DATE: November 12, 2008
CONTACT:
Carl Flesher, 864-283-7100
flesher@clemson.edu
WRITER:
Sandy Woodward, editor, 864-656-1220
sandra@clemson.edu
American Titanium Works to locate applications development and engineering tech center at CU-ICAR
GREENVILLE — American Titanium Works LLC will locate its applications development and engineering technical center at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) campus, in connection with a $422-million titanium mini-mill facility the company plans to locate in Laurens County.
The ATW Tech Center at CU-ICAR will create 40 applied engineering jobs that will specialize in prototype development and fabrication techniques for multiple industry sectors. The manufacturing facility will employ 320 people.
The announcement was made by ATW chief executive Thomas Sax and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford.
According to Sax, the Chicago-based company chose to consider CU-ICAR for its research and development facility at the suggestion of South Carolina Commerce officials.
“Commerce officials recognized the synergies that existed between our product and CU-ICAR. Additionally, it was important that we locate the tech center in close proximity to the manufacturing facility and we are pleased to accomplish this goal with the selection of Greenville and Laurens counties," he said.
Under one roof, ATW’s uniquely efficient manufacturing processes will include raw material preparation and blending equipment, plasma arc-melting and vacuum arc-melting furnaces and a best-in-class four-high rolling mill designed and purpose-built for rolling of alloyed and commercially pure titanium plate. A wide range of titanium conditioning, finishing non-destructive testing and laboratory equipment will also be on site to ensure quality.
Erigo Technologies LLC of Enfield, N.H., initiated the formation of ATW and recruited the ATW management team.
"We look forward to beginning ATW's research and development operations in Greenville,” said Nabil Elkouh, president of Erigo Technologies LLC and chief technology officer of ATW. Elkouh will lead the ATW Tech Center in Greenville.
“South Carolina has numerous resources to meet our tech center's needs, including a deep pool of engineering talent and extensive innovation occurring throughout the state,” he said. “We are thrilled to be coming to an area where university researchers are actively involved with the industrial community."
“We are pleased to welcome ATW to CU-ICAR and to the Upstate business community,” CU-ICAR Executive Director Bob Geolas said. “Their presence on the CU-ICAR campus offers an exciting dimension and opportunities for partnership with our faculty, students and research partners.”
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