COLUMBIA, S.C. – Specialty Polymers, Inc., a privately held manufacturer of water-based emulsion polymers and adhesives, is expanding its existing Chester County operations. The $5.5 million investment will significantly increase the plant’s capacity and generate five new jobs.

Founded in 1969 in Salem, Ore., Specialty Polymers is known for its state of the art innovations, environmentally friendly emulsion polymers and outstanding customer service. The Company has more than 300 active products with customers around the world. In 1999, Specialty Polymers broke ground on its Chester, S.C. plant, the company’s first East Coast facility. Today, the firm boasts more than 100,000 square-feet of combined production space between its South Carolina and Oregon facilities.

Specialty Polymers has expanded its Chester County operations, which are located on 25 acres at 869 Old Richburg Road in Chester, S.C., several times since opening in 2000. To date the company has invested more than $20 million in their Chester site, and generated more than 50 new jobs in the Palmetto State. This current expansion, a $5.5 million investment, will finance the expansion of the company’s current production area to add a 6,000-gallon emulsion polymer reactor system for the production of water-based polymers. With this recently announced expansion, combined with the Company’s lab and warehouse expansions, means Specialty Polymers will have invested over $8 million in its Chester plant in the past 10 years.

Expansion of the Chester County plant is expected to be completed in the 4th quarter of 2015. Hiring for the new positions is expected to begin in December 2015. Those interested in applying for open positions may contact Lisa Burrell at scjobs@specpoly.com . For more information on Specialty Polymers, Inc., please visit www.specpoly.com.

QUOTES

“In 1997, when Specialty Polymers selected South Carolina to be the home of our new East Coast facility, we knew we were making the right decision. Our continued investment in our Chester facility reflects our commitment to the state.  We appreciate the business friendly approach of the state of South Carolina, the county and the city. We also appreciate the great employees who have been instrumental in our success.” – Specialty Polymers, Inc. President and CEO Sheryl Southwell

“It’s always exciting to see one of our businesses prove how committed it is to South Carolina by expanding its operations and creating new jobs here. Specialty Polymers’ $5.5 million investment is huge news for the Chester community, and we look forward to watching this company continue to grow there for many years to come.” –Gov. Nikki Haley

“South Carolina’s manufacturing industry continues to thrive, and today’s announcement by Specialty Polymers just reinforces that notion. Moving forward, I am excited to support the company as they continue to succeed and create opportunities for South Carolinians and residents of Chester County.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“We are always excited with an existing industrial partner decides to expand its existing operation in Chester County.  Specialty Polymer’s decision to make this new investment here speaks to our continued efforts in creating  and maintaining a pro-business atmosphere for both existing and new industrial partners. Thank you for your vote of confidence.” –Chester County Supervisor R. Carlisle Roddey

“It is always nice to hear that one of our existing industrial partners such as Specialty Polymers has made a decision to expand here in Chester County.  This is another example of a successful company recognizing the advantages of additional investment in our county resulting in new job opportunities for our citizens.” –Chester Development Association Chairman Brian Singleton

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Specialty Polymers, Inc. is expanding its Chester County operations.

• $5.5 million investment to upgrade equipment and create 5 new jobs

• Specialty Polymers, Inc. was founded in 1969 in Salem, Oregon.

• The investment will finance the expansion of the company’s current production area at its plant located at 869 Old Richburg Road in Chester, S.C.

• Those interested in applying for open positions may contact Lisa Burrell atscjobs@specpoly.com.

About Specialty Polymers, Inc.
Specialty Polymers, Inc., a privately held company with headquarters in Woodburn, Ore., manufactures more than 300 different water-based polymers, which are the main ingredients in paint, wooden deck, roof and cement coatings, inks, and adhesives. Since 1969, Specialty has been known for its state of the art innovations, environmentally friendly emulsion polymers and outstanding customer service. With production facilities located on both coasts, Specialty has the capacity to manufacture more than 250 million pounds of products for customers throughout the world. Specialty’s skilled production staff is committed to customer service by providing superior products and meeting each customer’s unique delivery requirements. Visithttp://www.specpoly.com for more information.

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