Fujifilm-South Carolina Opens New Plant

Business Wire, Feb 17, 2005

GREENWOOD, S.C. -- Fuji Photo Film, Inc. celebrated the opening of a $100 million manufacturing facility for the production of digital Computer-to-Plate (CTP) pre-sensitized printing plates for the graphic arts industry today at its North American manufacturing and research complex in Greenwood.

Fujifilm's first U.S. production facility was built in Greenwood in 1988 for the production of conventional pre-sensitized plates. Pre-sensitized (PS) plates are aluminum sheets coated with photosensitive emulsions and are used in the printing industry to make large quantities of high quality color images for magazines, calendars, posters, newspapers, fine arts reproductions, etc.

Company President Nick Sekiguchi welcomed several hundred guests, suppliers, customers and company associates to the Greenwood manufacturing complex. "This new digital CTP production facility takes Fujifilm to the next level in terms of providing our U.S., Canadian and Central and South American customers with the newest generation of pre-sensitized plates," Sekiguchi said. "Building on the 15 years of knowledge and experience we gained from manufacturing the world's finest conventional PS plates right here in Greenwood, Fujifilm's Associates participated in the design of the world's most technologically sophisticated line, focusing on making the process highly productive and consistent. And we must continue to bring these types of capital intensive, highly automated processes to South Carolina in order to preserve and protect our existing jobs."

"The use of CTP plates in the printing industry is in an explosive growth mode. CTP demand is at an all-time high." said Shigetaka Komori, President and CEO of Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd., who traveled from Tokyo to attend the ceremony. "Fujifilm-South Carolina is one of Fujifilm's four global production hubs and the Greenwood operations will continue to play a key strategic role in Fujifilm's success in the years ahead. Greenwood's 16-year record of non-stop growth would not be possible without the excellent friendship and support Fujifilm has received from the State of South Carolina and Greenwood County."

"Competition for high tech investments such as this new facility is very keen around the world and South Carolina is committed to remain a preferred location for global companies such as Fujifilm," said Tim Dangerfield, Chief of Staff of the South Carolina Department of Commerce. "We are delighted to see existing industry expand in our state and to have the opportunity to facilitate that process. Not only does this Fuji announcement bring added capital investments to Greenwood County, it also brings new technology and innovation, which is so critical in advancing South Carolina's move to high-technology manufacturing."

"We extend our appreciation to Fuji for its continued leadership and commitment to South Carolina and Greenwood County," said Robbie Templeton, Chairman of Greenwood County Council. "We are proud that Greenwood County's pro-business philosophy has played a major role in Fujifilm's decision to locate here in 1988 and its many expansions since that time. Today's opening pushes Fujifilm's total capital investment in Greenwood County over the $1.5 billion mark."

Digital printing plates are the latest in the extensive product line-up at the Greenwood complex. In addition to producing a wide range of conventional imaging and information products, Greenwood also manufactures digital photographic paper and digital dry medical imaging film.

Fujifilm President Nick Sekiguchi also announced two gifts to Greenwood in thanks for the community's long-time support and friendship. The first is a $200,000 multi-year contribution to the Lander University Capital Campaign. "Working in close partnership with Lander, we will design a multi-disciplinary summer program to encourage top high school students in Greenwood County to pursue studies in math and the sciences," Sekiguchi said.

The second gift is a $100,000 grant in support of the construction of a new public library for the Greenwood community and the Lakelands area. "The new state-of-the-art library in Uptown Greenwood will replace the current public library which was built in 1958," Sekiguchi said. "The vision for the new library is to connect the community to the world, to each other, and to a better future. I want to encourage other companies in Greenwood and the entire community to support this much needed project."

Fuji Photo Film, Inc. began manufacturing operations in South Carolina in 1988, when the company announced the construction of its first U.S. factory for the production of pre-sensitized plates for the graphic arts market. The Greenwood manufacturing complex is currently comprised of seven high technology manufacturing plants, the Greenwood Research Laboratories, and the largest Fujifilm distribution center in the world. The 1,500 Associates employed at the 500-acre complex currently manufacture digital and conventional pre-sensitized plates and film for the graphic arts market, 35mm color film and photographic paper, QuickSnap one-time-use recyclable cameras, and digital and conventional medical imaging products.