AIKEN, S.C. (Feb. 10, 2017) — Carlstar Group L.L.C. plans to invest $6.9 million in its wheel plant in Aiken to expand process and production capacity to meet increasing demand for both automotive styled wheels and heavy-duty wheels.
Carlstar did not disclose how the investment would affect capacity but did say it would create 43 jobs at the facility, located close to the Aiken airport. The plant has 177 hourly and 32 salaried workers there now.
The plant is a manufacturing site for Carlstar's Cragar, Black Rock and Unique styled automotive wheels and Carlisle-brand wheels for agricultural/construction applications, Carlstar said, as well as distribution site for tires, wheels and tire/wheel assemblies.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $100,000 "Set Aside" grant to Aiken County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building improvements.
Carlstar Group CEO John Salvatore said the Aiken plant is "part of the strategic, long-term growth for our company. This investment in people, processes and production will not only help strengthen our ability to provide value for our customers, but also strengthen and grow our ties to the Aiken County community."
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said the investment is representative of the automotive industry's continued growth in the Palmetto state.
S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome added that his entity stands ready to support Carlstar's expanding needs through the Port of Charleston.