Prysmian Group to build new compounding facility at Abbeville plant

Investment expected to create 16 to 20 new jobs

Prysmian Group, world leader in the energy and telecom cables and systems industry, will invest in a new state of the art Compounding facility for Medium Voltage cable insulation as well as adding a second Vertical Continuous Vulcanization line (VCV). Company officials say they plan to start construction in the second half of 2014 and production will begin the second half of 2015. These investments will bring 16 to 20 new jobs to the Abbeville community once in full operation, and further contribute to increased production capacity at Prysmian’s flagship North American plant.

These latest investment comes at a very important time for the group, as Medium and High Voltage Cable projects across North America continue to increase, Prysmian will be better equipped to serve these growing markets. Prysmian Group is particularly active in North America with full expertise in low, medium and high voltage cable design and manufacturing. Most recent projects such as the Hudson Transmission Project, represent Prysmian’s commitment to the modernization and development of power transmission networks.

The Abbeville facility is celebrating its 50th year, and this recent investment is just the latest example of the growth the plant has experienced over the years. The addition of the Vertical Continuous Vulcanization (VCV) process housed in a 373 foot tower, constructed in 2009, was the first one of its kind to produce Extra High Voltage power cables in North America. This new plant joined the existing Medium and Low Voltage power cable manufacturing facilities in Abbeville and further added to the product range available to Prysmian’s customers which include North America’s major utility companies. The continued investments in North America reinforce the Prysmian Group’s commitment to high-tech, high-value added sectors.

Prysmian’s official news release can be viewed on their website here.

About Abbeville County Development Board

The Abbeville County Development Board (ACDB), founded in 1953, is the economic development organization for Abbeville County. ACDB is responsible for generate new capital investment and job creation within the County. ACDB assists clients with site selection and development, workforce recruitment and training, information management, incentives and regulatory issues.

Additionally, ACDB is actively involved in a number of important areas such as strategic planning, marketing, production of a semiannual newsletter, media relations, tourism and downtown revitalization. ACDB is comprised of a nine-member board of directors that are appointed by the Abbeville County Council and an Executive Director, which oversees the daily activities of the organization. Additional information is available through the Abbeville County website, www.abbevillecountysc.com/devservices.aspx