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COLUMBIA — Contec Inc., a maker of cleaning contamination control products for critical environments, will expand its existing operations in Spartanburg County. The $6.25 million investment is expected to generate 60 new jobs over the next five years.

“Contec has had wonderful success over the years because of our ability to innovate based on customer needs, and to offer great service to customers,” said Jack McBride, CEO of Contec Inc. “We are excited to open this new facility which will provide additional manufacturing and distribution opportunities. We anticipate manufacturing new innovative product lines currently in development while at the same time giving our customers the same great service they’ve come to expect from Contec.”

“Contec has been based in Spartanburg for 25 years,” says Avi Lawrence, president of Contec Inc. “As we approach our 25-year anniversary this fall, we remain committed to our community and look forward to creating more job opportunities in the future.”

Contec Inc. has moved all its warehousing and distribution operations to a new facility in Spartanburg, located in Wingo Park. The new facility offers an additional approximately 170,000 square feet for manufacturing, research and development and distribution operations. The new facility is closer to the company’s Spartanburg corporate office.

“While we work hard to bring new businesses to South Carolina, it’s always exciting to see one of our existing businesses grow its footprint here. We celebrate Contec’s decision to invest $6.25 million and create 60 new jobs in Spartanburg. Today’s announcement is another indication that the Palmetto State provides companies with the things they need in order to do well,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $9 billion in capital investment and more than 23,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Contec has been part of South Carolina’s business community for years, and we congratulate the company on its success. This expansion shows once again that South Carolina’s manufacturing renaissance is underway and creating wealth. Every one of these new jobs will have an impact in Spartanburg,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

The new building at Wingo Park is currently being used as a distribution center. However, Contec plans to expand its manufacturing and production capabilities in this space. The company’s goal is to develop products for new and existing markets that will provide unique solutions

“Spartanburg County is extremely pleased that this locally grown company is expanding their existing operation that has been established in our community since 1998. We have a great team of local economic development allies who helped guide this project, and we look forward to an even brighter future with Contec,” said David Britt, Chairman of the Economic Recruitment and Development Committee of Spartanburg County and member of the Economic Futures Group Board.

The company is in the process of hiring for the new positions. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit www.mau.com or call (864) 272-3110.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a Governor’s Closing Fund grant of $150,000 for building improvements.

About Contec Inc.

For 25 years, Contec Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of contamination control products for critical manufacturing environments in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, medical device, automotive, aerospace and electronics industries worldwide. With manufacturing facilities in Spartanburg and Suzhou, China, the company’s extensive product line for cleanrooms and controlled environments includes knitted, woven and nonwoven wipes, pre-saturated wipes, sterile and non-sterile wipes, mopping systems, wall washing systems, disinfectants, sponges and swabs. Contec’s ISO 9001:2008 registration ensures customers of consistent quality products — from development to delivery. For more information about the company, please visit www.contecinc.com.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. Also, the state was ranked first in attracting jobs through foreign investment by IBM-Plant Location International. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. For more information about Commerce, visit www.SCcommerce.com.