IKO, a leading, global manufacturer of roofing products, today announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operations in Chester County. The company’s $363 million investment will create 180 new jobs.
“IKO is very pleased to be opening its first wholly-owned glass and glass mat facilities in South Carolina,” IKO Chief Executive Officer David Koschitzky said. “This is just the latest of many significant investments IKO has made to support a growing U.S. market presence. We are tremendously gratified by the warm welcome we have received from the state and local governments, and as a family run business, we look forward to joining the Chester County business community family for many years to come.”
Established in 1951, IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. With over 35 manufacturing facilities throughout North America and Europe, IKO offers a broad range of products for commercial and residential roofing and waterproofing, in addition to rigid insulations for roofing and walls.
Located less than one mile apart along the S.C. Highway 9 industrial corridor in Chester, IKO’s South Carolina operations will consist of two facilities. The company is remodeling an existing facility on Lancaster Highway to manufacture fiberglass. Concurrently, IKO is building a new 325,000-square-foot manufacturing plant on Cedarhurst Road to produce fiberglass mats that will be used for production at its United States’ shingle factories.
“We are thrilled to welcome IKO to the I-77 region!” I-77 Alliance Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Finn said. “IKO is a leader in advanced materials, which is a great fit for the existing sectors in Chester County. One of the advantages is the strategic location along the I-77 corridor that allows companies to tap into both the Charlotte and Columbia metros, providing a labor shed of more than 1.3 million people.”
“With the population growth projections for the southeast U.S., Chester County is geographically well-positioned to assist IKO’s expansion goals,” Robert Long, Chester County Economic Development director, said. “With direct flights from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport where IKO’s corporate headquarters are located also made us a natural fit.”
Operations are expected to be online by late 2025. Individuals interested in joining the IKO team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project.
