$1.4 million investment to build new automated manufacturing packaging line and cleanroom
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Rhythmlink International, LLC, a medical device manufacturing company, is expanding its Richland County facility at 1140 First Street South in the Columbia Industrial Park. The expansion includes a $1.4 million investment expected to create 50 new jobs and a world-class automated packaging line in a new 1,500-square-foot ISO 8 Certified, Class 100,000 cleanroom.
Founded by neurodiagnostic technicians and engineers in 2002, Rhythmlink designs, manufactures and distributes a variety of medical devices for intraoperative neuromonitoring, electroencephalography, evoked potentials, polysomnography, long-term monitoring epilepsy and critical care units.
The company began manufacturing medical devices at its facility in China 12 years ago, but it now plans to move a manufacturing packaging line to South Carolina with this expansion. Rhythmlink product made in the USA will be available for sale in mid- to late 2015.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $50,000 set aside grant to be used for real property improvements for the project.
QUOTES
“After careful analysis, it made sense to take some of our production processes out of our facility in China and move them closer to home. We looked at Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico and even a couple of other states. After working with and receiving support from our partners at the state of South Carolina, Richland County and Capital Bank, in the end it was less expensive and clearly more practical to invest in automation for a new packaging line right here in our own facility in Columbia. We’re very excited about our new expansion in Columbia and thrilled that Rhythmlink can add new jobs in South Carolina.” -Michael O’Leary, chief operating officer for Rhythmlink
“Not only has Rhythmlink made South Carolina their company’s home for more than 12 years, they have now decided to move a significant manufacturing packaging line to our state to create their first-ever ‘Made in the USA’ products. We congratulate them on their investment of $1.4 million and 50 new jobs in Richland County.” -Gov. Nikki Haley
“Rhythmlink produces high-tech medical devices that help monitor patients even in the most critical of care. Their decision to expand their Richland County facility and on-shore their manufacturing not only speaks to our excellent workforce in South Carolina, but also to our strong manufacturing capabilities.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“We are thrilled that Rhythmlink chose Richland County over other international locations including China to expand operations and add 50 jobs. The greatest evidence of a business-friendly climate is the growth and success of our existing industries, and this announcement is confirmation that Richland County and South Carolina are creating that climate. Congratulations to Rhythmlink on their expansion; Richland County is proud that you chose to expand your facilities here.” -Norman Jackson, chairman of Richland County Council
“This is a very big deal – Rhythmlink International is a world-class company, and for it to make this kind of investment to bring advanced manufacturing jobs to Columbia, when they could have chosen anywhere in the world, speaks volumes about their vision and their faith in this community. Quite simply, it says we can compete anywhere.” -City of Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Rhythmlink International, LLC is expanding its Richland County facility at 1140 First Street South in the Columbia Industrial Park.
- $1.4 million investment is expected to create 50 new jobs and a world-class automated packaging line in a new 1,500-square-foot ISO 8 Certified, Class 100,000 cleanroom.
- The company plans to move a significant manufacturing packaging line to South Carolina with this recent expansion.
- Rhythmlink product made in the USA will be available for sale in mid- to late 2015.
- Rhythmlink manufactures and distributes a variety of medical devices for intraoperative neuromonitoring, electroencephalography, evoked potentials, polysomnography, long-term monitoring epilepsy and critical care units.
