SCBIZ Daily Staff

SUMTER -- Kaydon Corporation announced it will expand one of its two plants in Sumter, adding up to 10 new jobs and investing $4.5 million.

This announcement follows the news that Kaydon exceeded its numbers on a $6 million expansion on the same plant in 2006, investing an additional $900,000 in the project. That expansion created 35 new jobs.

“Obviously we’re pleased to have this kind of growth at our facility,” said Plant Manager Randy Newman. “Business has been strong lately and we think the new investments will go a long way to helping us meet our customer demands.”

Newman said the expansion will include new equipment like industrial lathes, heat treatment devices and overhead cranes.

Sumter Development Board Chairman Greg A. Thompson said he always expected Kaydon to exceed its goals, but the amount is surprising.

“Companies tend to be very conservative when they announce because they want to under promise and over deliver,” Thompson said. “But this represents a 40 percent increase in their original investment, and that’s huge. There are a lot of questions about the future of the world energy market, but there is no question that Kaydon is growing strong in Sumter County.”

Kaydon has participated in the North American wind energy market since the early 1990s. The recent rapid increase in the market for Large Wind Turbines has driven the demand for the kind of large diameter bearings Kaydon manufactures.

"This expansion places Sumter in a position to be a leader in the ‘green economy’ ", said Sumter Mayor McElveen. “And wind energy is slated to increase rapidly in the coming years."

Vivian Fleming-McGhaney, chairwoman of Sumter County Council, said the community and the company have a mutually beneficial, long-running history.

"For 30 years Kaydon has invested in Sumter County, and we're pleased that the relationship between the company and our community is as strong as it has ever been," McGhaney said. "We wish them continued success, and we pledge our commitment to help Kaydon continue to grow in Sumter County."

Central SC Alliance Chairman George Bullwinkel, Jr. said, “Our greatest asset is our existing industry base and Kaydon has a long history with Sumter County and knows the value of developing a workforce with skills sets to meet the technological advances in today’s global marketplace.”

The first Sumter factory, Plant #4, was opened by Kaydon in 1976, followed by a second facility, Plant #12, in 1990. Local employment is currently about 290.