Pure Power opens Navistar engine research center in South Carolina

[DriVer]

Greg Gerber posted on RVD@ily Report -- January 26, 2010 12:09

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Central SC Alliance and Richland County today joined Pure Power Technologies, a Navistar company, in celebrating the inauguration of the company’s research and development operation in the Columbia Technical Center.

Company representatives and state and local leaders were on hand for the event.

In October, Navistar Inc. announced the finalization of an agreement to acquire certain assets and the membership interests of Continental Diesel Systems U.S. LLC, to manufacture key fuel injection components for its MaxxForce diesel engines.

“One of Navistar’s strategic pillars is to achieve a competitive cost structure by controlling our own destiny. By designing and manufacturing our own fuel system technologies, Pure Power Technologies enables us to do exactly that,” said Eric Tech, president of Navistar Engine Group. “With Pure Power Technologies, we not only acquired a cutting-edge technology company, we also gained a skilled workforce with the know-how and enthusiasm to take us into the future. We look forward to being part of the South Carolina business community for a long time to come.”

Pure Power Technologies LLC will vertically integrate research and development, engineering and manufacturing capabilities to produce world-class diesel power systems and advanced emissions control systems for commercial and defense markets. Based in Columbia, S.C., Pure Power Technologies will operate a research and development center there as well as a manufacturing plant in nearby Blythewood, S.C.

The Columbia and Blythewood facilities are former Continental assets. Navistar’s acquisition of these facilities and development of Pure Power Technologies LLC preserved jobs that would have otherwise been lost due to the announced closure of the Continental facility.

“I could not be more excited to welcome a new partner to the South Carolina automotive industry. The Navistar facility, with its dedicated workforce, will produce innovative products for commercial and defense markets. Through Navistar’s investment, we establish yet another example of how the business environment in South Carolina is among the best in the country. The S.C. Department of Commerce, Navistar and all local leaders and partners should be congratulated for their continued commitment to growing this region and our state. I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship,” said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.

“I am pleased Navistar has chosen South Carolina and the Sixth Congressional District for this venture,” Congressman James E. Clyburn said. “The company is bringing good jobs today and creating new jobs for the future with its research and development facility. Innovation is the key to building South Carolina’s economy in the future, and Navistar is contributing to our state’s image as a leader in the automotive innovation industry.”

“Navistar is a true innovator in the design of truck engines, and the company’s newest venture will augment South Carolina’s ever-growing automotive sector. After Continental announced its decision to close its Richland operations, Commerce, the County, the Central SC Alliance and state and local leaders worked closely with Navistar to facilitate the acquisition and preserve jobs at the Continental facilities. Navistar’s decision to invest in South Carolina and establish Pure Power Technologies here is another strong sign that our business-friendly climate, skilled workforce and exceptional market access continue to attract new investors to our state. We are extraordinarily pleased to have Navistar in our business community, and as the market rebounds we believe that these operations will now be stronger and better positioned for future growth,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“Richland County is proud to be involved in the partnership with Navistar, the S.C. Department of Commerce, and the Central SC Alliance in the successful retention of jobs in Richland County. Navistar's committed investment sends a strong message that Richland County continues to be an excellent place to live, work and do business,” said Richland County Council Chairman Paul Livingston.

Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple stated, “We are just absolutely thrilled about today’s announcement by Pure Power Technologies. We greatly appreciate their confidence in our workforce. It’s very exciting to have a world-class company in Navistar to establish R&D functions, engineering and manufacturing all in Richland County. The Central South Carolina region offers a host of amenities that support such operations including our location to the truck market, access to the Port of Charleston and our efficient transportation network. Also, Midlands Technical College and the University of South Carolina have been very important partners in attracting this project. Further, I want to commend S.C. Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor and his team along with all the members of Richland County Council for their commitment in helping create prosperity for the citizens of South Carolina.”

The company’s new venture at the Columbia Technical Center will ensure the continued delivery of innovative MaxxForce brand engines to the North American on-highway marketplace, including MaxxForce Advanced EGR emissions technology for 2010 and beyond, and will support Navistar Global Truck Group and Navistar Global Bus division in non-NAFTA growth areas.

SOURCE: South Carolina Department of Commerce press release