BauschLinnemann to Relocate North American Headquarters in Horry County, SC and Create 55 Jobs

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., Aug. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BauschLinnemann North America, a producer of surfaces and edge bandings for furniture makers, today announced plans to establish a new facility and its North American headquarters in Horry County, S.C. The company is making an investment in the area of more than $8 million dollars and will create 55 jobs.

"We are pleased to establish our new production facility and North American headquarters in Horry County.  South Carolina has the right business environment for us and has the skilled workforce we need. We appreciate all the support we've received from state and local officials in moving this project forward. The Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development group has been key in this process and we are impressed with Horry County and what it has to offer," said Mike Phillips, President and CEO of BauschLinnemann North America.

In 2010, BauschLinnemann North America acquired Coastal Paper, a Myrtle Beach, S.C. company with manufacturing locations in Myrtle Beach and Conway. Then, in the first quarter of 2012, the manufacturing assets of CDM Papier Decor, Inc. of Drummondville Quebec were also acquired. To achieve manufacturing and operational efficiencies, the decision was made to consolidate all operations in Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

"BauschLinnemann's decision to expand its workforce here in Horry County by 55 is exciting and furthermore it's our first corporate headquarters relocation under our new leadership.  I am thankful for the company's commitment to Horry County and proud of our economic development team for this terrific announcement," said Tom Rice, Chairman of the Horry County Council.

BauschLinnemann's relocation to Myrtle Beach will generate a $31 million annual economic impact to the area. It also brings the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation (MBREDC) total jobs announced to 315 for the year. In addition, the average hourly wage for the new positions will be significantly above the current community average.

"The scope of industry is widening in Horry County.  BauschLinnemann announcing the relocation of its North American headquarters in Horry County comes on the heels of other recent announcements by AvCraft Technical Services and Frontier Communications.  This is a clear indication that the strategy Horry County Council and the MBREDC have put in place is working.  We are having a great year, and our mission to create jobs is becoming a reality," said MBREDC Chairman, Doug Wendel.

The MBREDC, the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA), the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Horry County Council, Burroughs & Chapin Co., and the City of Myrtle Beach all came together in support of this project. 

"The North Eastern Strategic Alliance is excited to learn that BauschLinnemann will locate its North American headquarters and consolidate its manufacturing operations in Myrtle Beach.  This decision represents a fine example of what happens when we all work together in economic development.  BauschLinnemann's decision makes a strong statement regarding the workforce and pro-business environment within our region, and we are confident that those two factors will help BauschLinnemann to be successful.  We welcome BauschLinnemann as our newest corporate neighbor," said Senator J. Yancey McGill, NESA Chairman.

A new manufacturing and office facility of 75,000 sq. ft. located on Harrelson Boulevard is expected to be completed in the summer of 2013.  The operation will add 55 new jobs initially and the campus has room to expand to 200,000 sq. ft. Burroughs & Chapin Co. has been a key asset in the relocation of BauschLinnemann.  

"Burroughs & Chapin Co. was pleased to be selected to develop the site for BauschLinnemann.  As a developer, it will be exciting to see a new manufacturing facility flying an international flag right as you enter the Myrtle Beach International Airport.  This is a step in the right direction, and we were happy to be a part of it," said Burroughs & Chapin President and CEO Jim Apple.

The building construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2013. The company will begin hiring at that time.

About BauschLinnemann

BauschLinnemann North America Inc. was established in 1984 as Linnemann USA Inc.  In 2004, Linnemann merged with a world-wide competitor Bausch and the company name was changed to BauschLinnemann North America.  Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., the company manufacturers and distributes decorative surfaces to the woodworking industry.  These "laminates and edgings" are used in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, store fixtures, furniture, moldings, and picture frames.  The company also provides adhesive coating services for manufacturers using these products.

BauschLinnemann North America is a daughter company of BauschLinnemann GmbH, the Paper division and a Strategic Business Unit of SURTECO.  Traded on the German exchange SURTECO is a $500 million company with world-wide operations.

For more information about the company, please visit www.us.bauschlinnemann.com.

About MBREDC

The MBREDC is a public-private partnership that works closely with new and existing industry, site selectors and economic development professionals to promote economic growth in Horry County. Since 2006, it has worked to recruit 783 jobs and $59 million in capital investments. Serving on the Executive Committee are:  Doug Wendel, Billy Alford, Jim Apple, Sam Bennett, Laura Crowther, Franklin Daniels, Dr. Dave DeCenzo, Ebbie Phillips, Dr. Philip Render, Tom Rice, Fred Richardson, Gary Loftus, Neyle Wilson, and Jimmy Yahnis. For more information, visit www.mbredc.org.

SOURCE Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation