Scio Diamond employs a patent-protected chemical deposition process to produce high-quality, single-crystal diamonds in a controlled laboratory setting, with such diamonds referred to as “lab-grown” or cultivated diamonds. The diamonds have the identical chemical, physical and optical properties as any diamond found in the earth, and the company's highly controlled manufacturing process enables it to produce very high-quality, high-purity, single-crystal colorless, near colorless and fancy colored diamonds.
“Before deciding to locate here in South Carolina, we considered several locations for our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility,” said Joseph Lancia, president and CEO of Scio Diamond Technology Corporation.
“We are pleased to move forward with plans to establish our home here in Greenville County. It was right here that we found the ideal balance of business-friendly climate, access to talent, entrepreneurial drive and exceptional quality of life. We expect that Greenville County will provide us with the perfect mix of ingredients for success.”
Scio is in process of upfitting a 9,300-square-foot section of the NEXT Innovation Center development, at the corner of Church Street and University Ridge, which already houses a variety of entrepreneurial organizations and technology companies. More than 6,000 square feet will be dedicated to a secure manufacturing facility, providing sufficient space for 18 to 20 diamond growing reactors, supporting equipment, plus laser and polishing operations.
The relocation of equipment and operations from its current Boston, Mass., home is expected to begin early in first quarter 2012. The facility plans to come fully online and into the growing and production process by second quarter of 2012, Lancia said. Scio Diamond has been operating out of its office on Parkway Drive during the transition.
Current development projects utilizing Scio's diamond materials include applications with lasers, in quantum communication and computing, in high-voltage power switching, and with water treatment and purification systems, Lancia noted. The company has even created a diamond laser scalpel for use in surgery.
The state of South Carolina provided the company with job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
Included among the jobs to be filled by Scio Diamond are growers, materials handlers, chemical engineers, as well as a range of corporate headquarters positions. Job inquiries may be directed to the company beginning Jan. 1. Email [email protected].