German Manufacturer VITREUS USA Establishes First North American Facility in South Carolina
Germany-based VITREUS USA has selected Newberry County, South Carolina, for its first North American manufacturing operation, announcing an $800,000 investment expected to create 15 new jobs.
The company, a subsidiary of Germany-based VITREUS GmbH, specializes in ceramic coatings and decorative surface-finishing products used in the construction materials industry.
The new manufacturing facility, located at 200 Park Avenue in Newberry, will produce ceramic coatings, glazes, granulates and color pigments used in facing bricks and clay roof tiles. These products provide decorative finishes and color treatments for building materials used in residential and commercial construction.
Operations have already begun, with the facility currently undergoing testing and production ramp-up.
Growing North American Demand Drives Investment
The investment follows several years of supplying North American customers from Germany. Increasing demand and order volumes prompted the company to establish domestic manufacturing capabilities to improve delivery times and customer service.
“Building on several years of successfully supplying the North American market from Germany, VITREUS is responding to strong growth in customers and order volume by establishing local production in the United States,” said VITREUS USA CEO Joachim Grothe.
Grothe added that the Newberry facility will allow the company to serve customers more efficiently while drawing on the technical expertise of its European operations.
South Carolina Welcomes New Manufacturing Investment
South Carolina officials welcomed the announcement as another example of international manufacturers choosing the state for U.S. operations.
“VITREUS USA’s new manufacturing facility in Newberry County is a testament to South Carolina’s global reputation as a business-friendly state,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “We congratulate the company on its investment and celebrate the addition of 15 new jobs in the Palmetto State.”
The company partnered with the South Carolina Department of Commerce through its Landing Pad Program, which supports international businesses establishing operations in the state.
South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III highlighted the company’s decision to locate in Newberry County and utilize the program as evidence of the state’s competitive manufacturing environment.
SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace also welcomed the investment, emphasizing the importance of the state’s port infrastructure and international supply chain connections in supporting manufacturers.
Existing Industrial Building Returns to Productive Use
The project will also bring new activity to an existing industrial property in Newberry County.
According to Newberry County Council Chairman Karl Sease, the investment will return a vacant building in the county’s industrial park to productive use while creating new employment opportunities.
The facility represents an expansion of South Carolina’s manufacturing base into specialized construction materials and strengthens the state’s connections with international suppliers serving the building products industry.
VITREUS USA is currently recruiting employees for its Newberry operation. Individuals interested in employment opportunities may contact the company at jgrothe@vitreus.com.de.
