Expansion Management

Coroplast Opens First US Manufacturing Plant in South Carolina

Oct. 2, 2013

The $12 million investment will create 150 new jobs.

Coroplast Tape Corp., a German-based maker of adhesive and insulating tapes used in the auto industry, is planning to locate its first U.S. production plant in York County, South Carolina.

“South Carolina provides us with an excellent business environment and the workforce talent we require to be successful,” said Marcus Söhngen, president of Coroplast Tape Corp. “We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials in bringing this project to fruition.”

The $12 million investment is expected to generate 150 new jobs.

The company will manufacture a range of adhesive and insulating tapes used in the automotive industry and will start operations in the second quarter of 2014.

“In the last 20 years, South Carolina’s manufacturing sector has transformed from being concentrated in textiles to being a leader in the automotive industry,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. Since January 2011, more than $5.1 billion and more than 8,500 jobs have been created in the automotive-related sector in the state.

“The Palmetto State has also seen investment from foreign companies grow," added Hitt. Since 2011 more than $6.5 billion and more than 15,000 jobs have been created by foreign-based companies.

South Carolina is presently rated as the top state for jobs through foreign investment, according to IBM’s Global Location Trends report.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.