Posted April 5, 2014

 

GAFFNEY, S.C. – Suminoe Textile of America Corporation, a supplier of textile products for the North American automotive market, is expanding its needle punch carpet facility that makes automotive carpeting here.

 

The $5 million investment is expected to create 100 new jobs, the company said.

 

"Suminoe is excited to continue growth at our United States facility in Cherokee County,” said Kathie Ledford, HR manager of Suminoe Textile of America. “They welcomed us with open arms about 10 years ago and we appreciate the continued support of Cherokee County and the South Carolina Department of Commerce."

 

Suminoe is the wholly owned subsidiary of Suminoe Textile Ltd., which originated in Japan more than 125 years ago. Suminoe Textile of America Corporation began operations in the United States at this facility in 2003.

 

South Carolina's automotive sector employs more than 46,000 in the state at 250 companies in 38 of the state's 46 counties, according to South Carolina Department of Commerce data.

 

Over the past decade, Suminoe has grown from an initial 10 employees to more than 400 currently at its Gaffney facility. As part of the expansion, Suminoe said it will be hiring machine operators, forklift drivers, inspection operators as well as management positions.

 

"Suminoe is a national leader in the textile industry, and their decision to invest $5 million into Cherokee County and create 100 new jobs here is not only good news for the Gaffney community, but for the entire state of South Carolina,” said S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley.