British-based carbon fiber textile manufacturer Sigmatex announced its plan to invest $12 million in a facility at the John W. Matthews Jr. Industrial Park.at the Orangeburg Countr facility over the next five years and will initially create 50 new jobs. It is one of the largest projects the company has undertaken in its 28-year history.

Ground will be broken on the new $6 million, 75,000-square-foot facility by the end of the year. Operations could begin in mid-2015.

The facility will be located near the entrance of the Matthews Industrial Park on about 20 acres. It will be constructed to allow for expansion up to 150,000 square feet and eventually up to 450,000 square feet to accommodate the potential growth in the aerospace industry.

This facility will enable them to meet any foreseeable future market requirements and ensure they are prepared to continue to support the supply chain in delivering the growth requirements in the aerospace and automotive sectors, said Sigmatex CEO Scott Tolson.

They are looking forward to continue their excellent cooperation with the state and local officials and to further supporting their expanding customer base with carbon textile solutions. The company develops and makes carbon fiber textiles for composite materials, converting millions of pounds of carbon fiber each year for major projects that require high levels of quality and reliability.

Orangeburg County is on the “cutting edge of the future in terms of job creation and job opportunities” and eventually would like to see five class A industrial parks in the Global Logistics Triangle, which Orangeburg County defines as the area around Interstate 95, Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 301.

Sen. John Matthews, D-Bowman, said that Sigmatex has a very bright future as they have a good location and people who will give a day’s work for a day’s pay. The park is named after the senator.