An artist's impression of the MSI-Forks expansion.

MSI-Forks, a leader in fork arms manufacturing, is expanding its existing operations in York County. The company is investing USD3.5 million to construct a larger facility and create 33 new jobs over the next five years.

Established in 1964, MSI-Forks is a subsidiary of MS International, PLC, which is based in the United Kingdom.

In 1994, the company opened its first distribution facility in South Carolina. In 2011, MSI-Forks established its current York County manufacturing facility.

In an effort to meet increased customer demand, the company is constructing a new 40,000 sqft. (3,716 sqm) facility in the Antrim Business Park in Rock Hill, South Carolina. In addition to housing MSI-Forks' existing York County manufacturing operations, the new facility will also serve as the company's North American headquarters.

"MSI-Forks has been present in the US since 1994 and the new South Carolina manufacturing plant will help us to consolidate and expand our position in North America," says Caio Lima, CEO of MSI-Forks. "It shows our long-term commitment to the materials handling industry in the United States."

The expansion is anticipated to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2016 and hiring for the new positions is expected to begin in the spring of 2016.

The expansion has been assisted by a USD55,000 grant from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development to assist with the costs of real property improvements related to the project.

Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt welcomes the development, saying: "The expansion of one of South Carolina's existing businesses is always an inspiration. In 1994, MSI-Forks opened its first facility within our borders, and, today, they announce yet another expansion in our state, proving further that South Carolina is an ideal location for businesses to succeed."