Valenite, Sandvik complete $100 million investment
By David Williams Oconee-Pickens Bureau
November 10, 2006

WESTMINSTER - U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, R-S.C., called the roll Friday.

A native of Westminster, Rep. Barrett looked at the crowd gathered for the ceremony recognizing the consolidation of Valenite operations. He pointed to Mark Black, Sammy Spencer and Cindy McGuffin, among others.

Mr. Black was the center on the Westminster High School football team that had Rep. Barrett at quarterback. Rep. Barrett said he and Mr. Spencer played basketball together in Mr. Spencer’s yard and the recently re-elected Congressman was a frequent customer in Ms. McGuffin’s father’s restaurant.

"How many times have I eaten in your dad’s restaurant?" the Congressman asked.

"Everyday," Ms. McGuffin said.

The people of Westminster and Oconee County shared the stage and spotlight with the global representatives of Sandvik and its Valenite operations, which has invested $100 million in consolidating its Oconee County operations. The investment has created the most modern and efficient cemented carbide plant in North America, according to Sandvik officials.

"We’re here because of the people," Mr. Barrett said. "Why would a company that could go anywhere in the world invest more than $65 million over the last three years? Because when it comes to heart and soul, we beat everybody every time. I know. I grew up with you. This is a celebration of America, Americans, hard-working Americans who believe in freedom, capitalism and a place we call home."

Anders Thelin, president of Sandvik Tooling based in Sweden, said at one time the Valenite operations were in five buildings, miles apart. Valenite opened its first plant in Westminster in 1977 and by 1980 had five locations. Sandvik purchased Valenite in 2002 and began consolidating the facilities.

Mr. Thelin said creating the next world-class factory in South Carolina is a total investment in Oconee County of more than $100 million; more than 50 jobs have been added in the past three years. The plant now employs about 340 workers.

Mr. Thelin also announced that the Westminster operations are now ranked No. 2 in quality production worldwide, second only to Sandvik’s plant in Japan.

"You," Mr. Thelin said to the many workers who attended Friday’s ceremony, "made the dream come true."

The ceremonies Friday also included honoring 46 of the company’s 340 workers who have 25 years or more of service.

Westminster Mayor Derek Hodgin said the expansion is good for Westminster and Oconee County.

"This speaks volumes about what is being done in Oconee County," Mayor Hodgin said. "Obviously we’re doing something right."

S.C. Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, said the investment made by Valenite and its parent company, Sandvik, is part of the transition from textiles that Oconee County and South Carolina are going through.

"These are the type jobs we need for the long haul," Sen. Alexander said. "They are good partners, good neighbors and they will help Oconee County to grow and preserve our quality of life."

Valenite is currently the largest industrial customer of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. The new Walgreens distribution center in Anderson County will be the largest customer when it becomes fully operational in 2007.

Ronnie Booth, president of Tri-County Technical College said Friday was a great day in the neighborhood.

"This is what I call coming full circle," Mr. Booth said. "We have the programs that provide good employees and companies like Valenite provide good jobs for our graduates."

David Williams can be reached
At (864) 882-0522 or by e-mail at
Williamsde@IndependentMail.com