Steel processor, Gonvarri Steel Services, has announced its decision to build its new production plant in South Carolina. The following is the company's press release:

COLUMBIA, S.C. – July 25, 2012 – Gonvarri Steel Services, a provider of steel processing to manufacturers, today announced plans to locate its new production plant in Union County (South Carolina, USA). The initial $35 million investment is expected to generate 40 new jobs, with an additional $15 million investment and 25 jobs created over the next 10 years.

“This new facility consolidates the internationalization process of the company, incorporating our first center in the United States, reinforcing our company as a multinational leader in steel service centers, particularly in the automotive business,” said Josu Calvo, CEO of Gonvarri Steel Services.

Spain-based Gonvarri Steel Services will construct a new greenfield facility for steel processing and supply Gestamp’s facility, which is also located in Union County. It will have a flat steel products processing capacity of 100,000 tons. Operations are expected to begin at the new facility in July 2013.

“With investments like this one from Gonvarri Steel Services, word is out all over the globe that South Carolina is the place to do business. We celebrate the company’s decision to invest $35 million and create 40 new jobs in Union County. This announcement is also a win for one of our state’s rural areas,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $6.8 billion in capital investment and more than 16,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector. “In South Carolina, we know how to make things. Gonvarri’s decision to establish its new facility here provides another boost to our state’s manufacturing sector, growing and producing more jobs for South Carolinians,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

Union County Council Supervisor and Chairman Thomas L. Sinclair said, “I am delighted that Gonvarri Steel Services chose Union County to build its first US steel services center, Gonvauto South Carolina”.

This is another exciting announcement for our community. It is the result of collaboration involving cooperation from several partners - Union County, the City of Union, the Union County Development Board, Lockhart Power Company, Norfolk Southern Railroad, South Carolina Department of Transportation, South Carolina Department of Commerce and two local companies – Gestamp South Carolina and Standard Textile. Gonvarri's faith in our community is appreciated and we commit to them that their faith is well-founded.” “Many thanks to Gonvarri Steel Services for making this major decision to construct a steel processing plant in Union County,” said Union County Development Board Chairman Joe F. Nichols. “This new facility will bring much-needed jobs as well as future growth opportunities. The Gonvarri team, Union’s local team and the S.C. Department of Commerce met each challenge collaboratively to make this project a success. Welcome Gonvauto South Carolina to Union."