German manufacturer to establish North American operation in the Charleston region

March 10, 2003 – Zeltwanger LP, a Germany-based manufacturer of high-precision machinery components, will establish a North American presence with the location of a manufacturing operation in the Charleston region. The Zeltwanger operation will be located off Montague Avenue in North Charleston. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

The company designs, manufactures and assembles high-precision components and systems for use in numerous automated manufacturing processes. Its product line includes ready-fit components, custom-designed machinery, and the engineering and manufacturing of complete automation systems. Company officials expect to create 24 new jobs and invest $1.6 million.

Ulrich Zeltwanger, President of the company, noted that the decision to locate in the Charleston region was considered carefully. “As we investigated possible locations for this new operation, we noted that the Charleston area has a growing base of sophisticated manufacturers, which can help support our operation here. We were also pleased to find that this area has a large pool of technically skilled workers.”

Sevtap Zueberi, CEO of Zeltwanger, added that the region’s growing community of German companies was also a consideration. “We believed early on that Charleston must have something very special to offer companies like ours. So far, we have been pleased with the warm welcome and ongoing assistance provided to our company.”

Gene Williams, Chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, welcomed the company on behalf of the region. “The products engineered by Zeltwanger bring state-of-the-art automation technology to the manufacturing process. By supplying our base of world-class manufacturers, this company will continue to offer area residents new opportunities for high quality employment.”

“Congratulations to Zeltwanger on what is very good news for Charleston County,” said Timothy E. Scott, Chairman of Charleston County Council. “Zeltwanger is a top flight addition to our growing automotive engineering cluster, which is attracting some of the finest minds in the business. Zeltwanger’s presence further strengthens the supply chain for its customer, Robert Bosch Corp., in their far-reaching mission to serve the biggest names in Detroit, North America and around the world. Simultaneously, the Zeltwanger decision to relocate here reminds us yet again of Charleston’s ever increasing international stature.”

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey added that Zeltwanger’s presence will further cement the region’s reputation as a haven for high-tech manufacturing. “As a supplier to other technology-driven manufacturers in our region, Zeltwanger will serve as an anchor for our existing manufacturing base,” he said. “The company’s presence here will also help us to attract even more top quality manufacturing operations. This is a huge win for our region all the way around.”

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance works with numerous organizations to attract new investment to the region. The state of South Carolina is a key partner in this effort.

“Expanding this sector of our economy is critical to raising income levels in South Carolina,” said Gov. Mark Sanford. “High-tech manufacturers like Zeltwanger coming to our state means we’re moving the ball forward in a core area of our renewed focus on economic development.”

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.

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Media Contact:
Colleen Troy
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