The Greenville Area Development Corporation and Innegrity LLC — a developer and manufacturer of high performance fibers that provide weight reduction and ballistic protection solutions with scores of potential applications – announced today that the company will significantly expand its production facilities in Greenville County, South Carolina, adding a projected 150 new jobs over the next three to five years. The expansion includes relocation from the company’s current Concourse Way facility to an upfitted 120,000 square feet of space in Mauldin, part of an anticipated $15 million investment by the company.
Formed in May, 2004 in Greenville, Innegrity’s early years were spent on research and development, filing patents, and forging key relationships with fabric formation and end-user producers. In 2006, the company began construction of a pilot production line which began operations in 2007 and joined with Reimotec in Germany to form Innegrity Europe GmbH, which began manufacturing fiber in April, 2008. Innegrity is currently developing high performance applications in the ballistics, marine, rope, automotive and sporting goods markets.
This move will “markedly expand our technology and manufacturing facilities in Greenville County,” said Brian G. Morin, Ph.D., CEO of Innegrity. “The expansion will help us meet growing customer demand and build a world class high performance materials company. Greenville County has a combination of family values and dedicated, talented workforce that is difficult to find, and we’re proud to call this community home.”
While exploring opportunities for product application in a range of global markets, Morin noted that the company had partnered with several South Carolina textile companies to develop commercial fabrics using its fibers.
“South Carolina has been home to Innegrity since we founded the company, and we are pleased to continue to build our company here. We believe that an unwavering focus on innovation and integrity, a commitment to solving global problems with high performance materials, and combining quality people with state-of-the-art facilities are the cornerstones to achieving our goals,”
- Brian Morin
Innegrity currently produces two unique fibers with a wide variety of potential applications.
Innegratm S high performance fiber is the lightest fiber available, delivering superior toughness in a composite while at the same time reducing weight. In both glass and carbon composites, Innegra S dramatically increases composite toughness and impact resistance. Innegra S delivers the benefits of high performance fibers such as aramids and carbon at a fraction of the cost. Hybrid Innegra S/aramid panels have proven to have the same ballistic performance as all-aramid panels at dramatically lower cost.
Innegratm E is a low dielectric fiber for use in high frequency circuit boards to increase the speed and efficiency of high speed electronics. Offering the lowest dielectric constant and loss tangent available for the printed circuit board industry, Innegra E allows smaller circuits to perform the work of more complex designs while conserving overall energy.
“Today’s announcement is another sign that our efforts to strengthen the state’s economic soil conditions are encouraging business growth and job creation. This news is also significant in that Innegrity’s growth and production of high performance materials and fibers will impact a variety of industries in our state including aerospace, defense and advanced materials. We remain committed to continuing to work towards meaningful reforms that will positively impact the state’s business environment and encourage economic growth,”
- Gov. Mark Sanford.
“Innegrity’s decision to expand in South Carolina is evidence that our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are again working to grow businesses and create opportunities for South Carolinians. Thanks to the team effort of local and state officials, Greenville County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
The investment includes the relocation from the company’s original Concourse Way quarters to a newly-leased facility of more than 120,000 sq. ft. at 1312 Old Stage Road in Mauldin. The relocation increases both production and research space, and provides expanded offices for management, sales and marketing for the rapidly growing organization, noted Morin.
“Innegrity’s decision to grow its base of operations here in Greenville County is welcome news, and the product of a team effort involving participants at the local and state level,” noted H.G. “Butch” Kirven, Jr., chairman of Greenville County Council. “Their decision affirms that innovation and specialty manufacturing is alive and well in our state, will serve as a magnet for more talented individuals, and will add good paying jobs in our community.”
“We’re pleased Innegrity recognizes the many advantages that Greenville County offers their company,” said Jay Rogers, Chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation Board. “As an innovative and home-grown organization with global opportunities in multiple industries, the company is a prized member of the local and South Carolina business communities.”
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