Sage to construct headquarters at CU-ICAR

SCBIZ Daily
February 25, 2010

Sage Automotive Interiors Inc. has announced plans to build a new headquarters at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research. The new construction is part of a $3 million government grant.

Construction on the facility will begin in April. Sage plans to move into its new facility by June 2011.

“Sage is thrilled to have the opportunity to be headquartered on the CU-ICAR campus,” said Brian McSharry, chief operating officer of Sage Automotive Interiors. “Being on an automotive research campus just makes sense for us. The proximity to the outstanding academic research is a great strategic fit for Sage’s international operation, plus our partnerships with Clemson and the Greenville Area Development Corp. make it an added bonus.”

Backed by Azalea Capital LLC, Sage Automotive acquired the automotive body cloth division of Milliken Co. in July. Sage has about 1,000 employees at former Milliken plants in Marietta, Abbeville, Spartanburg, Toccoa, Ga., and in Brazil.

“We’re pleased that Sage Automotive recognizes the many advantages that Greenville County and the CU-ICAR campus offers their company,” said Mike Buiter, chairman of the GADC board. “As an innovative organization with global opportunities in the automotive industry, they had no shortage of location options in which to place their international headquarters. As a prized member of the local and South Carolina business communities, we’re delighted that they have selected Greenville County.”

Sage provides automotive body cloth – seating, door panel surfaces and headliners – to original equipment manufacturers. Global offices and manufacturing locations include the U.S., Japan, China, Brazil, Korea and Europe.

McSharry and Dirk Pieper, both former Milliken employees, lead the company. Jim Micali, a principal of Azalea, and former president and chairman of Michelin NA, serves as chairman.

“Sage is a perfect complement to our growing CU-ICAR community,” said Bob Geolas, CU-ICAR executive director. “They are at the front end of customer trends in automotive interiors. The staff experience and global reach of this company makes them a recognized market leader. We could not be more excited about having such a dynamic and creative company join the CU-ICAR campus.”

Neal Prince Architects in Greenville provided the architectural design. To be located in Technology Neighborhood I, the building will be nestled on the corner next to the AutoPark parking garage and across from the BMW Information Technology Research Center.

“We are pleased about Sage Automotive Interiors location to CU-ICAR,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White. “This continues to confirm that our partnership with CU-ICAR and the community’s commitment is paying dividends with new jobs and exciting companies like Sage.”

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