Swiss Krono Group, and its American subsidiary, KronotexUSA Holdings, have announced plans to expand existing operations in Barnwell County, S.C.

The company is investing $230 million to build a high-density fiberboard (HDF) mill and expand its laminate flooring production, creating 105 new jobs over the next few years.

“South Carolina has been a great investment partner for European countries,” said Max Von Tippelskirch, member of the Swiss Krono management board. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and our many partners, including Barnwell County governmental agencies. Their patience, perseverance and continuous support have been and will continue to be instrumental in the future success of our South Carolina operations.”

Headquartered in Switzerland, Swiss Krono Group’s origins can be traced back to 1966. Today, with facilities in France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine and the U.S., the company employs more than 4,500 workers worldwide.

Preliminary engineering has been completed and construction is expected to start by mid-2016, with HDF operations to begin by the summer of 2018. Once completed, this expansion will increase KronotexUSA’s Barnwell County’s workforce to 275 employees, according to the company.

“To have a great international company like Swiss Krono Group continue to grow, succeed and continue to invest in our state proves that the Team South Carolina approach to economic development is working,” said South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley. “This $230 million investment, and the 105 new jobs it will create, is a real reason to celebrate, and we look forward to seeing the impact that this company will continue to have across our state.”

For more information, visit kronotexusa.com.