By SCBIZ Staff

COLUMBIA—Two businesses plan to bring 90 new jobs to the state, the S.C. Department of Commerce said Thursday in two separate announcements.

L.A. Darling Co., one of North America’s largest manufacturers of retail merchandising systems and fixtures, will open a facility in Rock Hill to refurbish used metal fixtures for retailers in the eastern United States. Palmetto Synthetics LLC, which manufactures specialty polyester fibers, announced it will expand its 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Kingstree, which is located in Williamsburg County.

“Today’s announcement is evidence that the state’s strengths are producing real results. From our highly skilled work force to our business-friendly climate, the Palmetto State continues to attract jobs and investment that keep us competitive in today’s economy,” said state Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor.

L.A. Darling’s Rock Hill plant is part of the company’s Specialty Metal Division and will be its first facility dedicated to fixture refurbishment. The plant will employ about 50 people in a leased 181,500-square-foot facility.

“We are excited about offering this service to our customers, and we are pleased to establish a facility in South Carolina, particularly in Rock Hill, where we have found the economic development team to be very cooperative and supportive,” said L.A. Darling President Tom Weiss.

The 110-year old company employs about 1,000 associates and operates manufacturing plants and service operations in Arkansas and Wisconsin. L.A. Darling is a Marmon Retail Services company. MRS comprises companies that provide store fixtures, shopping carts, food-service equipment and installation and logistical services to retailers worldwide from operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

Palmetto Synthetics, which has operated in Kingstree since its inception in 1998, will invest $2.5 million and add 40 new jobs as a result of the expansion. The announcement is positive news for Williamsburg County, which recently lost more than 300 jobs in the county due to the downsizing of nearby companies Wellman Industries and Firestone, as well as the closing of Milliken & Co.

“Palmetto Synthetics has been a tremendous corporate partner and this expansion will only enhance their contribution to all the citizens of Williamsburg County. We are fortunate to have them do business here,” said Stanley S. Pasley, Williamsburg County supervisor and chairman of Williamsburg County Council.

In addition to the Kingstree facility, Palmetto Synthetics operates regional sales offices in Charlotte, N.C., and England. The fiber produced by Palmetto Synthetics has many uses, from apparel to automotive to industrial applications. Some of the end products include scouring pads, geotextile fabrics for erosion control, roofing products and filtration media. The fibers are also used in trunk liners and the interiors of cars, and in many other polyester and nylon fabrics such as hosiery.