Fukoku America Expanding South Carolina Operations

Rubber and plastic automotive products company is investing $13.9 million in its existing Laurens County, SC manufacturing plant.

Fukoku America, a Japanese manufacturer of rubber and plastic automotive products, is growing its operations at the Hunter Industrial Park in Laurens County, SC. The expansion is expected to bring $13.9 million in new investment and lead to the creation of 65 jobs in South Carolina.

Laurens County SC
(Photo: Upstate Business Journal)

“We at Fukoku America are proud to have been part of the Laurens County Industrial Community for the past 15 years,” said Fukoku America Executive Vice President Masahiko Tsubota. “We have had a great relationship with the City and County of Laurens, as well as the State of South Carolina. With this expansion, we look forward to continuing our industrial partnership with the Laurens County business community for many years to come.”

Fukoku is the largest producer of wiper blade rubber in the world and is used in a variety of applications, from automobiles and trains to ships and aircraft. With an annual production of wiper blade rubbers exceeding 200 million, the company accounts for a large share of the domestic market and approximately 40 percent of the international market. Fukoku also develops seals for industrial applications, such as pneumatic tools and industrial machinery.

The company will be increasing its manufacturing capacity for producing constant-velocity joint (CVJ) boots and rack and pinion boots for the automotive industry.

“The fact that the partnership between Fukoku America and our great state continues to result in growth and success for both parties is something to be proud of,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “We’ve created one of the friendliest environments for business in the world, and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Fukoku America.”

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