Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. plans to open a facility in Florence County. An initial $8 million investment will create 25 jobs as part of the company's move to the county.
The company produces and markets CRAiLAR®, a natural fiber made from flax and other bast fibers.
"We thank the state of South Carolina, Florence County and all those who helped to establish the company's presence in South Carolina," said Ken Barker, CEO of NAT in a press release. "We are proud to see our investments and hard work beginning to pay off in the form of the production of CRAiLAR for commercial use. We're particularly excited that Hanesbrands, our first production partner for Crailar, is being recognized this month for its sustainability efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and that it cited the use of our flax fiber, produced out of our test facility in Kingstree, in its EcoSmart socks available at retail in April. We look forward to further establishing our commercial, agricultural and civic partnerships in the state."
NAT will locate its operations in the 143,500-square-foot Delta Mills Cypress plant on Old River Road in Pamplico.
Flax, grown as a winter crop in Florence and surrounding counties, will be processed out of the new facility in Pamplico to produce its CRAiLAR fiber. The proprietary CRAiLAR process is the first to remove the binding agents from flax that contribute to its stiff texture by bathing it in a proprietary enzyme wash. The result is a textile fiber that merges the strength and durability of flax with the most desirable attributes of cotton. NAT is scheduled to begin operations there in the second quarter of 2012. S
ince August 2011, Carolina Eastern Precision Ag of Pamplico has provided agronomic consultation to NAT in the region.
"We are constantly working to bring investments and jobs to all areas of our state, but it's always exciting to see a company invest in one of South Carolina's rural areas. We celebrate Naturally Advanced Technologies decision to locate in Pamplico and create 25 new jobs," said Gov. Nikki Haley.
"South Carolina has a strong history in the textile, advanced materials and agribusiness sectors, and today's announcement builds on all three. Every one of these jobs will have an impact in Pamplico and we appreciate Naturally Advanced Technologies' decision to do business in South Carolina," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
NAT's 2011 business activities included purchasing agreements with HanesBrands, Georgia-Pacific and Brilliant Global Knitwear, along with development agreements with Levi Strauss & Co., Cintas, Carhartt, Ashland, Westex, and Target.
NAT finalized plans this week for a long-term lease with an option to buy the building, and its full execution is contingent upon tax and job creation incentives in review with Florence County. A first hearing took place on February 16 and a second is scheduled for March 15. A final environmental and incentives review is scheduled for hearing on April 19 and would complete the process. The South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $263,500 for building upfit and job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
The company is in the process of taking applications for employment. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit www.naturallyadvanced.com.
