TEXTILES.ORG
Officine Maccaferri officially inaugurated its new North American manufacturing facility in Fort Lawn, S.C., on June 5.
The event marked the official start of operations at the facility and brought together Maccaferri’s leadership, leading business partners and representatives of local and regional institutions. The inauguration gives tangible form to the investment announced in March and represents a new operational milestone in the group’s long-term growth path in North America, the company said in a statement.
Hosted at the Synteen Technical Fabrics Inc. site located in Fort Lawn, the ceremony offered guests a first-hand view of the facility, its production areas and the technologies that will support Maccaferri’s next phase of development in the region. Featured remarks were delivered by Sergio Iasi, Chairman of the board at Officine Maccaferri; Carlton Martin, Mayor of Fort Lawn; Erin Mosley, Vice Chair of Chester County Council; Giulio Ronchi, Italian Honorary Consul for South Carolina; Karen Davison, Assistant Director of Economic Development for Choose Chester; and Harry Lightsey III, Secretary of Commerce, South Carolina Department of Commerce. The official ceremony concluded with an official ribbon cutting led by Aaron Smith, President and CEO of Maccaferri North America. The event ended with guided plant tours, product demonstrations and networking opportunities.
Sergio Iasi, Chairman of Officine Maccaferri, commented, “The official opening of Fort Lawn turns the investment we announced last March into a concrete industrial reality. It is a milestone we are proud to share with the institutions, partners and local community that have supported us from the very beginning. This facility is more than a new plant: it embodies the Maccaferri of today – a one-stop shop, multi-business platform and a team of climate change adaptation engineers committed to safer, more durable and more sustainable infrastructure. It confirms our long-term commitment to the United States and reflects the strength of our global industrial platform.”
Aaron Smith, President and CEO of Maccaferri North America, added, “The opening of the Fort Lawn facility is a significant milestone in our growth journey across North America. More than a new production site, it is an investment in our people, our capabilities, and our future. With sustainability and safety embedded in its design, the facility reflects our commitment to operational excellence and to building a strong foundation for the years ahead. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the Fort Lawn and Chester County communities, whose collaboration was instrumental in bringing this project to life in such a short timeframe.”