The first China automobile parts plant is coming to Greer.
Jiangnan Mold Plastic Technology Corp. will make its formal announcement at its Greer site at 1000 Robinson Road on Tuesday.
The company is reportedly investing $45 million in the project and 150 jobs over the next five years will be created.
Jiangnan Mold Plastic Technology is one of the largest suppliers of plastic mold parts in China’s automotive industry and specializes in the development, manufacturing and sales of plastic products and high-tech molds.
Bumpers, grilles, spoilers, fuel door covers and engine cover strips are among its products manufactured for original equipment manufacturers and tier one suppliers, like BMW, in the automobile industry.
The facility will be operational in the latter part of 2017 and hiring will also begin at that time.
Mayor Rick Danner called the move another game-changer for Greer.
“This confirms conversations we’ve had and ideals in the last several years,” Greer Mayor Rick Danner said, confirming the announcement Tuesday. “It’s not the usual list of folks you’re competing with.”
Greer City Council gave unanimous second and final reading of properties owned by Cullum GSP for zoning classification I-1 (industrial) on Feb. 23. Allen Cullum, native of Greer, is among the partners in the project.
Jiangnan Mold Plastic Technology Corp. was founded in 1988 in Jiangyin, China. It has strong ties with BMW, supplying its German plants with products the past 10 years in Germany and Africa.
“The interesting thing about the Asian business market,” said Danner, “is there seems to be a close-knit network of companies and suppliers.”
Greer businesses have been building relationships with China companies and there had has been reciprocal visits from Upstate community leaders and China. China community leaders and business officials have visited upstate schools, the Inland Port and Greenville-Spartanburg International while perusing locations for business.