PRET Advanced Materials investing $18.5M in Florence

Advanced materials company PRET Advanced Materials LLC is expanding its operations in Florence County.

According to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the company’s $18.5 million investment will create 74 new jobs.

Headquartered in Johnsonville, PRET is a leading compounder and supplier of thermoplastic resins in North America, according to a news release. The company’s South Carolina facility has operated continuously since 1955.

PRET is adding new equipment and improvements to its facility, located at 520 Kingsburg Highway in Johnsonville, to meet demand for new products.

“PRET Advanced Materials is proud to announce the expansion of its capabilities at our Johnsonville facility,” CEO Alex Zhou said in the release. “This continued strong growth reflects PRET’s confidence in both our people and our long-standing relationship with Florence County and the state of South Carolina.”

Operations are expected to be online by 2027.

“We are pleased to acknowledge the value that PRET Advanced Materials brings to our community. This $18.5 million-dollar investment is projected to create 74 new jobs in southern Florence County,” Florence County Council Chairman William Schofield said in the release. “We commend their commitment to both their customers and their workforce. Florence County is delighted to have PRET’s compounding facility and state-of-the-art research and development center located in Johnsonville.”
Individuals interested in joining the PRET team should contact Stephanie Wisnom at 843-386-8261. The Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $50,000 Set-Aside grant to Florence County to assist with the costs of road improvements.

“PRET Advanced Materials continues having a strong impact in the Florence County community,” Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said in the release. “We are thrilled to see a company with such a longstanding legacy in our state continuing to find success. Congratulations on this exciting announcement.”

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