The Economy

Abrasives Manufacturer to Expand in South Carolina

June 10, 2010

Saint-Gobain Abrasives will break ground for new facility this month.

Saint-Gobain Abrasives recently announced plans for a $1.4 million expansion of its manufacturing operations in Travelers Rest, S.C.

Saint-Gobain Abrasives will break ground for the new building this month and expects to start adding equipment sometime in July, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The company will be consolidating a North Carolina operation to the Travelers Rest facility, adding both equipment and space to the current facility, according to the department.

Our plant in Greenville County has been an important part of our companys overall operations, and we are pleased to expand there, said Robert Smith, general manager, Industrial Superabrasives North America, Saint-Gobain Abrasives. This expansion will help us meet customer demand for our products and better position us in the marketplace. We look forward to moving forward with our plans and appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials.

Saint-Gobain Abrasives, which is part of Paris-based Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, manufactures and markets bonded, coated, superabrasives and thin wheels. The Travelers Rest facility, established in 1982, produces superabrasives, industrial diamond and cubic boron nitride products used in precision manufacturing in the aerospace, automotive, bearing and other markets.

The company also operates a manufacturing facility in North Charleston, S.C., has a joint venture in Fountain Inn, S.C., and distribution offices in the South Carolina cities of Conway, Hanahan and West Columbia.

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.