specialize in the fluid transfer component arena, has established its new North American sales and service facility in Greenville County. The undisclosed investment is expected to generate at least 3-5 new jobs as the company becomes fully operational.

Fluid Tech Machines (FTM) initially began operations in 2006 near Chicago driven by customer contacts held by its Swedish owners.  With a heavy business concentration in serving the fluid transfer needs of Tier 1 automotive suppliers, including providers of brakes and fuel lines, FTM became increasingly interested in re-establishing their growing operation to the Southeast, noted Technical & Sales Manager Ron Leva.

“Our proprietary equipment lines, engineered and developed by Lantz Teknik AB of Sweden, are arguably the finest and most advanced in the world, and in significant demand by automotive, aviation, aerospace and other heavy industries where fluid transfer is essential,” stated Leva.  “We have a significant and growing customer base here in the Upstate already.  Combined with Greenville County’s outstanding quality of life, and its easy air and ground accessibility to all major North and South American market, it became clear this was the right place for us to locate and grow.  We are happy to be here.”

Fluid Tech Machines’ new operations will include sales, technical support and service for the full line of Lantz Teknik equipment and software solutions, with future plans to add both engineering and manufacturing operations at a later time to the Greenville operation as business expands.

Specializing in consolidating production processes that are often difficult to automate, Fluid Tech and Lantz Teknik engineer and design machines with artificial intelligence that combine multiple processes within a single production cycle, improving  production quality and efficiency while enhancing safety and productivity.  The company specializes in assembly, crimping, pressure testing and cleaning equipment requiring intricate measurement and extreme tolerances.  Included among the company’s current customer base are TI Automotive, YH America South Carolina, Eaton Aeroquip, Halla and Visteon, among numerous others.

“Fluid Tech Machines is committed to providing the highest quality, most advanced technology possible while delivering outstanding customer service and support to meet the requirements of today’s industry,” said Leva.  “We are pleased to launch our new operations here in Greenville County, and are very appreciative for the support and leadership of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and the City of Greenville, and for the warm welcome we have received from the Upstate business community in making this announcement possible.”

“Fluid Tech Machinery is another great example of a leading edge technology company choosing Greenville County to grow,” said Chris Riley, Chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “This company has international roots and could have chosen almost anywhere for their new operation, but instead chose to locate here at the heart of our growing automotive and aviation cluster.  We welcome them to South Carolina and the Upstate.”

The company, located in the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SC-TAC) at 203 Echelon Road, has several positions to fill, including immediate need for an Electro-Mechanical Technician.  The company will continue to add equipment assemblers, sales, and office support roles as business dictates, noted Leva. Anyone interested in being considered for positions should submit resumes via email to info@fluidtechmachines.com.

Pratt Industries, a leading recycled paper and packaging company, today announced the opening of a new material recovery facility (MRF) in Spartanburg County. The $3.5 million investment is expected to generate 30 new jobs.

Myles Cohen, president of Pratt Recycling, said the facility, located in Duncan, will service the recycling needs of businesses, cities and counties within a 100-mile radius.

“We’re extremely excited to partner with Spartanburg County and the state of South Carolina to bring this state-of-the-art recycling facility to Duncan,” said Cohen. “It will improve the recycling capability for the entire upstate region, so from an economic standpoint, this expansion benefits the state of South Carolina, area businesses and the communities in the Upstate.”

The 60,000-square-foot center, which will process residential and commercial single stream recycled material, will be fully operational by April 1.

“It’s a great day in South Carolina when another one of our existing businesses decides to increase its footprint in our state. We celebrate Pratt Industries’ investment in Duncan and the creation of 30 new jobs,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Last year, the recycling industry announced $333 million in capital investment and more than 800 new jobs with 15 new or existing companies. Since 2006, the industry has invested more than $4 billion and created more than 6,000 new jobs.

“Recycling-related companies like Pratt are making an impact in South Carolina. The company’s new investment will certainly build on that,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

Pratt uses only 100 percent recyclables in its manufacturing process, which will help minimize landfill costs for businesses and municipalities.

“In addition to accepting curbside single stream from the area cities and counties, this facility will also process single stream recyclable material from commercial accounts including manufacturers, retailers, distribution centers and others,” Cohen added.

“We’re pleased to add Pratt Recycling’s expansion to the area’s effort to decrease material to local landfills.  More and more companies are aware and are reducing their solid waste stream to landfills, and Pratt’s services will enhance their goal. We appreciate this capital investment and job opportunities for Spartanburg County,” said Carter Smith, executive vice president of Spartanburg County’s Economic Futures Group.

Pratt Recycling’s Southeast General Manager Kurt Schmitz  said the MRF would deliver “cost-efficient recycling and waste solution programs due to its ability to bring the technologies for residential and commercial single stream recyclable processing under one roof.”

For information regarding hiring for the new positions, please contact Bryon Duty at bduty@prattindustries.com or 678-607-1005.

Uniscite Inc., a maker of plastic films, today announced plans to develop its operations in Laurens County. The $70 million investment is expected to generate up to 100 new jobs.

“We are pleased to locate our new operations in Laurens County and look forward to building our business here,” said Mr. Zhang Long Peng, investor and president of Uniscite Inc.

“Laurens County offered us an excellent business environment and ready and available workforce. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials, and we plan to create as many job opportunities as possible for the state,” said Ms. Fang Wang, general manager of Uniscite Inc.

Uniscite Inc. will construct a new greenfield plant to manufacture the company’s plastic film such as those used in packaging for food products. With the purchase of up-to-date machinery, Uniscite will produce a high quality BOPP film at exceptional speed. The company currently operates out of offices in Greenville. The plant is expected to be completed and operational by the first quarter of 2014.

“We celebrate Uniscite’s decision to establish its new manufacturing plant in South Carolina and create 100 new jobs. This announcement is another big win for one of our state’s rural counties. We will continue to build on our economic development successes and foster job creation throughout our state,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

In the past year, South Carolina has recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing companies played an important role in creating new jobs throughout the state last year. Today’s announcement by Uniscite shows that South Carolina’s business-friendly climate is continuing to attract job-creating investments in the manufacturing sector,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.

The project originated from Commerce’s Asia office in Shanghai, China. Asia Office Managing Director John Ling introduced the company’s executives to South Carolina and worked with them as the project developed.

“We are extremely excited to have our first China-based company locate in Laurens County. We are happy to continue to see industrial growth in the area,” said Laurens County Council Chairman Jim Coleman.

“I am very pleased to have another excellent company locate in my district,” said District 1 Laurens County Councilman Ted Nash. “Laurens County is good choice for both domestic and international companies.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $400,000 and job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met. ReadySC will provide pre-employment training.

The company will begin hiring for the new positions by early 2013. They will be seeking professionals who have experience or education in process, electrical and mechanical engineering as well as technical operations. Anyone interested in job opportunities with Uniscite Inc. should contact Toni Puleo by e-mail, tonipuleo@unisciteinc.com.

The event, presented as a summit focused on entrepreneurship, real estate, and economic development, brought together many of the Upstate’s most talented in those same areas and several others.

Kicking off the event, Clemson’s President, Jim Barker, led a panel that answered questions relating to entrepreneurship and it’s importance to the Upstate. Joining President Barker in this panel were Dr. Woody Bryan, VP of Business Development for a pharmaceutical company, Leighton Cubbage with Serrus Partners, and Michelle Higdon, an expert in the management, marketing, and operations of consumer packaged goods having led a subsidiary of Nestle for many years.

President Barker spoke about Clemson’s proactive approach to entrepreneurship through the Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Clemson’s over 400 creative inquiry groups. They all four emphasized the need for teaching entrepreneurship and the role education has on molding the concept. Dr. Bryan and Mrs. Higdon spoke to the need for perseverance as an entrepreneur. Mrs. Higdon said, “if someone says no to you, it doesn’t mean no, it means they aren’t hearing the information in the right way for them to say yes.” Dr. Bryan echoed her in saying an entrepreneur should never quit or take no for an answer.

In the second panel, Mayor Knox White was joined by real estate professionals, Robert Hughes Jr., Neil Robinson, and Susan Watts to discuss real estate entrepreneurship and “being creative during difficult times”. Steve Navarro, President of the Furman Co., moderated and led the panel with a question about the relationship between the public and private sectors in Upstate real estate. Mayor White answered the question by reporting good news: that Upstate SC is ahead of many other regions in the country. He said that many places do not have the combined public/private business ventures that can be found in the Upstate, as well as the many collaborations that occur.

Staying true to the title of the panel, the speakers spent time discussion creativity in entrepreneurship. When asked what he thought of when he heard the word entrepreneurship, Mayor White said, “entrepreneurship means thinking creatively.” Robert Hughes Jr. added that there are three elements to entrepreneurship, “the lucky part, the optimistic part, and that creative element.”

After the two panel sessions, Governor Nikki R. Haley arrived and spoke optimistically about the state of our economy and the achievements being made in the Upstate and all over the state. She spoke about the possibilities she and her administration are working on to boost entrepreneurship in our state. She also applauded South Carolina’s business leaders for keeping their employees needs in the forefront of their minds and citing this as the reason SC has one of the lowest percentage of unions in the country.

All Upstate SC Alliance (UA) members who recruit at least one (1) member company or more during the period from January 25, 2012 through and including March 13, 2012, are eligible to be entered into a drawing for an Apple iPad2. Also, if your company chooses to upgrade your membership with the Alliance by $1,000 or more, you gain an entry. The drawing will be held on March 14, 2012 at the Upstate SC Alliance Annual meeting.

For completed details of the contributor campaign and to understand the campaign more, click here.

So there is a chance to win a iPad2 but also we will report the names of the all members who successfully recruit even one member company in a future newsletter. As an added benefit, we will identify you and your company, as well as pass along your company’s elevator pitch (50 words or less) that you provide to us in a future newsletter. This is great free advertising for your company, and you will be benefiting the UA at the same time.

OUR GOAL is to bring in 15 new contributors in this time period. This helps you and boosts our marketing efforts that will result in new jobs for the Upstate.

The Upstate SC Alliance thanks you for your continued support in helping to grow the Upstate economy.  This is just one more way to help.

Get started today in helping to make a difference, visit the following webpage to begin to make an impact.

http://www.upstatescalliance.com/pages/index/about/contributor_campaign/

The South Carolina Department of Commerce earned second place in the Business Facilities 2011 Economic Development Deal of the Year competition for the Continental Tire the Americas (CTA) new plant in Sumter County, S.C. The $500 million investment is expected to generate 1,700 new jobs, including 80 new jobs in CTA’s headquarters in Lancaster County, S.C.

“This world-class, $500 million tire manufacturing facility is the largest industrial investment ever made in Sumter County,” said Business Facilities Editor-in-Chief Jack Rogers. “It will be a huge shot in the arm for the growth potential of the entire region.”

The Economic Development Deal of the Year competition was open to any organization with an economic development mission limited to a defined city, state or region. Submissions were scored based on their projected economic impact statistics as well as a narrative describing the project’s challenges, originality and likely impact on the local community.

The award recipients were announced in December and have appeared in the January issue of Business Facilities. The winners were chosen by a judging panel of industry experts who reviewed 23 submissions from across the U.S.

The Gold Award winner was the Kentucky-Ford Partnership for a $1.2 billion investment that uses incentives to spur growth at Ford Motor Co.’s Louisville facilities. The third place prize went to the City of Mesa, Arizona for bringing the First Solar manufacturing facility to the Greater Phoenix area.

Earning the Silver Award for South Carolina, CTA’s investment in Sumter is estimated to have an overall economic impact of $1.82 billion over the next 10 years.

“Continental is a world-class company, and it is truly exciting that they have chosen South Carolina for this new $500 million investment that will create 1,700 new jobs. This announcement is a big win for our state,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“Continental’s investment in this new tire plant would not have been possible without the strong support of the state of South Carolina, Governor Haley and Department of Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt,” said Jochen Etzel, CEO of Continental Tire the Americas.  “South Carolina provides an outstanding business climate and we are pleased to offer these jobs with competitive pay and benefits for the people of this great state.”

Located on a greenfield site off U.S. Highway 521, the new 1 million-square-foot plant will open in early 2014. In the first phase, the facility is expected to reach its production capacity of 5 million tires per year by 2017. A second phase is projected to increase the capacity to 8 million units per year by 2021.

The facility will allow CTA to meet growing demand from the retail level and automotive manufacturers. The company’s business growth is demonstrated by an annual growth rate of 20 percent in volume for the passenger and light truck tire business in the Americas region over the past two years.

In addition to the Sumter project, CTA will be expanding its headquarters in Lancaster County, S.C. The headquarters, which opened in 2009 and currently employs approximately 350 people, will receive a $4 million investment that is expected to generate 80 new jobs over the next four years.

Those interested in employment with CTA can find job postings on www.continental-corporation.com<http://www.continental-corporation.com>. The jobs link is under the “Continental Corporation” tab on the home page. The company will also communicate information to potential applicants in the coming months.

The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America, is pleased to announce Hal Johnson, President/ CEO of the Upstate Alliance, in Greenville, South Carolina, as the  2^nd Vice Chairman to serve on the SEDC Board of Directors. The 2^nd Vice- Chairman will serve a one-year term on SEDC’s board, moving to the Chairman position in 2014. Hal is a committed member of SEDC, having joined in 2001. He has previously served many roles on the SEDC Board, including State Director for South Carolina. He most recently served the association as the Secretary/ Treasurer prior to being elected. Mr. Johnson will take the seat immediately.

The Southern Economic Development Council is a 830+ member, non-profit organization composed of a broad cross-section of active and influential industrial and economic developers from business and industry, utilities, transportation, financial and education institutions, chambers of commerce, and local, regional and state development agencies.  “As a professional association our main goal is to provide tangible benefits to our members allowing them to advance the economic prosperity of the area they serve.  Hal will be a great asset in helping us achieve this goal,” stated Mallie Combs, SEDC Chairman.

Members in the 17-state area share a common interest: the promotion and enhancement of the economic development profession. The SEDC region includes the following states:  Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and the District of Columbia, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

For more information about SEDC visit the website at www.sedc.org.

As one of the oldest workforce training programs in the United States, ReadySC works with many South Carolina technical colleges to prepare and place workers in SC companies.

From 2009 to 2010, 4,500 employees were trained and since the organization’s inception in 1961, over 260,000 employees have been trained.

One recent success story can be found in the recent announcement made by Cross Country Home Services in Anderson to expand their facility and hire more people. Cross Country reportedly found many of their employees through ReadySC.

This Wednesday, January 25th at 8:00 am, ReadySC will be presenting at our office, located at 124 Verdae Blvd, Suite 202 in Greenville. Please RSVP to hhamam@upstatealliance.com or by calling 864-283-2304. This is a contributor-only event.

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced plans to open a new fulfillment center in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. The facility will create hundreds of new full time jobs and involve a $50 million investment in the state.

“South Carolina has been a great home for us and we’re excited to create hundreds of additional jobs in the state,” said Dave Clark, vice president, Amazon Global Customer Fulfillment. “We had a great first holiday season in Lexington County and we look forward to serving our customers from both Lexington and Spartanburg Counties by the fall.”

Amazon opened its first South Carolina fulfillment center last year in Lexington County’s Saxe Gotha Industrial Park. The new facility in Spartanburg County will be approximately one million square feet and will be located on a site near John Dodd Road.

“Our state has a vibrant and growing distribution and logistics sector, and having a company like Amazon continue to establish new operations here builds on that reputation,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.

“Spartanburg County is pleased to welcome Amazon as it represents another investment by a global company that realizes we are a pro-business community. We are especially thankful to our partners, including Duke Energy, AdvanceSC, Spartanburg County CTC Committee, Piedmont Natural Gas, our workforce professionals, Johnson Development Associates, the Economic Futures Group investors and staff, Spartanburg County staff, and the S.C. Department of Commerce. All were vital to making this project possible,” said David Britt, Economic Recruitment Committee of Spartanburg County chairman and Economic Futures Group Board member.

Amazon plans to begin hiring for the new fulfillment center later this year and the facility is expected to be operational this fall. Amazon Fulfillment Centers in South Carolina are operated by Amazon.com.dedc LLC.