Delfin Group USA announces $55 million expansion

Less than one year after purchasing the former Shell Lubricants plant in North Charleston, Delfin Group USA is announcing a $55 million capital investment in the facility. Delfin will retrofit the existing infrastructure to support manufacturing of its automotive and industrial lubricants to serve both domestic and global markets.

Delfin Group USA is the North American division of the company, which is headquartered in Moscow, Russia. Its North Charleston operation currently employs 15, and this expansion will add 160 new jobs over the next three to four years. Delfin expects to complete the initial expansion in 2009.

According to company officials, Delfin considered other east coast port communities and its existing operations overseas before choosing the Charleston region. “The port and infrastructure attracted our attention,” said Dr. Markos Baghdasarian, President of Delfin Group USA. “However, the support pledged to us by state and local officials created an important advantage for North Charleston versus any other location.”

Delfin purchased the 42-acre site in late 2007 after the existing lubricant operation was closed in December 2006. The site has been used as a service station or lubricant oil terminal since 1910.

This competitive expansion project was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance in partnership with numerous public- and private-sector allies including the S.C. Department of Commerce, Charleston County and the City of North Charleston. The Alliance is an economic development organization working to advance the economy of the three-county Charleston region.

“With global commerce a key driver of the local economy, nearly 90 companies in our region have international ownership,” said Alliance Chairman Jim Bryan. “Delfin is our only Russian company, and this expansion proves we have the right mix of world-class assets to continue broadening our international community.”

“Delfin is a petroleum manufacturer with a strong international presence. Delfin made a significant investment in our state earlier this year and we are pleased to see their growth continue. This news is further evidence that our state’s business-friendly climate, market access, strong infrastructure – including the Port of Charleston – and skilled workforce are working to attract new investment and grow existing businesses. Thanks to the team efforts of local and state officials, the Charleston area will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

”Our congratulations to Delfin on this great occasion,” said Vice Chairman Joe McKeown of Charleston County Council. “Having this unique river-front industrial facility under capable new ownership and engaged in expansion and additional job-creation is a real boon to our community. The Delfin Group is a stellar new corporate citizen for the Charleston region, and with their good news coming amidst a time of such economic angst, we gain some needed reassurance and optimism about our region’s international competitive posture.”

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey also welcomed the announcement. “Delfin is breathing new life into an industrial site that has supported the petroleum industry for nearly 100 years. With the company so quickly expanding its operations here, we hope to achieve many more years of productive use. Thank you, Delfin, for your confidence in North Charleston.”

About Delfin
Delfin is a global competitor with multiple operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Central and Eastern Europe and the Near East. Delfin has grown its business in a variety of markets as the broad demand for petroleum-based and chemical products has increased annually. Delfin’s expansion is part of a dynamic strategy to compete effectively and meet the international demand for their products. The company’s website is delfingroupusa.com .

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties with a mission to create improved opportunities for all residents within this three-county region. Working with a statewide network of allies, the Alliance markets Charleston to the world as a preferred location for business, and helps to facilitate new investment within the three-county area. The Alliance closely aligns its efforts with those of other organizations to drive a sustainable, regional economic development strategy. To learn more, go to charlestoneconomicdeveopment.com.

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