Automotive component manufacturer YH America South Carolina announced today that it will invest $5.14 to expand its Easley facility, adding approximately 93 new jobs.

The announcement was made Tuesday morning at the Pickens County Administrative building among a gathering of local and state politicians, business leaders, and media.

“Demand for our products continues to grow and we’re excited the new business is giving us an opportunity to expand in Pickens County. South Carolina offers us a great business climate and top talent to meet our needs. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said YH America South Carolina Plant Manager Christopher Estock.

YH America South Carolina manufactures automotive fluid handling components for the light vehicle industry in North America. The expansion, which is expected to be completed in 2012, will allow the company to increase capacity and improve efficiency at the Pickens County plant.

The expansion is part of an overall market strategy for the company to achieve 30 percent sales growth in 2012.

YH America was purchased in 2009 by the Japenese manufacturer Yokohama Rubber Company, which continues to grow the North American operation. YH America is a supplier of power steering hose assemblies with manufacturing plants in Easley and Versailles, Ky.

In Easley the company currently employs 480 jobs that were almost sent to Canada in 2007. 

"It was a great day in our community to know that at a very, very grassrooted level our little community was able to have an impact on what was at that time a major corporate decision," Alliance Pickens Executive Director Ray Farley said.

The automotive continues to be a leading sector in South Carolina. The S.C. Department of Commerce reports growth of more than $2 billion in investment and more than 3,500 jobs in the automotive-related sector since the beginning of the year, according to a recent press release.

"We would not be able to announce this expansion without the skilled workers and graduates of our schools," said Pickens County Chairwoman Jennifer Willis.

“YH America has long been a good community member and has weathered the difficulties of the automotive industry of the past several years by sticking to what they do well,” said Ronnie L. Booth, president of Tri-County Technical College and chairman of Alliance Pickens.

The company began hiring for the new positions in September. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should submit their resume to HRInfo@YHAmerica.com.  For more information about the company, please visit www.yhamerica.com.