Business

Dupont To Close Kevlar Plant In Berkeley County

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell
VIA DUPONT

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–After six years of operation, the Kevlar plant in Berkeley County is shutting its doors for good. The move is said to impact more than 100 local Dupont employees.

Dan Turner, a spokesman for DuPont, said Kevlar manufacturing at the Cooper River site is transitioning to the company’s Spruance site in Richmond, Virginia, where a majority of the work is done.

Turner said changes with Kevlar will not impact the Hytrel facility at the DuPont plant in Berkeley County.

In 2007, Dupont announced a $500 million investment in significantly expanding production of high-performance DuPont™ Kevlar para-aramid brand fiber for industrial and military uses. The new facility became the centerpiece of a multi-phase, multi-year Kevlar production expansion that initially increased global Kevlar production capacity by more than 25 percent.

Meanwhile, Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler and county leaders say they are working to find job opportunities for all employees impacted by the DuPont Kevlar plant closure.

The County is working with the South Carolina Department of Commerce to find job connections for employees of the plant.

“DuPont made a difficult decision to close its Berkeley County plant and that move will have an impact on our community and particularly the workers who now face an uncertain future,” said Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler. “Berkeley County leaders pride ourselves on recruiting solid industries, creating jobs and building a strong community. While the closure of this plant is disappointing, Berkeley County is committed to expanding opportunities for citizens and helping those affected. As the unemployment rate in the County is the lowest it’s been in 15 years, we’re optimistic that the employees impacted by this plant closure will soon find job opportunities in the County.”

Job opportunities from local industrial parties and many local governments can be found by clicking here.
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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