Staff Report
GREENVILLE – Berliner Seilfabrik, a German-based manufacturer of playground equipment, will locate its new U.S. sales and distribution operations in Greenville.
The company manufactures intricately designed modular playscapes in a variety of designs and shapes, and all made from sturdy, galvanized steel wires covered with external rope strands of Polyamid yarns, also known as carpet yarn. The rope, which is patented internationally offers abrasion-resistance and color fastness.
The company will initially hire a three-person sales team to serve dealers across the country. It will also serve as a distribution point for product arriving through the Port of Charleston, noted David Koehler, president of Berliner Seilfabrik. The company had previously used a U.S.-based distributor for its products, but decided in 2008 to set up its own sales operations domestically.
“We examined numerous markets around the country, including New York, Chicago and Atlanta, before deciding to establish this sales headquarters here in Greenville,” Koehler said. “We see a tremendous market opportunity here in the United States for our product line and felt that Greenville’s excellent value and quality of life for our team, its East Coast location, Port of Charleston accessibility and interstate access made it an ideal location for our operations.”
The company’s roots date back to 1865 when Berliner Seilfabrik’s parent company began producing ropes for the elevator industry. Berliner ropes are still found in elevator equipment around the globe, and ropes from the parent company support the Liberty Bridge that spans the Reedy River in downtown Greenville.
The company first began developing net structures as climbing equipment in the early 1970s. Today, Berliner Seilfabrik play products are found across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with all products manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Germany. Among the company’s customers is Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla.
“Movement and activity is fascinating for children because it is always exciting and fun to jump, turn, swing or see-saw, so we make movement the core of all our play equipment,” said Lukas Steinke, COO. “Our special rope is the main component of all of our equipment and takes on many forms – it can be the rigging of a ship, a predator´s trap, mountains, even a knight´s castle. The flexibility of our rope engages the child, stimulating valuable play activities like climbing, sliding and swinging, and encouraging development of the child’s balance, reactions, strength and coordination. It’s fun, it teaches, and it supports cardiovascular activity.”
“Establishing this sales and distribution center in Greenville represents the next step in our vision to fully explore North America as a market for our products,” Koehler noted. “The strategic expansion into this new space and the opportunity we have to grow our company here is very exciting for us.”
“Berliner Seilfabrik would like to thank the Greenville Area Development Corporation and the county of Greenville for their support in helping us make this launch a reality,” added Steinke. “The GADC was particularly helpful in backgrounding us on the community, reviewing facilities, assisting us with visas and introductions to the business community – all of the complexities of the start-up process were made easier, including advising us on resources available to us as we ultimately look to expand our team here.”
"Berliner Seilfabrik’s decision to establish operations here in Greenville County is great news,” added H.G. “Butch” Kirven, chairman of Greenville County Council. "Our economic development team provided essential help that the company needed to make this possible, and further affirms the many advantages that Greenville County offers growth-minded organizations.”
“We’re pleased that the management of Berliner Seilfabrik has chosen to join the many other organizations with German and European ties here in Greenville County,” said Mike Buiter, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation Board. “As an international leader in their field with innovative processes, a global customer base and a successful track record, this announcement is another positive note for Greenville County’s growing business community.” |
