The Carolina Department of Commerce has issued a press release indicating that Izzehme, Belgium-based Moderna Products has confirmed a $6.5 million investment in its first U.S. manufacturing facility, which will be built on a 116,000 square foot site in an existing facility off Interstate 85 in Cherokee County. As a manufacturer and distributor of plastic products for pets, including pet crates and bowls, Moderna Products will launch the company's full range of injection moulding operations at the site.

        In a statement, Moderna CEO Barte Bonte said the South Carolina location will allow the company to shorten its supply chain and better serve a growing North American customer base.

        The manufacturing site is expected to be operational by the end of 2015 and Moderna plans to hire at least 35 employees over the next five years.