News | December 11 2025
Original Release by SC Commerce.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – PRET Advanced Materials, LLC (PRET), a leading advanced materials company, today announced it is expanding its operations in Florence County. The company’s $18.5 million investment will create 74 new jobs.
Headquartered in Johnsonville, PRET is one of the leading compounders and suppliers of thermoplastic resins in North America. The company’s South Carolina facility has operated continuously since 1955.
PRET is adding new equipment and improvements to its facility, located at 520 Kingsburg Highway in Johnsonville, to meet demand for new products.
Operations are expected to be online by 2027. Individuals interested in joining the PRET team should contact Stephanie Wisnom (843-386-8261).
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $50,000 Set-Aside grant to Florence County to assist with the costs of road improvements.
QUOTES
"PRET Advanced Materials is proud to announce the expansion of its capabilities at our Johnsonville facility. This continued strong growth reflects PRET’s confidence in both our people and our long-standing relationship with Florence County and the state of South Carolina."
— PRET Advanced Materials CEO Alex Zhou
"PRET Advanced Materials’ $18.5 million investment is a testament to the company’s commitment to South Carolina. We are grateful for the new opportunities this expansion will create in the Florence County community and look forward to strengthening our partnership with PRET in the years ahead."
— Governor Henry McMaster
"With an expansion that will create 74 new jobs, PRET Advanced Materials continues having a strong impact in the Florence County community. We are thrilled to see a company with such a longstanding legacy in our state continuing to find success.
Congratulations on this exciting announcement."
— Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
"PRET’s facility in Florence County has a long history of providing jobs and opportunities to our community. Under PRET’s leadership, this expansion adds 74 new jobs and further demonstrates the success existing industry finds operating in northeastern South Carolina’s great business environment. Congratulations to PRET and Florence County on this expansion."
— NESA Executive Committee Chairman Yancey McGill
"We are pleased to acknowledge the value that PRET Advanced Materials brings to our community. This $18.5 million investment is projected to create 74 new jobs in southern Florence County. We commend their commitment to both their customers and their workforce. Florence County is delighted to have PRET’s Compounding Facility and state-of-the-art Research and Development Center located in Johnsonville, South Carolina."
— William Schofield, Chairman, Florence County Council
"The new investment at PRET Advanced Materials’ Compounding Facility and R&D Center is a testament to the business environment we've cultivated in Florence County. This new project represents 74 new jobs, a substantial boost to our economic landscape, and underscores their belief in our County. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with PRET Advanced Materials as they innovate and grow right here in Johnsonville."
— Joe W. “Rocky” Pearce Jr., Chairman, Florence County Economic Development Partnership