ACM Composite to invest $3mn to expand capacity

Advanced Composite Materials (ACM) established its headquarters, research and development lab and state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Greer in 2007 to manufacture silicon carbide microfibers for industrial ceramic applications, including microwaveable ceramic composites for the restaurant and food industry. 

With the expansion of its operations, ACM now intends to introduce a new class of larger silicon carbide fibers particularly suited to the energy sector, aerospace industry and users of coated metals for a wide range of applications.  Suitable for ceramic matrix composites, metal matrix composites, and high performance polymer coatings, the new products will have the new brand name of SI-TUFF performance silicon carbide. 

“Our move into Greenville County was a success,” said Dr. Tom Quantrille, president and CEO of ACM. “Our Silar silicon carbide microfiber technology is now fully embraced by our target markets.  Now, the company must expand our production to address new market opportunities essential to achieving our long-term vision for growth.” 

The company, located at 1446 South Buncombe Road in Greer, will reconfigure and upfit a portion of its manufacturing space to accommodate the new equipment necessitated by the market expansion.

“It’s exciting to see existing, innovative companies continue to expand in our state,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We commend ACM for growing their presence in the Upstate through this $3 million investment that will create up to 10 new jobs in their facility.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $10 billion in capital investment and more than 28,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“South Carolina has emerged as a leader in advanced materials manufacturing,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.  “Expansions like this one by ACM underscore the state’s business-friendly environment for innovative companies.”

ACM began as a start-up within Exxon Enterprises, which located the company in Spartanburg County in 1979.   In 1987 the company was sold to Tateho Chemical Industries Company, Ltd. of Japan.  ACM remained a Japanese-owned company for almost 20 years until July 2006, when the management team of ACM executed a management buyout from Tateho Chemical.

At that time, ACM became the standalone, privately-held company it is today, continuously enhancing and refining its capability to develop and manufacture the finest products utilizing silicon carbide and ceramic composite technologies.

“Advanced materials and specialty composites are a key business cluster for the Upstate, and we are always pleased to see a locally-based organization like Advanced Composite Materials grow and succeed here,” said Dr. Bob Taylor, Board Member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and Chairman of Greenville County Council. “ACM is research-based and technology-driven, and a leader in our growing advanced materials community.”