Pittsburgh-based Pro Towels (asi/79750) is expanding its South Carolina production facility, investing $1.7 million to complete several upgrades, the company said. The project will lead to the hiring of 50 additional workers over the next five years and bolster the firm’s 300,000-square-foot Abbeville County, SC, building. “Abbeville has been an ideal home for us, and the strength of the local community and its high-quality workforce will continue to be the backbone of our success,” said Kevin Nord, president of Pro Towels.

The need for expansion is the result of Pro Towels’ recent acquisition of Canadian firm Kanata Blanket Co. (asi/63823). To account for the expected increase in production, Pro Towels is planning to partially relocate Kanata operations to its Abbeville site.

Bryan McClain, Abbeville’s council chairman, said Pro Towels “has been a large part of Abbeville County for many years, and it is exciting to see their continued commitment to our community.” South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley praised the expansion project, saying it shows Pro Towels’ commitment to the state.

Hiring for the new position is likely to begin in the middle of 2016. The total Abbeville expansion project is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2020. In addition to beach, golf, fitness and rally towels, Pro Towels’ product line now includes sweatshirts, bathrobes and blankets.