Magnet manufacturing company breaks ground on Sumter facility [Video]

eVAC builds magnets to use in vehicles. On Thursday, it broke ground on its new facility in Sumter, which will be the company’s North American headquarters.

SUMTER, S.C. — Nearly 300 jobs and half a billion dollars are coming to Sumter as a magnet manufacturer from Germany known as eVAC is opening a facility in the cunty.

On Thursday, the company broke ground on the new site, which, according to CEO Erik Eschen, will serve as the North American headquarters. The land currently sits empty near Justin Lane on Sagawa Drive, not far from the Continental Tire manufacturing facility.

Leaders from across the state, including House Speaker Murrell Smith, came to the ceremony to learn about the economic impact eVAC will have on the area as it makes magnets for the military and General Motors.

“eVAC is a part of the new economy,” Sumter Development BoardChair Greg Thompson said. “Sumter has a long history with the automotive industry. We …