Columbia Standard

Fiber Industries, a maker of high-end, high-quality American textiles, will expand operations in Darlington County with a $30 million investment that will create 50 jobs. 

The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the Fiber Industries expansion, a press release from Gov. Henry McMaster's office announcing the project said. 

The council also awarded Darlington County a $300,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to assist with the costs of building improvements, the release said. 

"We are excited about the continuing growth of our facility which is now even better positioned to serve the needs of the American textile industry," Fiber Industries CEO Don Bockoven said in the release. "We also are proud to be part of the wider effort to restore jobs and bring textile manufacturing back to the USA. We thank the state of South Carolina as well as Darlington County for their unwavering support.” 

South Carolina-based Fiber Industries is a leading textiles manufacturer in the U.S.

“We congratulate Fiber Industries’ continued success in South Carolina and the additional jobs it is creating in the Darlington County community," McMaster said in the release. "We've worked hard to create a pro-business environment in South Carolina, and Fiber Industries’ new expansion is further evidence that our strategy is paying off.” 

Fiber Industries is a full-service manufacturer and produces polyester staple fiber for high-end performance fabrics, workwear, knit goods, the automotive industry and more, according to the release.

Currently employing more than 300 people and located at 1000 East McIver Road in Darlington, Fiber Industries’ expansion includes increased capacity through the restoration and modernization of production lines. 

Fiber Industries will also use the additional investment to install state-of-the-art control systems and increase warehouse space, the release said. 

“South Carolina has a long and storied history as a textile manufacturing leader, and this expansion by Fiber Industries builds on that tradition," state Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said in the release. "The expansion of Fiber Industries’ operation is tremendous news for Darlington County, and we look forward to the positive difference that these new jobs will make for our economy and communities.”