January 14, 2010

AIKEN CO., S.C. -- Aiken’s Economic Development Partnership has finally revealed the company behind the mysterious Project X. According to a release from the Department of Commerce, MTU Detroit Diesel Inc. is planning on a new manufacturing facility in Aiken County.

MTU Detroit Diesel Inc. is a subsidiary of the German-based and stock market listed Tognum Group. They anticipate the expansion project to be an investment of around $45 million and it will create approximately 250 new jobs. They projece propulsion systems and distribute energy systems based on diesel engines, gas engines, gas turbines and fuel cells for various applications including military, marine, rail, agriculture, industrial and power generation.

They have picked Sage Mill Industrial Park as a potential location, specifically the former SKF building. They are currently in a due diligence process on the property, which should be completed within the next two months. Depending on the results of the due diligence process a formal announcement is expected at that time.

The Aiken County Council will meet on Tuesday, January 19 to vote on an agreement between the County and MTU Detroit Diesel Inc., which will be available once the company formally selects Aiken County for its expansion project.

The third reading by Aiken County Council is scheduled for January 19, 2010. The Economic Development Patnership says that this is just one step in the process and is not a formal announcement.