Greenville Leader

A French automotive equipment provider's recently announce decision to invest $17.7 million in its Anderson location means the state's auto industry is growing, the governor said in a recent news release.

The expansion is expected to create 76 new jobs, according to the news release issued Wednesday, Oct. 6, by Gov. Henry McMaster's office.

“South Carolina's automotive industry continues to grow and evolve, and Plastic Omnium’s decision to expand in Anderson County and create 76 new jobs is further proof of that," McMaster said. "We're excited to see this great company grow in South Carolina, and we look forward to seeing them continue to thrive here."

The announced investment is a definite positive for the state and the electric vehicle industry, Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said in the same news release.

"This recent surge by South Carolina's automotive industry to increase electric vehicle production continues to make a positive impact in our state and our environment," Lightsey said. "I offer my congratulations to Plastic Omnium for expanding in Anderson County and I look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come."

Plastic Omnium, a Levallois-Perret, France-based commercial automotive plastics manufacturer with its location in Anderson on Pearman Dairy Road, designs and manufactures complex and interactive body systems. The company also provides emission reduction and energy storage systems.

Plastic Omnium employs more than 31,000 workers in 25 countries at 131 factories and 25 research and development centers. Plastic Omnium also has a location in Greer.

The expansion at Plastic Omnium's Anderson location is expected to allow the company to produce bumpers and tailgates for General Motors’ new Lyric electric vehicle and to upgrade its existing injection molding machines and paint lines. The expansion also includes investment in new equipment.

The Anderson expansion is expected to be completed by February.

Anyone interested in working at Plastic Omnium team may visit the company's careers webpage.