General Manager

sfoster@pickenssentinel.com

PICKENS - Officials with Techtronics Industries announced Tuesday they plan to increase operations at the Pickens facility.

The company is going to invest $3.8 million in the Pickens plant and create 152 new jobs, according to Ray Farley with Alliance Pickens.

TTI North America purchased the Pickens facility from Ryobi in 2000 and had considered moving its refurbishing business to Mexico, he said.

Instead of leaving, however, company officials decided to bring additional work here from Mississippi and China, Farley added.

"We are pleased to keep and expand our operations in Pickens County," said Lee Sowell, president of the Outdoor Products Group of TTI. "The strong workforce in the county provides us with the skills necessary to grow our operations with additional product lines."

TTI has immediate plans to move its generator business from China to Pickens and has plans to expand with additional product lines at the plant over the next two years, including gas-powered chain saws, pressure washer products and gas-powered string trimmers.

The new product lines will allow TTI to maintain its existing workforce of 120 employees and at the same time create new job opportunities in Pickens County, according to officials with the S.C. Department of Commerce.

The Pickens plant has been in operation since 1935 when it was Singer, and County Council Chairman G. Neil Smith said he appreciated the company's decision to stay here.

"Pickens County is committed to working with existing companies, like TTI, that provide employment opportunities for our residents," he said.

Ed Parris, chairman of Alliance Pickens also said he was glad the company decided to stay and to grow its business in Pickens.

"We are constantly pursuing efforts to help existing businesses grow and create real opportunities for Pickens County residents," he said.

"I am personally very excited because I know the great work ethic of the employees at TTI, and we can take great pride their quality products will continue to be produced in Pickens," he added.

Farley called the announcement a "very good day for Pickens."

"Pickens is definitely a town that needs a shot in the arm," he said. "That plant and the town have a long history together, and several generations have worked and retired from there."