German alliance to open U.S. headquarters in Laurens County

Kipp Group, an alliance of German companies, is establishing its U.S. headquarters in Laurens County. The company’s $12.2 million investment will create 19 new jobs, according to the Laurens County Development Corp.

Founded in 1919, Kipp Group is a family-owned business that manufactures products for the standard elements, operating elements and clamping technology sectors. The company has more than 1,000 employees across more than 30 locations worldwide.

“Laurens County offers the ideal combination of skilled workforce, infrastructure and business-friendly environment,” Kipp Group CEO Nicolas Kipp said in a news release. “We are excited to become part of this vibrant community and look forward to building strong partnerships across the region.”

The new 70,000-square-foot facility, located in the Woodfield Industrial Park in Fountain Inn, will serve as the Kipp Group’s U.S. headquarters and distribution center.

“Laurens County is proud to welcome Kipp Group to our county,” Laurens County Council Chairman Jeff Carroll said in the release. “Our county continues to be a place where business locates and thrives, with our skilled workforce and our business-friendly climate. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Kipp Group.”

Operations are expected to be online in January 2027 and the company is hiring.

“This announcement will have a strong impact in the Laurens County community, and we celebrate this new investment in the Upstate,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release.

The Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $100,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Laurens County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

“We are proud to welcome Kipp Group’s new U.S. headquarters to Laurens County,” Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III said in the release. “This $12.2 million investment reinforces that our state is ideal for headquarters operations and serves as another testament to South Carolina‘s strong business climate.”