COLUMBIA, S.C. (June 21, 2021) – With just one year under its belt at its first U.S. facility, KRA Operations LLC is expanding to fulfill a growing demand for home appliance parts. The company has committed $23.5 Million in capital investment to the project, adding 191,209 square feet to the existing 105,000 square foot Newberry County facility. The expansion will also provide 120 new job opportunities for workers in and surrounding the area.
Located in Prosperity at the Mid-Carolina Commerce Park, the company specializes in the production of metal stamped and injection molded parts as part of an in-state supply network. Having exceeded start-up expectations with its first North American venture, KRA Operations president Wonyoung “William” Chang says the company is excited to take this next step.
“It was an honor to establish our company in Newberry County of South Carolina last year. We are excited for the expansion of our company for the future business venture. It is our hope that we will contribute more for the community as we expand our business. We highly appreciate the support of the Newbery County, State of South Carolina, and related local businesses.”
For Newberry County, this expansion is another sign that the county’s opportunities for growth and its appeal to eager businesses are only getting stronger.
“For a company to triple the size of its facility and workforce just a year after the facility first opened is almost unheard of,” said Henry H. Livingston, III, chairman of Newberry County Council. “We’re always delighted to help our industrial partners grow, and we view this expansion as a vote of confidence in Newberry County.”
The county has seen a flurry of investments in recent years, ranging from globally-renowned brand name manufacturers to producers of electrical products and suppliers of automotive and appliance components. Working in partnership with local developers and officials, the Central SC Alliance assists the county with business recruitment and development efforts, as well as global marketing.
“When you tell the story of places like Newberry County to companies around the world,” explains Central SC Alliance Chairman W. Keller Kissam, “having local industries that take pride in where they are, what they produce and who works for them makes all of our jobs so much easier. KRA Operations’ rapid growth shows other companies that may be debating new locations or expansions how much potential is available right here in the heart of South Carolina.”
Construction for KRA Operations’ expansion is already underway with completion of the build anticipated for late 2021. Candidates for existing and upcoming job opportunities can email resumes to sherri@kirin1980.com or apply at the company’s hiring office at 130 Mid-Carolina Court, Prosperity, SC 29127.
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About KRA Operations LLC
“Strive for Excellence”/ To contribute quality of living, growth, and service of excellence to the community.
About Newberry County Economic Development Office
The Newberry County Economic Development Office (NCEDO) works with existing and prospective business and industry to facilitate investment and economic growth in the county. Learn about the NCEDO at newberrycountysc.org and find more on Facebook and Twitter.
About Central SC Alliance
The Central SC Alliance (CSCA) is a full-service professional economic development organization, founded in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, public/private partnership, engaged in the recruitment of capital investment and jobs to the heart of South Carolina. The CSCA represents the capital city of Columbia and eight counties of Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland.
To learn more, visit centralsc.org and connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.