The Florence County Economic Development Partnership (FCEDP) is pleased to announce International Knife & Saw, Inc. (IKS) and UTC Coatings, Inc., in Stuart, Florida, have entered into a strategic relationship agreement which enables both companies, utilizing UCT patented technology, to jointly expand the sale of plated products including industrial saws and knives to various markets throughout the world.

Under the terms of the agreement, a new 12,000 square foot plating facility will be built at the existing location of International Knife and Saw, in Florence, South Carolina. Engineering and environmental studies are scheduled to begin immediately, targeting a project completion date of summer 2008. 

“We are thrilled about this new business agreement with UCT Coatings and all the possibilities on the horizon for IKS and our employees,” said Terry Isaacs, Vice President of Marketing. “The skilled workforce and the quality of life offered in Florence and the Pee Dee region made this a win-win situation for all those involved. The FCEDP and our friends at Wachovia have always been instrumental in our plans for growth.”

Expansion plans also include construction on a new shipping area complete with loading dock which will be able to accommodate large freight truck carriers. IKS management anticipates hiring a number of new employees to support the staffing needs of the new expansion. 

Exposure to the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing & Technology allowed the UTC Coatings representatives to envision the world of opportunities that Florence can provide. 

“We are happy we could be of assistance to an existing industry in their plans to expand in Florence,” stated Dr. Charles Gould, Chairman of FCEDP and President of Florence-Darlington Technical College. “FCEDP staff and Board members are continuing to reach out to existing industry leaders in the hope to assist in further growth in our communities. Both Florence-Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion University are continually cultivating new and industry specific courses to provide skilled workers for our local industries.”

“We are so pleased that IKS decided to expand in Florence. They have made a tremendous commitment to this community.  IKS has incredible opportunities for success and the management team that is in place has been a pleasure to work with,” stated Joe W. King, Executive Director of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership.

“IKS’s expansion demonstrates their commitment to Florence County and dedication to help Florence continue to grow and prosper economically,” stated Florence County Council Chairman, K.G. “Rusty” Smith. “I am pleased that yet another existing business is reinvesting and expanding in our county.”

UCT has patented technologies and processes that enhance the performance of steel substrates, such as those used by IKS to produce their knives and saws. The UCT coating, when applied to IKS cutting tools, provides improved wear life in the most abrasive cutting applications where benefit can be derived from enhanced surface lubriciousness.

IKS provides advanced cutting tools and wear solutions to customer markets through a universal network of direct sales and distribution offices, authorized distributors and agents.

You can learn more about IKS and UCT on their respective web sites at www.iksinc.com and www.uctcoatings.com.