JTEKT North America is expanding its operations in Greenville County, SC. The automotive and industrial product solutions company will invest $1.75 million to establish an operational headquarters at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), creating 27 new jobs.
“Our operational headquarters in Greenville County and CU-ICAR will provide an efficient base to support our extensive footprint in North America,” said Mike Davidson, COO, JTEKT North America. “The availability of professional and technical talent, proximity to the majority of our production facilities, and the quality of life in the Upstate makes this a great move for our organization.”
JTEKT Corporation was established in January 2006 through the merger of Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd., a bearing manufacturer, and Toyoda Machine Works, Ltd., a machine tool manufacturer. JTEKT is a systems supplier of JTEKT brand automotive steering and driveline components, Koyo brand bearings, and Toyoda machine tools, employing more than 44,000 workers worldwide. JTEKT North America employs more than 7,000 associates at 14 manufacturing facilities plus additional technical and sales centers in North America.
Expanding its Greenville County operations, JTEKT has decided to locate its North American operational headquarters alongside its Koyo bearing product technical center at CU-ICAR. The expansion is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2016. Founded in 2007, CU-ICAR is an advanced-technology research campus where education, research, and economic development collaborate to create a global venue for the automotive industry.
“Back in 2012, JTEKT announced a $100 million expansion in our state, and Team South Carolina is thrilled to see that they’ve elected to continue growing their footprint here,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “By establishing company headquarters in Greenville County, the company is demonstrating a tremendous commitment to our state, which serves as yet another indication that South Carolina’s business-friendly climate and strong workforce are second to none.”
“At CU-ICAR, our goal is to provide a dynamic environment where global leaders in the automotive industry can be located together and work together, and it is exciting to see JTEKT call the CU-ICAR campus home,” said Clemson University President James P. Clements. “It’s a win for Clemson students, faculty and staff; it’s a win for JTEKT; and it’s a win for South Carolina’s economy.”
The SC Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project.
