An old Darlington County’s Palmetto textile plant which was shut down in 2008 by the bankruptcy of its owner is being revamped by Fiber Industries. The $30 million capital investment will be used to revamp the site and install new equipment which is expected to create at least 135 new jobs.

Production of polyester fibers used in a variety of apparel, home furnishing and other non-woven markets will restart at the plant early 2018.

Leandro Carboni, management for Fiber Industries said that they feel really good about the market and the location of this facility. As it is in the epicenter of the textile industry in the U.S., they will be close to a lot of their key and potential customers.

Officials said that the textile industry is regaining momentum after a hard hit during the recession and this investment is a sign of a market growth.

Frank Willis, Darlington County economic development director, said that this project has taken years to culminate but it’s a major sign of growth to come in the county.

Robert L. Kilgo, Jr., Darlington County Council, said that this investment bodes well for laborers in the Pee Dee. He said that Fibers will impact the entire area. It’s good to see the old fiber plant coming back and not just sitting empty, collecting dust.

Fiber Industries is working with Ready SC to facilitate the hiring process. With the operation beginning in 2018, hiring for the new positions will begin sometime in the fourth quarter this year.