AVANTech Opens 120,000 Square Foot Manufacturing Center in Columbia

One of state’s fastest growing companies is an international leader in radioactive and industrial water treatment solutions

COLUMBIA, SC - April 8, 2015 – AVANTech, a radioactive and industrial water treatment solutions provider that is one of South Carolina’s fastest growing companies, today opened a new 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters in Columbia. The new headquarters is located south of I-77 on 2050 American Italian Way.

Founded in 1999, AVANTech’s engineering and process systems dramatically improve operations in industrial, commercial, power, and nuclear power applications. The company also developed and manufactured a unique patent pending water treatment system instrumental in cleanup and recovery efforts at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear station, damaged in the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami.

“This facility triples our engineering and manufacturing capabilities. We’re proud not just of the work we do around the world, but also of the positive economic impact we are providing to South Carolina,” said Jim Braun, AVANTech’s founder, president and CEO.

The new facility is part of $3.7 million capital investment the company has made in Columbia since 2013. During that time, AVANTECH has expanded from fewer than 50 employees to almost 160. The company’s average hourly wage is over the norm due to its highly skilled craft and utilization of high-tech manufacturing methods. AVANTech revenues grew by 400% last year, and the company expects 200% growth in 2015.

In addition to its groundbreaking recovery work for the Fukushima accident, AVANTech has also participated in supporting the cleanup of the US DOE sites, including the local Savannah River Site. The company has provided products and services to more than 150 nuclear facilities in 14 countries. Worldwide, the company recycles more than 50 million gallons of wastewater and 800 million gallons of nuclear wastewater.

“AVANTech is making a difference for a cleaner environment and more efficient industries around the world, from right here in Columbia,” Braun said. “We have a proven record of success and an exciting future.”

For additional information, contact Gary Benda at 803-780-3869 or GBenda@AVANTechinc.com