A manufacturer of advanced electronic components headquartered in Fountain Inn, Kyocera AVX, has invested in an early stage venture capital firm to complement its research and development programs and support innovation in the medical technology industry.
Good Growth Capital (GGC), a majority women-owned venture capital firm based in Charleston with offices in Boston, Mass., typically invests in complex science and deep-tech startups. The partnership was established in August and announced in a news release on Nov. 29.
“This investment provides Kyocera AVX with abundant opportunities to further support the flourishing tech industry both here in the Carolinas and nationwide by investing through GGC and exploring co-investments," company CEO Johnny Sarvis said in the release.
Kyocera AVX has more than 30 research, design, manufacturing and customer support facilities in 16 countries. It invests in research and development and submits several patent applications annually, according to its website.
The company manufactures products for the automotive, industrial, medical, military, consumer electronics, communications and transportation markets. For the medical industry, the company creates products for devices such as pacemakers, cochlear implants and diagnostics equipment.
Greenville financial services company acquired for $360M
Kansas-based consumer finance company CURO Holding Group has an agreement to acquire Greenville-based consumer finance company Heights Finance from a private equity firm for $335 million cash and $25 million of CURO common stock.
The CURO Board of Directors approved the merger and the deal is expected to close no later than the first quarter of 2022, according to a release about the agreement on Nov. 17. The acquisition will be funded through both existing cash and debt.
“By adding Heights Finance’s established base of customers, seasoned loan portfolio and significant branch network, we will solidify our position as a full spectrum non-prime consumer lender in the U.S.,” said CEO of CURO Don Gayhardt in a statement.
Gayhardt added that the acquisition will allow his company to expand into new markets. Heights Finance has offices and branch locations in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Quick hits
The twelve-story Westin Poinsett Hotel, built in 1925 and located at 120 South Main Street in Greenville, was named the 2021 Best City Center Historic Hotel by the Historic Hotels of America. Stephanie Mirah/staff
- PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company in Poland, has been selected as the manufacturing partner to build components and assemblies for the upcoming generation of F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft. The manufacturer will make rear fuselages, center fuselages, cockpit structures, cockpit side panels and forward equipment at the beginning of next year. The products will then be exported for final assembly at the Lockheed Martin Greenville facility. The aerospace company announced on Oct. 25 it would add 300 new jobs to its Greenville location by the end of 2022 to help fulfill the 128 current orders for the F-16 from five countries. The company anticipates an additional 300 orders for the fighter jet.
- The twelve-story Westin Poinsett Hotel, built in 1925 and located at 120 S. Main St. in Greenville, was named the 2021 Best City Center Historic Hotel. Nineteen awards were given by the Historic Hotels of America organization and three awards were given by Historic Hotels Worldwide at their annual ceremony on Nov. 11. The hotels selected were from a pool of more than 260 nominations. There organizations includes over 300 historic hotels across 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, and about 320 historic hotels in more than 40 countries. Two awards were also given to hotels in Charleston.
- A Florida-based dermatology practice acquired Greenville-based SkinTrust Dermatology. Eric James Baker’s practice located at 26 Roper Corners Circle in Greenville will add to the more than 140 offices Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery has in 14 states. Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery treats conditions of the skin, hair and nails and offers skin cancer treatments. Baker has been recognized for his work with skin cancer screenings by the American Cancer Society, according to a news release.
New to town
The former Woodside Cotton Mill has been revitalized to be lofts. Stephanie Mirah/Staff
From restaurants to retail, here are some storefront changes in the Upstate.
Woodside Bistro, opened Nov. 29: The restaurant has moved from its former location at 1112 Woodside Ave. to East 5th Street in Greenville at The Lofts at Woodside Mill. The restaurant, which serves a variety of foods including sandwiches and salads, will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Comal 864, a Rio Grande Valley-inspired restaurant, has filled the bistro's former location.
Felicia Sanders has been announced as the next Michelin North America Inc. chief human resources officer. Provided/Michelin North America Inc.
On the move
Personnel announcements from around the Upstate.
Mia Hubbard is the new consumer banking executive for Regions Bank for teams in Atlanta, Charlotte, and other markets in Georgia and the Carolinas. Provided/Regions Bank
- Michelin North America, Inc. announced Felicia Sanders as its next chief human resources officer. Sanders will be responsible for recruiting and retaining talent. Previously, she served as a plant manager of Michelin’s passenger car tire manufacturing facility in Dothan, Ala. and before that she managed the same type of facility in Greenville. She holds a degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from the Columbia Business School. Sanders will relocate to Greenville from Dothan and she will succeed David Stafford, who will retire in December.
- Regions Bank, based in Birmingham, Ala., announced Mia Hubbard as consumer banking executive for teams in Atlanta, Charlotte, and other markets in Georgia and the Carolinas. Hubbard started as a part-time teller in 2001 and has since served in roles like personal banker, branch manager, retail operations manager and consumer banking manager for Atlanta. Hubbard will now be responsible for household growth and revenue for nearly 140 locations. "From Metro Atlanta to Charlotte, and from Upstate South Carolina to the Lowcountry, Mia’s experience and insights will help Regions build on our growth," said Scott Peters, head of consumer banking for Regions.
That’s all for this week. Email your thoughts, tips, releases and newsy bits to smirah@postandcourier.com.
