Flame Spray Expanding Laurens County Manufacturing Operation

Thermal spray coating manufacturer Flame Spray North America Inc. is expanding its existing manufacturing facility in Laurens County, essentially doubling its operation in the Woodfield Industrial Park.

The company plans to invest another $9.1M and create 45 new jobs.

Flame Spray North America, which produces thermal spray coating mainly for industrial gas turbine and aircraft components, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Italian firm Flame Spray S.p.A. In 2011 the company established operations in Fountain Inn, S.C. – its only presence outside of Europe. The global company also operates facilities in Italy, Hungary and Croatia.

“Back in 2011 when we announced our first investment in South Carolina we had a lot of ‘concerns’ on how fast we would be able to grow,” said Marco Prosperini, president and CEO of Flame Spray North America. “Today, we are thrilled to announce a new investment to expand our operations in Fountain Inn. We found a great community, and we have a great team working at our company. Thanks to our team, we will develop new applications to serve different industries. We thank the S.C. Department of Commerce and the local authorities for their continuing support. We look forward to new opportunity ahead.”

“It’s a reason to celebrate when an existing company expands in our state,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “Flame Spray’s commitment of another $9.1 million, which will create 45 jobs in Laurens County, is more evidence that we are on the right track with our economic development efforts.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $10 billion in capital investment and more than 28,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“South Carolina continues to lead our neighboring states in manufacturing GDP, underscoring our role in the nation’s manufacturing renaissance,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Expansions like this one are important job creators for the state, and we look forward to seeing Flame Spray continue to grow in South Carolina.”

“We are excited that Flame Spray has chosen to continue to expand their operations in Laurens County,” said Jim Coleman, chairman of Laurens County Council and chairman of Laurens County Development Corporation. “They have been a great corporate citizen for the short time they have been here and we look forward to many years of a prosperous relationship. “This announcement is just another example of the many great things going on in Laurens County.”

“We are glad to have Flame Spray in Laurens County and we welcome the new jobs and capital investment to the Fountain Inn area,” said Ted Nash, county councilman, District 1.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.