Bondex Inc. Expanding Operations in Edgefield County

Bondex Inc. Expanding Operations in Edgefield County

$6.4 million investment expected to create 13 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – September 26, 2012 – Bondex Inc., a maker of thermally bonded nonwoven materials, today announced that it will expand its existing operations in Edgefield County. The $6.4 million investment is expected to generate 13 new jobs.

“We are excited about moving forward with our plans to expand our existing facility in Edgefield County. South Carolina has provided us with an excellent business environment and a talented workforce. We look forward to continuing to grow here. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Brad Willingham, president of Bondex Inc.

Bondex Inc. is expanding the company’s nonwovens production plant in Trenton, S.C. in order to add a new product line, which will allow the company to produce industrial laminates and composites for the electrical and electronic markets, as well as other specialty areas. The company will add 33,000 square feet of space to the facility, doubling the plant’s size. The expansion is expected to be completed in end of fourth quarter with production starting in January.

“While we work every day to bring new companies and investment to South Carolina, it’s always exciting to see one of our existing businesses increase its footprint here. We celebrate Bondex Inc.’s decision to invest $6.4 million and create 13 new jobs in Trenton,” said Gov. Nikki Haley

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in capital investment and more than 17,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“In South Carolina, we know how to make things. Manufacturers of all sizes continue to create wealth and help our economy grow, and today’s announcement by Bondex is another sign that our manufacturing base is strong,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“This is wonderful news for Bondex and for Edgefield County,” said Edgefield County Council Chairman Dean Campbell. “Over the past few years Edgefield County Council has been working on strategic areas that would make the county competitive in the world marketplace. Existing industries was one of those initiatives and we appreciate Bondex, one of our existing industries, continuing to grow and provide employment opportunities in Edgefield County.”

“Today’s announcement proves that manufacturing is still important to our country, state and Edgefield County,” said Gary Stooksbury, chairman of the Board of Directors of The Economic Development Partnership. “We are pleased that an established company like Bondex is growing their operation here.”

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in November. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact SCWorks in Edgefield at 803-637-7159 at that time.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $100,000 for site work. readySC™, a division of the S.C. Technical College System, is assisting with the recruitment and training of new employees.

Bondex Inc. has operated in Trenton, S.C. since 1997. For more information about the company, please visitwww.bondexinc.com.