Moderna Products establishing Upstate manufacturing operations

July 30, 2015

Company investing $6.5 million to open Cherokee County plant

Moderna Products, a Belgian company that specializes in the creation, production and distribution of well-designed plastics for the pet industry, is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operations with a new injection molding facility in Cherokee County. The $6.5 million investment is expected to create 35 new jobs over the next five years.

With roots that can be traced back to 1932, Moderna remains an entirely family-owned company. Currently serving more than 65 countries worldwide, the Izegem, Belgium-headquartered firm aims to be a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative plastic products for pets. Included among the company’s expanding product offerings are litter boxes, food bowls and traveling solutions for both dogs and cats, as well as other small animals.

Moderna’s Cherokee County operations are to be located in an existing 116,000-square-foot building at 16 Commerce Drive in Gaffney, S.C. As home to the company’s first U.S. manufacturing operations, this facility, situated off of Interstate 85, will provide exceptional connectivity to national and international markets via South Carolina’s network of five interstate highways and the Inland Port in Greer, allowing Moderna to efficiently serve its growing North American customer base.

Anticipated to be fully operational by late 2015, hiring for the Cherokee plant is expected to take place this fall. Those interested in joining the Moderna Products team should contact Mike Bisson at [email protected]. For more information on the company, visit www.modernaproducts.com. For images of MPA and its products, visit the company’s photo album on the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s flickr page.

QUOTES

“We are very excited with this major step in Moderna’s growth. It is wonderful to be present as a domestic manufacturer in the biggest pet market in the world. Over the next months, we plan to turn this location into a genuine Moderna Products facility that will not only considerably shorten our supply chain but also significantly improve service to our customers. We are looking forward to becoming a very active member of the Cherokee County and South Carolina business communities.” –Moderna Products CEO Bart Bonte

“When a company from overseas chooses South Carolina as its home, there’s no better testament to the strength of our workforce and our climate for business development. Moderna Products’ $6.5 million investment and the 35 new jobs it will create are wins for Cherokee County and the Upstate, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the South Carolina family.” –Gov. Nikki Haley

“International investment continues to drive our economy, ensuring prosperity for South Carolinians in all regions of our state. I offer my congratulations to Moderna Products on this milestone announcement and the establishment of their first U.S. manufacturing facility.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“SC Ports Authority welcomes Moderna Products to South Carolina and looks forward to serving their import needs. The port plays an important role in the logistics and supply chain of international manufacturers like Moderna, who recognize that SC is an ideal location for distribution centers to serve the expanding Southeastern consumer population.” –SC Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome

“On behalf of our County Council and citizens, I am pleased to welcome Moderna to Cherokee County. Our low taxes and pro-business environment continue to be a beacon for successful businesses. We appreciate Moderna’s vote of confidence in selecting our county to do business in.” –Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer