Shamrock Technologies to occupy Connexial Center

The first occupant of Laurens County’s Connexial Center industrial park on I-385 in Gray Court is getting its first occupant.

Shamrock Technologies is making a $19.4 million investment in moving part of its international operation to a spec building at Connexial Center.

The Laurens County Council was expected to approve third and final reading of a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes (FILOT) agreement at its regular meeting Tuesday night, paving the way for the project.

“We are excited to welcome Shamrock Technologies to Laurens County,” said Laurens County Council Chairman Brown Patterson. “We are proud that Laurens County continues to be a great place to do business and can attract a wide array of industry types. We are grateful for this announcement and the opportunities it will provide to our citizens.”

Family-owned Shamrock Technologies, which was founded on St. Patrick’s Day in 1941, is touted as one of the world’s largest developers of specialty natural and synthetic wax additives with operations on three continents and sales in more than 100 countries.

The company is expected to begin operations at Connexial Center by early 2023 with 18 employees. Shamrock’s Laurens County operations will primarily manufacture micronized wax, dispersions and emulsions and related products.

“Shamrock Technologies is excited to be making our next investment in Laurens County as we expand our global footprint to prepare for future growth,” said Shamrock President Joon Choo. “With the highly supportive business environment and the ready availability of local professional talent, we look forward to developing and launching our new series of green and biobased specialty products in support of the circular economy right here in South Carolina.”

Gov. Henry McMaster lauded Shamrock’s decision to begin operations in South Carolina.

“We applaud Shamrock Technologies on their decision to locate their newest operations in South Carolina. Shamrock joins the growing roster of innovative companies in the Palmetto State with a focus on recycling materials into new products,” McMaster said in a release from the state’s Department of Commerce. “Congratulations to Shamrock and Laurens County on today’s announcement.”

Shamrock is a leader in recycling fluorinated polymers to produce application-specific micropowders. The company manufactures a variety of technology-based products, which are processed into high-engineered plastics, grease and lubricants for uses farm equipment, automotive gears, airplanes and for other needs.

In other agenda items at Tueday’s county council meeting, council was to consider:

• Approval of a full-time school resource officer for Ware Shoals Primary School, which is part of Greenwood School District 51 but located in Laurens County. The new position will be funded by money provided through the state.
• Approve an ordinance to adopt Laurens County Council Electoral districts based on the 2020 decennial census.
• Second reading on a FILOT agreement for “Project Mikro.”
• To accept a donation of 6.62 acres of land located off Bolt Drive in Laurens to the county from M.P. Hunter & Sons, Inc., Susan B. Porter, Judy B. Bell and Mary and Jim B. Howe. The resolution to accept the donation also includes a letter of appreciation written to the donors.