The Economy

Automotive Fabric Manufacturer to Expand in South Carolina

Aug. 16, 2010

Expansion effort is expected to be complete in fourth-quarter 2010.

TB Kawashima USA Inc., which makes fabric for the auto industry, will expand its facility in Lugoff, S.C., according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Kershaw County.

The $9 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs over the next five years.

This represents the second expansion to this plant in the last couple of years, Yuzo Mori, president of TB Kawashima USA. Demand for our products has continued to grow, and Kershaw County has provided us with an excellent business environment in which to operate. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials.

The expanded operations at the facility are expected to come online in the fourth quarter of this year.

The company is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan-based TB Kawashima Co. Ltd.

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.