COLUMBIA — FITESA, a Brazilian manufacturer of polypropylene nonwoven fabrics, will invest and locate its North American operations in Laurens County.

FITESA plans to invest $120 million and create 80 jobs at its South Carolina facility.

FITESA will initially construct a 225,000-square-foot facility that will have expansion capabilities in the years ahead.

FITESA will be the inaugural tenant of the Owings Industrial Park in Laurens County.

The company cited the state’s proximity to major ports, easy access to railroads and highways, work force availability and infrastructure development.

FITESA was recruited during the Department of Commerce’s trade mission to Brazil in June.

FITESA’s nonwovens are used as raw material in everyday products including disposable diapers and hygiene products, medical apparel, home furnishings and mattresses.

Other product applications include agriculture, automotive, construction, footwear and luggage, industrial disposables and packaging.

FITESA has one super site in southern Brazil, Gravatai, Rio Grande do Sul, in which nonwovens of different technologies are produced.

The company is owned by Petropar in Brazil.

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