Columbia Standard

A biotechnology company that crafts luxury synthetic leather plans to establish new operations in Union County as part of a $107 million investment that will create 400 jobs. 

MycoWorks specializes in mycelium-grown materials for use as sustainable, luxury-quality leather alternatives, according to a news release from Gov. Henry McMaster's office. 

"Deciding where to lay down roots was a big decision, but the partnership offered by state and local officials in combination with access to talent and amenities in the area made it easy. We look forward to growing a world class team and operation in Union County, South Carolina," MycoWorks COO Doug Hardesty said in the release. 

MycoWorks is known for its Mycelium process for material production, including its flagship product Reishi, which replicates the qualities of animal leathers while lowering the environmental impacts, the release said. 

“More and more innovative and sustainable companies are finding that South Carolina is an ideal location to establish operations, and we welcome MycoWorks to that growing roster of businesses. The $107 million investment and creation of 400 new jobs will make a significant impact in Union County and beyond," McMaster said in the release. 

Located at 260 Midway Drive in Union, MycoWorks’ new facility will increase the company’s capacity to keep up with rising demands from the fashion and luxury industries for the company's materials, the news release said.