South Carolina Gets New Brazilian Fabric Plant

Friday 17th of October 2008 03:18:55 PM

With increasing globalization of manufacturing, it comes as no surprise that the Brazilian company FITESA is locating a plant in the United States. The new plant will cost $120 million and will produce polypropylene nonwoven fabrics in South Carolina.

Mr. Silverio Baranzano is the FITESA Managing Director and he had this to say about the new plant. “The initiative is part of the company’s long term growth strategy and reassures the commitment to FITESA’s customers in the NAFTA region. For this reason, South Carolina has a strong importance due to its proximity to major ports, easy access to railroads and highways and excellent manpower and infrastructure availability.

FITESA is a PETROPAR company and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of the nonwoven fabric. This fabric is used in a wide range of products including clothing such as medical apparel and uniforms, mattresses, tires, luggage, disposable diapers and many hygiene products.

The Governor of South Caroline made this statement. “As we work to compete in the global economy our ability to attract foreign direct investment and job creation of this size is increasingly important. Today’s news certainly speaks to our success in that regard. As well, it’s also another sign that our efforts to enhance South Carolina’s pro-business environment are working to grow opportunity not only in our urban areas but also in our smaller communities. We remain committed to continuing these efforts to improve the economic soil conditions to encourage investment and job creation.”

FITESA is a major player in the production of non-woven fabrics on a global basis so the decision to locate the plant in South Carolina was an indication of the attractiveness of South Carolina’s business climate. There are major shifts going on in the world as manufacturers and retailers contract and expand, create new partnerships and refuse to limit their opportunities strictly based on location.

Image by Tibor Fazakas, www.sxc.hu/