Sumter, SC - KAYDON® Bearings Division, a leading global designer and manufacturer of standard and custom bearings, announced it would expand its second Sumter facility, known as Plant 12, with an investment in excess of $18.5 million and creating 50 new jobs in Sumter County. In July, KAYDON® announced plans to expand Plant 4, with a $10.8 million investment and 37 new jobs.
KAYDON® is a recognized leader in thin-section bearings and also produces large and small turntable bearings and higher-level bearing assemblies for a wide range of manufacturing and process industries. Headquartered in Muskegon, Michigan, the company is a unit of Kaydon Corporation, a diversified manufacturer with annual sales of over $350 million.
“We see both the medical and security scanner markets as growing and markets that we have participated in for many years. The products that we manufacture are vital components in medical diagnostic equipment, like CT (Computed Tomography), and luggage screening machines at airports and other checkpoints. We feel that demand in these market segments for our products is very strong globally and that we can offer the best technical solution to serve these markets,” said L. Jeffrey Manzagol, president of KAYDON® Bearings Division. “The $18.5 million investment will allow Kaydon to increase manufacturing capabilities to maintain our position as the technology leader for these markets. It will also increase our manufacturing capacity, allowing us to not only keep pace with these growing markets, but to further gain market share.”
“We chose to invest in this Sumter facility because the facility has performed at a very high level since it was opened in 1991 and we have developed a solid workforce with the skills that can support this type of product. Sumter currently has the greatest concentration of KAYDON® Bearings’ manufacturing capacity. This investment coupled with our recent investment at our other Sumter facility to support the wind energy market, strengthens our commitment to this community and our reliance on Sumter, SC.”
“KAYDON's expansion in Sumter is another positive sign that our efforts to improve the state’s soil conditions for business are paying dividends,” said Gov. Mark Sanford. “With over 140,000 more people working in our state than there were four years ago, we remain committed to our efforts toward creating new jobs and opportunity for our citizens.”
“Once again another globally-recognized company is choosing to grow its business in South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor. “Sumter’s quality workforce and accessibility to markets are strong selling points that enabled KAYDON to announce expansions at both of its manufacturing plants this year. Commerce is pleased to continue its work with the local officials and private sector to celebrate this good news for the Sumter community during this holiday season.”
“Sumter County is pleased and proud to have KAYDON announce yet another expansion. We believe existing industry expansions like this one are proof positive of our pro-business environment,” said Sumter County Council Chairwoman Vivian McGhaney. “Not only does KAYDON have two facilities in Sumter County, but the company has a long history of investments and job creation in this community. We hope the future holds many more.”
“KAYDON Corporation is a world-class manufacturer that continues to invest in Sumter County. This is testimony to the exceptional business climate and lifestyle that exists in our region. Sumter County offers a skilled and trained workforce that can tackle the growing technological advances in today’s manufacturing environment. We greatly appreciate and welcome this significant announcement,” said George Bullwinkel, Jr. Chairman Central SC Alliance.