German pet food additive manufacturers have selected Augusta region to establish operations in North America.
Mikro-Technik GmbH&Co. KG hopes to bring more than two employees to McCormick County, South Carolina, with an investment of $3.2 million.
Mikro-Technik will lease and improve the shell building maintained by the McCormick County Economic Development Bureau, located on the 8463 SC Expressway. Plum branch 28/221. Officials announced Tuesday that the completed projects are expected to expand the company's production capacity in the U.S. and Canada customers.
Mikro-technik improves plant-based cellulose fibers into a powder to be used as a binding agent in pet food (mainly dried juice). The operation is scheduled to be online in the third quarter of 2025.
“The establishment of our first North American facility in McCormick County marks an exciting milestone for Mikro-Technik,” CEO Kai Weingarten said in a prepared speech. “This investment allows us to better serve our clients across the continental United States, while also contributing to the local economy. We appreciate the support we have received at the state and local level and look forward to growing our business in South Carolina.”
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster calls the project a “major increase” for the county's approximately 10,000 residents.
The state’s Economic Development Commission awarded McCormick County a $350,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to help with building improvement funds.
“The people of McCormick County are working hard and preparing for this opportunity and I believe Mikro-Technik will find a community that is entirely committed to success,” he said.
This article originally appeared in the Augusta Chronicle: New Food Plus Addive Factory, Opening in the Augusta Region
