Carbures LLC Announces Plans to Build North American Facility in Greenville

A $6.5 million investment in Greenville County is expected to generate at least 50 new jobs over the next five years.

Carbures LLC will build its first American facility at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center, according to an announcement made on Wednesday by the Greenville Area Development Corporation. 

“We are pleased to establish our first American facility in South Carolina’s Upstate, and are particularly excited to be locating here in Greenville County at the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center,” said Angel Vallejo, Vice President of Carbures Europe-USA in a release. “This new facility will help us meet significantly accelerating demand for carbon fiber structures, and Greenville County provides us with an excellent business environment, a top-notch workforce and exceptional market access. We look forward to becoming a part of the Palmetto State’s business community.”

The company, which was created through its parent-company European-based Carbures, will design, engineer and manufacture carbon fiber structures for the defense, aerospace and automotive industries, as well as for civil infrastructure providers. 

The company will locate its new facility in Greenville County on Perimeter Road. Construction on the 40,000-square-foot facility will begin soon. The company plans for the facility to be online by the second quarter of 2012.

“Companies from across the globe continue to choose to set up shop in South Carolina," said Gov. Nikki Haley, in a statement. "We’re excited Carbures has decided to put its first North American presence in the Palmetto State and create 50 new jobs."

Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said the announcement shows the importance of South Carolina's international ties.

“Foreign-affiliated companies play an important role in our state’s economy, and we look forward to Carbures’ contribution," Hitt said”

Ivan Contreras, CEO of Carbures USA, said the expansion into North America is vital to the company's growth.

“From our Spanish and European roots, we have tremendous experience and technological know-how, and a strong brand reputation, serving major customers like Airbus across the European continent,” said Contreras. “This physical expansion into North America is a vital first step in our global growth and expansion plans. We are now prepared to begin design and calculation services in composite structures at our temporary office. We have both the knowledge and the work force to service large OEMs, such as Boeing.”

The company decided to locate at SCTAC because of its proximity to Lockheed, Boeing, Proterra, BMW and others.

“The reputation of Upstate South Carolina as a hub for manufacturing excellence makes it an ideal home for Carbures.  We literally considered locations for our first operations from other states to the Carolinas,” stated Contreras. “We found the right blend of talented workforce, business opportunity, proximity to customers, and quality of life right here in South Carolina.” 

Carbures is the fourth company to expand to SCTAC in the last year.

The company is currently recruiting to fill several key management and engineering positions. Applicants may contact Hannah Chapman at (864) 593-3934 or to visit the new Carbures website.