New development to bring $28 million investment and 200 new jobs
Columbia, SC — Viva Holdings Group, Inc., an international leader in the worldwide rubber and plastic recycling industries, is launching a new operation in Berkeley County. The first phase of the new development is expected to bring a $28 million investment and create 200 new jobs with the potential for additional expansion.
Viva Holdings Group, Inc., through its subsidiary Viva TPE Products, LLC, is a manufacturer of semi-finished rubber goods with proprietary technology for export to China, along with a variety injection-molded finished products. The company’s proprietary technologies use a combination of recycled rubber and recycled plastics from post-industrial and post-consumer sources.
The company will be renovating a 177,000-square-foot industrial site at 315 Ravenell Drive in St. Stephen, S.C. For more information about joining the Viva team, visit www.vivarecycling.com.
Quotes
“Viva is proud to build in St. Stephen, S.C. an integrated manufacturing plant using our state’s recycled rubber and plastics. Our plant expects to employ up to 200 people, creating products that will be sold in the U.S. and exported to China.” –Viva Holdings Group, Inc. CEO Marty Sergei
“Viva brings together a team of Chinese and U.S. principals to create an international leader in the worldwide rubber and plastic recycling industries. Hebei JingXin Chemical Group Ltd. is honored to be part of this venture.” – Viva Holdings Group, Inc. Chairman Zhang Baofa
“We couldn’t be more excited to congratulate Viva for its decision to build a new facility in Berkeley County. This $28 million investment, and the 200 new jobs it means for Berkeley County, is a huge win for everyone involved, and we look forward to watching this partnership grow for many years to come.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“As an ideal destination for business, South Carolina is proud of our wonderful business climate, and today’s announcement by Viva Holdings Group, Inc. is a testament to that. Congratulations to the company on deciding to invest in Berkeley County, and we anticipate great things from their new development.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“This announcement is a true revival for an area that has suffered for too long and provides opportunities for folks to both live and work in this region. Viva’s new operation in St. Stephen is the beginning of a new day for this part of Berkeley County. Berkeley County is extremely grateful for Viva’s investment of both finances and new jobs, both of which will significantly change lives for the better in this region.” – Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler
“Congratulations to Berkeley County and St. Stephen, in particular, for welcoming a significant new asset to the community. Berkeley spearheaded a seamless and professional effort that demonstrated why this market is so successful. Viva will be a wonderful addition to the region and a strong economic partner, and we are proud to welcome them here.” –Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chair Anita Zucker
Five Fast Facts
- Viva Holdings Group, Inc. launching new operations in Berkeley County.
- $28 million investment and 200 jobs in its first phase.
- Viva is an international leader in the worldwide rubber and plastic recycling industries.
- New operations will be located at 315 Ravenell Dr., St. Stephen, S.C.
For more information, visit the company’s website online.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. IBM-Plant Location International reports in 2012, 2013 and 2015 ranked South Carolina first in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012, 2014 and 2015. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
