COLUMBIA, S.C. – IKO, a leading, global manufacturer of roofing products, today announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operations in Chester County. The company’s $363 million investment will create 180 new jobs.
Established in 1951, IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. With over 35 manufacturing facilities throughout North America and Europe, IKO offers a broad range of products for commercial and residential roofing and waterproofing, in addition to rigid insulations for roofing and walls.
“With the population growth projections for the southeast U.S.,” Chester County Economic Development Director Robert Long said, “Chester County is geographically well-positioned to assist IKO’s expansion goals. With direct flights from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport where IKO’s corporate headquarters are located also made us a natural fit.”
Located less than one mile apart along the S.C. Highway 9 industrial corridor in Chester, IKO’s South Carolina operations will consist of two facilities. The company is remodeling an existing facility on Lancaster Highway to manufacture fiberglass. Concurrently, IKO is building a new 325,000-square-foot manufacturing plant on Cedarhurst Road to produce fiberglass mats that will be used for production at its United States’ shingle factories.
Operations are expected to be online by late 2025. Individuals interested in joining the IKO team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project.
“IKO’s announcement is a strong endorsement of the assets and potential of not just Chester County but all of rural South Carolina,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “This major $363 million investment and 180 new jobs will greatly strengthen the Chester County economy and set the stage for a brighter future. We look forward to growing our relationship with IKO for years to come.”
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About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.