Sandvik Coromant expands South Carolina carbide operations

Sandvik Coromant is expanding operations in Oconee County, South Carolina. The $29.4 million investment will improve the company’s Westminster production facility.

Part of Sandvik, a global industrial engineering group, Sandvik Coromant produces carbide inserts and round tools used in the metal cutting industry. The company’s Oconee County operation manufactures more than 2,300 standard article and customized carbide inserts.

The investment will provide updated machinery and automation processes to Sandvik Coromant’s world-class carbide manufacturing facility located at 2424 Sandifer Blvd. in Westminster.

“Oconee County has been our home since 2002. Sandvik Coromant’s Westminster site is the company’s state-of-the-art carbide manufacturing plant in North America and is known for its highly engaged, committed and passionate people," said Arun Pattanik, Sandvik Coromant Production Unit Director. "We always want to make sure that we have the most current machinery and technology to serve our North American and global customers. This investment helps and supports the company’s long-term sustainability and strategic initiatives. We very much appreciate the local partnership with Oconee Economic Alliance and the support we get from the county and state. We look forward to our continued partnership and growth for both our company and the community.”

For more than 20 years, Sandvik Coromant has continuously improved its state-of-the-art Westminster facility and empowered its people. The company has invested over $200 million in the production center, which has positioned Sandvik Coromant to acutely understand its customers’ metalworking and machining application needs and to provide swift, comprehensive customer support when needed. Serving such technically demanding industries as automotive and aerospace, the 328,000-square-foot production unit reconditions solid round cutting tools and manufactures more than 2,300 standard article and customized cemented carbide inserts, as well as more than 50 grades of ready-to-press powder and press tools.

The factory’s high automation and advanced technology not only drives production, but it also serves Sandvik Coromant’s commitment to sustainability and the environment. As part of its Green Factory initiatives, the facility and its production equipment have undergone digital transformation to better meet its 2030 energy reduction goals. Its building management system analyzes and controls key utility and production parameters, resulting in greater energy efficiency and overall equipment effectiveness. Renewable energy credits will power its total electricity consumption through 2024, supporting its goal to halve its carbon emissions, while efforts such as ethanol recycling contribute to its goal of greater than 90 percent waste circularity. The company has also recycled 245 tons in 2019 and 219 tons in 2020.