The Economy

Synthetic Graphite Manufacturer Expanding in South Carolina

Feb. 22, 2011

Project will create 100 new jobs.

Showa Denko Carbon Inc., a Ridgeville, S.C.-based manufacturer of synthetic graphite for electric-arc-furnace steelmaking and other industrial applications, plans to expand its Ridgeville operations.

The company likely will invest several hundred million dollars, creating approximately 100 new jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Showa Denko Carbon started operations in 1983 and was acquired by the Japan-based chemical producer Showa Denko KK in 1988. The company produces graphite electrodes and granular graphite used by the steel and automotive industries.

Showa Denko Carbon expects the expansion to be completed by mid-2013.

"We operate quietly in rural Dorchester County, but our impact has been significant in the U.S. electric-furnace steel industry and around the world," Robert Whitten, president and CEO of Showa Denko Carbon. "Because our business has been successful and we see growing demand for high-quality graphite electrodes, we have decided to expand within the overall framework of SDK's new medium-term business plan, PEGASUS. We believe this decision will be good for our customers and the community."

Showa Denko Carbon has operated the plant in Dorchester County since 1988 and supplies approximately 40% of the nation's large-diameter, ultrahigh-power graphite electrodes from the facility, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

"Showa Denko's decision to expand in our market sends a powerful message to industry leaders worldwide," said Sean Bennett, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. "It's especially exciting when a global company with such deep roots in our region is not only successful but also sees future growth opportunities here."

The company's Ridgeville operations employ more than 220 people. The company expects to begin hiring by 2012.

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.