The Economy

Maker of Brake Parts Expanding in South Carolina

Jan. 19, 2010

Akebono Brake Corp., an Elizabethtown, Ky.-based manufacturer of brake and friction materials and components, will locate a new facility in West Columbia, S.C., according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Josh Cable

The $35.6 million investment is expected to generate 283 new jobs over the next five years, according to the state.

"Opening this new facility is exciting for us. It will allow us to meet growing customer demand and for our products and better position us as the automotive market picks back up," said Brandon Kessinger, director of legal affairs for Akebono. "Lexington County will be an excellent fit for our company, providing us with an excellent business climate. We look forward to beginning operations at our new plant in South Carolina and appreciate all the support from state and local officials."

Akebono recently purchased Bosch Chassis Systems Columbia and will locate its new operations in that facility in West Columbia. The company expects to install equipment in the building and hopes to have the plant completely online by the end of 2010.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.