Japanese based Suminoe Textile of America Corporation a leading supplier of textile products for the North American automotive market, who began its operation operations at Gaffney facility in the United States in 2003 is planning to expand its needle punch carpet facility in Cherokee County that makes automotive carpeting.

They utilize processes developed by their parent company to provide carpet with superior NVH performance with dramatic reductions in product weight.

Kathie Ledford, HR manager for Suminoe Textile of America Corporation, said that Suminoe is excited to continue growth at their United States facility in Cherokee County and that they appreciate the continued support of Cherokee County and the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Over the past decade, Suminoe has grown from an initial 10 employees to more than 400 currently employed at its Gaffney facility. As part of the expansion plan, Suminoe will be hiring machine operators, forklift drivers, inspection operators as well as management positions.

Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said that the automotive sector continues to drive business location and expansion decisions in South Carolina, including companies in the textile industry. They are appreciative to companies like Suminoe, South Carolina's rich history in textiles is growing.

South Carolina's automotive sector employs more than 46,000 in the state at 250 companies in 38 of the state's 46 counties, according to South Carolina Department of Commerce data.

Suminoe expansion project will involve investment to the tune of $5 million and is expected to create 100 new jobs.