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Laurens, SC -  Marvin Moss, Executive Director, Laurens County Development Corporation, announced today that ACI Industries, a manufacturer of ceramic products, plans to purchase the former Ceramtec #1 building on Highway 14 north of the City of Laurens. The company plans to invest approximately $10 million over a five-year period and to hire approximately 100 employees over that same time frame. ACI Industries is a manufacturing affiliate of Applied Ceramics Inc.

Applied Ceramics is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia where the company maintains its manufacturing, engineering and contract R&D groups in a 100,000 sq-ft manufacturing facility. According to Robert Mitchell, CEO and Chairman of the Board, the Laurens building was an excellent match for the company’s growing needs, and the location was strategic to their future business development.

The company was formed in 1967 and initially focused on kiln furniture and special refractory shapes for high temperature applications. In 1981, it acquired technology for manufacturing ceramic honeycomb and has since developed that technology into a variety of world-class products.

Today, Applied Ceramics and its affiliates manufacture products primarily for the electronics and environmental industries. They also develop technology and partner with large companies to commercialize new technology. They currently have technical licenses, joint ventures and joint development agreements on six continents.

“This is another positive example of our efforts to improve the soil conditions for business helping bring jobs to our state,” said Governor Mark Sanford. “With more than 134,000 people working in South Carolina than there were four years ago, we remain committed to further improving the business climate to help create more jobs and raise income levels for our citizens.”

“Applied Ceramics’ decision to locate in South Carolina further demonstrates the strength of our economy and our pro-business environment are the perfect mix for future growth,” said Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor. “Commerce continues to work with the private sector and our local economic development allies to successfully recruit world-class companies that enhance our communities through investment and job creation. We welcome James Welborn and the ACI management team to our state.”

Jim Coleman, Chairman of the Laurens County Development Corporation said “We are very excited that Applied Ceramics has chosen Laurens County for their expansion. The company’s personnel that we have been dealing with are first class, and we look forward to having the company in the county.”