China Jushi starts work on fiberglass plant in US

A worker changes fiber spools at a production plant of China Jushi in Tongxiang, Zhejiang province. [Photo by Yan Zhi/For China Daily]

China Jushi, a global manufacturer and promoter of fiberglass products, broke ground for a $300 million, 80,000-metric-ton fiberglass production line in Richland County, South Carolina, the United States, on Thursday.

"Not only is this an important day for Richland County, this is an important one for our state. This $300 million investment, creating 400 jobs in its first phase, is very significant," said Robert M. Hitt III, secretary of the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The construction of the plant by Jushi USA, which is headquartered in Irwindale, California, represents another strategic milestone by China Jushi after a project in Egypt.

According to Zhang Yuqiang, president of China Jushi and chairman and CEO of Jushi Group, the project will help drive growth in the local economy and create jobs.

The plant will anchor the Pineview Industrial Park, according to scbusinessnews.com. The 900-acre (364 hectares) site is near Interstate 77 and a Norfolk Southern rail line traverses the park.

"We're excited to announce the largest capital investment in Richland County since 1981," Richland County Council Chairman Torrey Rush told scbusinessnews. "It's a big deal for Richland County."

Zhang said the investment will make it possible for Jushi to localize production, research and development, and hire talented people in the US to better serve its customers.

The project is expected to be completed in 2018.

Zhang recalled that it had been five years since he first visited the state to scout the site.