Fujifilm expansion to add 185 jobs
July 23, 2009
FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. today announced that Fujifilm’s primary US manufacturing and distribution complex, located in Greenwood, SC, will serve as home to a new, state-of-the-art digital print services and fulfillment operation. The company will soon begin modification of facilities at its 500-acre Greenwood campus to accommodate what is today the largest photo products fulfillment organization in the country. Fujifilm Printing Services supports many of the country’s leading retail stores and online photo web sites, and serves consumers directly through its FUJIFILM SeeHere.com photo web site.
“In response to the rapid growth of the personal photo products market, we’re designing the new Fujifilm Greenwood lab from the outset with digital fulfillment as its primary purpose,” said John Prendergast, Vice President, Printing Services Group, FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. “We will begin operations in the fall of 2009 initially producing personal photo gifts for both retail delivery and direct mail to consumers.” Over time, the lab will expand its digital products and services as the market continues to grow.
“Greenwood offers a number of advantages,” said Shin Kataoka, President of FUJIFILM Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc., and head of operations at Greenwood. “Its central location and proximity to raw materials will enhance efficiencies. In addition, Fujifilm is already a well-established corporate citizen in South Carolina and has become a model of sustainability for our company globally.” Fujifilm’s Greenwood complex is the largest Fujifilm manufacturing operation in the country and the largest Fujifilm distribution center in the world. When fully staffed, the new lab is expected to bring up to 185 full-time positions to Greenwood.
“Fujifilm is a world-class company with a strong history of in South Carolina. Their decision to expand operations and establish the country’s largest photo products fulfillment organization in Greenwood is an extraordinary testament to our state’s skilled workforce, business-friendly climate and market access. These factors are working to help our existing businesses grow and be more competitive in today’s challenging economy. We congratulate Fujifilm on their growth in South Carolina and wish them continued success in their endeavors here,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“The Partnership Alliance is committed to working with new and existing industries to look for opportunities of growth,” said Thornwell Dunlap, Board Chairman of Partnership Alliance. “I am confident that Fujifilm will enjoy continued success in Greenwood County.”
“Fujifilm continues to show its commitment to Greenwood,” said Robbie Templeton, Greenwood County Council Chairman. “The new jobs and expansion being announced today is a testament to the skilled workforce and business climate of Greenwood County that continues to foster growth and expansion.”
In recent years Fujifilm has consolidated its photo processing operation to better serve the changing needs of its customers in the shift from analog to digital imaging. The creation of this new lab, focused on digital fulfillment and located in a well-established Fujifilm community, emphasizes Fujifilm’s commitment to the photo printing and fulfillment business and to continuing to invest in the technology and infrastructure necessary to serve the changing needs of this market in the future.
