Finland firm brings 45 new jobs to Horry County

A Finland-based firm called Teknoware that manufactures interior lighting systems will be opening a new operation in the Atlantic Center in Conway.

It’s the mystery business that Conway and county officials have been talking about since late summer that will employ about 45 workers making up to $22 an hour. The company said it will also make a capital investment of nearly $6 million.

Teknoware CEO Mikko Kosonen said in the statement that the company chose this location for it’s new U.S. base of manufacturing operations because they have confidence in the future of Horry County’s business and community climate.

“Teknoware is excited to make this new investment and believes in the future Horry County is providing. It is a good place to grow the business and support our employees,” Kosonen said.

Teknoware develops interior lighting systems for commercial vehicles and emergency lighting systems for public premises and ships.

The company’s clients include Alstom, Bombardier, Daimler, General Electric, Kawasaki, Siemens, and Volvo.

Those looking to apply for jobs can visit the company’s careers page online or visit www.SCWorks.org.

“This announcement is just another example of the success that is possible because of the strong partnerships we have across the county, including Horry County Council, the City of Conway, the MBREDC, our education institutions and utilities,” said Mark Lazarus, Horry County Council chairman.

The 9.4 acre property zoned for heavy industrial use was sold to the company by Horry County for $329,000. It’s also designated as a multicounty business park, an economic development tool used by counties to compete with other locations vying for a company.

In this case, the new company will pay a fixed fee in lieu of property taxes for 20 years giving them certainty in budgeting.

The company will lease a 45,000 square-foot facility, that is already under construction in the Atlantic Center.

“We are excited to welcome Teknoware to the City of Conway, and our city council, staff and citizens look forward to working with them to ensure their long-term success,” said Conway Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy.

This story was originally published November 14, 2017 at 1:27 PM with the headline "Finland firm brings 45 new jobs to Horry County."