August 7, 2006
Australian Engineering Firm Opens First US Plant in Lexington
INC engineered materials to make acoustic insulation for original equipment manufacturers
Lexington, SC- INC engineered materials, an Australia-based company that specializes in acoustic insulation products, is locating its first United States facility in Lexington, South Carolina. The company has initially invested almost $2.5 million that will create 10 new jobs with the opening of a 60,000 square-foot manufacturing facility at CAE Airport Park.
"This is a very important step for INC. Most of our customers are subsidiaries of foreign parent companies, and in 1977, when we established our business in Australia, we developed acoustic materials to meet their overseas specifications," said Michael Coates, president of INC engineered materials Corp. “We have continued to drive our technology forward, to the point where, ironically, we now have these same companies specifying our patented Australian-developed materials. We are proud that our manufacturing facility in Lexington is the first step towards satisfying demand in North America.”
In 2002, I.N.C. Corporation was awarded the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia, Gold Award for Engineering Excellence for their development of their DECI-TEX® lightweight acoustic materials. These materials will be produced from the new facility. Formed Fiber Technologies, whose Color-Fi Fiber Division is based in Sumter, SC, is the first US technology licensee, supplying DECI-TEX® parts for the new Toyota Camry.
“We chose South Carolina to be close to Color-Fi, but also because it is a strong manufacturing center. The State Department of Commerce has helped us to establish our facility with the minimum of fuss, and actively encouraged our investment. South Carolina has a great climate, and a regional culture that appeals to Australians. We feel at home here,” Coates added.
“INC engineered materials’ decision to locate in Lexington is another positive example of South Carolina’s long-standing global reputation as a business destination,” said Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor. “South Carolinians make a variety of world class products for international companies, further proving that our business climate is well suited for companies looking to grow. We welcome Michael Coates and the team at INC engineered materials to our state, and thank our allies in Lexington for working with our Global Business Development group to bring this new automotive supplier to South Carolina.”
The clean South Carolina environment also appealed to the company. “DECI-TEX® materials are produced in a chemical free process, using a high proportion of recycled materials, and are themselves recyclable. In addition, our Radical® UV-cured pressure sensitive adhesive backings are manufactured with a unique solvent-free process. We are a clean business and the clean environment in Lexington County appealed immediately,” Coates said.
Todd Cullum, Chairman of Lexington County Council, said, “We are very pleased that I.N.C. Corporation Pty Ltd has decided to invest in our county. We are proud to welcome another international company that is the best in the business and look forward to being able to help them grow.”
“Lexington County’s economy continues to grow and I.N.C. Corporation Pty Ltd will be a great addition to this economic engine,” said Johnny Jeffcoat, Chairman of the County’s Economic Development Committee. “We know this company will find that our business environment will help them grow and prosper for years to come.”
