Coronet North America bringing operation to the Charleston region

January 20, 2003 –Coronet North America, a division of Germany-based Coronet-Werke GmbH, has chosen to locate a manufacturing and distribution facility in Dorchester County. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Founded in 1920 in Germany, Coronet today has over 2,400 employees at 23 facilities worldwide. An international leader in oral care, filaments and housewares products, the company continues its strategy of expansion into key strategic markets, including North America. Coronet has long been recognized as an innovative company with a strong history of research and development, and now holds over 2,000 global patents covering brushmaking processes, filaments and manufacturing operations.

Coronet is locating in McQueen Industrial Park in Dorchester County, and will invest nearly $3 million in its Charleston area operation while providing over 40 new jobs. These will include positions in manufacturing, distribution and management.
Brian Crawford, General Manager, noted that Coronet was attracted to the Charleston region for a number of reasons, including the Port of Charleston, state and local incentives, and workforce training offered through the Center for Accelerated Technology Training.

“Coronet is a very progressive, highly innovative company under the direction of Mr. Georg Weihrauch. Having many North American customers, along with a great potential for future growth, assisted us in making a decision to expand manufacturing operations to the United States,” Crawford said.

“In looking for our North American location,” he continued, “the Charleston region emerged again and again as the best choice for us. We found a high level of spirit, leadership and engagement here, a very dynamic port, and a solid workforce. All together, it made the decision very easy for us and we are proud to call Charleston home.”

Gene Williams, Chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, noted that the Coronet operation fits with the Alliance goal of attracting good, clean manufacturers to the region. “We welcome this highly regarded, international company to our vibrant manufacturing community. We believe heartily that Coronet will be a good neighbor and good employer for the region.“

Dorchester County Council Chairman, Randy Scott, also welcomed Coronet to the region. “Our county is home to a number of progressive, profitable and highly productive manufacturers. We are happy to add Coronet to that list. We look forward to their continued success.”

In facilitating competitive relocations or expansions for the region, the Alliance works with numerous organizations. An especially noteworthy partnership exists with the South Carolina Department of Commerce. “Everyone working together made the difference for Coronet,” said Secretary of Commerce nominee Bob Faith. “Competitively, the Charleston area offers companies a quality of life that can’t be beat.”

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with a new emphasis on technology-intensive business sectors. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment and quality growth in the area. To learn more, go to www.charleston-for-business.com.

# # #
Media Contact:
Colleen Troy
843-577-7327
[email protected]