Automotive Tier Supplier Fukoku Expands in South Carolina

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources Incorporated; Houston, Texas). Automotive Tier supplier, Fukoku South Carolina (Laurens, South Carolina), a division of Fukoku America Incorporated, a subsidiary of Fukoku Company Limited (Ageo, Saitama, Japan), is about 70 percent finished with a $7 million, 55,000 square foot, expansion to its existing plant (Plant 1063533) in Laurens, South Carolina. The expansion is expected to be complete in June. The original plant was completed in September 2001 and became operational in October of that year.

Fukoku South Carolina makes such automotive products as core valves, CVJ boots, anti-vibration products, and wiper blades. The company presently employs 35 and expects to add another 50 employees when the expansion is completed.

Besides the South Carolina plant, Fukoku has another plant in Danville, Illinois - Vermillion Rubber Technology Incorporated (established in 1994) - which it has recently announced will be closing at the end of this year. The closing will eliminate 58 jobs. Operations will be consolidated with the South Carolina plant. The Vermillion plant manufactures automotive anti-vibration devices and precision gaskets.

Fukoku Company Limited (OTH:5185), founded in 1953, is a closely held corporation that makes automotive and industrial rubber parts. Fukoku prides itself on its can-do ability and its determination to supply the best possible product to its customers. Fukoku has established a unique base in research and development and technical expertise. Other Fukoku business interests are in polymers and metals. Fukoku has plants in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, and in Guangdong and Shanghai, China.