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As one of the leading manufacturers of engine valves in the country, U.S. Engine Valve supplies automakers with components that improve the fuel economy and efficiency of engines. However, one of the company’s recent efforts goes beyond improving individual automobiles and seeks to improve the efficiency of its operations and the economy of its home state. 

The Westminster, S.C.-based manufacturer recently announced plans to expand its manufacturing facility, bringing new jobs and an investment of nearly $18 million over the next few years. 

“We are pleased to expand our manufacturing facility in Oconee County,” Plant Manager Robert Griffin told The Independent Mail newspaper at the time of the announcement. “South Carolina continues to serve as an excellent home for our company, with a positive business environment and solid work force. This expansion will help us meet growing demand for our automotive valves and better serve our customers. We appreciate the support we have received from state and local officials.”

“We are proud of our existing industries in Oconee County and make it a priority to assist with expansion projects,” Hank Field, chairman of the Oconee County Economic Development Commission, said in a statement. “This investment being made by U.S. Engine Valve demonstrates the company’s confidence in our community and our work force.” 

The expansion involves the upgrading of equipment within the company’s production facility. U.S. Engine Valve says the new equipment will allow it to increase the plant’s efficiency as well as the overall quality of the finished product. The first phase of the expansion was completed in late 2010, and the subsequent phases have been ongoing. 

“U.S. Engine Valve has been a part of the upstate business community for more than two decades, and the company’s decision to grow in South Carolina is a great compliment to our state, the local community and its work force,” South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor said in a statement made shortly after it was announced. “South Carolina’s automotive sector continues to present opportunities, and the growth of U.S. Engine Valve is another sign that the automotive industry can be successful here despite a challenging economy.”

U.S. Engine Valve not only has cemented a reputation as one of upstate South Carolina’s most respected manufacturers, it also has established itself as a leader in the industry. The company has received numerous awards and accolades from its partners in the automotive industry for its performance and corporate citizenship, most notably from Toyota. 

Focus on Quality

That the company would invest so much in such an expansion is not surprising when considering the company’s roots and philosophy. According to U.S. Engine Valve, the company was founded at a joint venture between Eaton Corporation and Nittan Valve Co. Ltd. of Japan. “With input from both parent companies, U.S. Engine Valve has developed an operating system that institutionalizes continuous improvement,” the company says. To that end, the company says its production facility has been certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and TS16949.

But there’s more to U.S. Engine Valve’s dedication to quality than its facilities, equipment and processes. The company says it adheres to strict codes of conduct in all of its dealings, whether with its customers or its employees. “The company’s vision is to be a world-class, full-service supplier of intake and exhaust valves in terms of quality, cost, delivery and innovation,” it says. “Our ability to achieve these business goals depends on our adherence to [our] core values: make our customers the focus of everything we do; recognize our people as our greatest asset; treat each other with respect; be fair, honest and open; be considerate of the environment; keep our commitments; and strive for excellence.”

Highly Decorated

Evidence of the company’s quality and efficiency can be found in the numerous awards it has accumulated over the years. Most recently, U.S. Engine Valve was named one of Toyota’s top North American suppliers for 2010. “The awards recognize suppliers who exceeded the company’s expectations in several categories,” according to Toyota. U.S. Engine Valve earned a rating of “Superior” in the Quality Performance Awards category when Toyota announced its supplier awards at its annual supplier business meeting in March 2011. The company had received the “Superior” rating 18 years in a row between 1992 and 2009. 

Also in 2011, U.S. Engine Valve was a finalist for the Silver Crescent for Manufacturing Excellence at the Silver Crescent Foundation’s Salute to Manufacturing Awards ceremony, which honors the state’s best manufacturers. “The Silver Crescent for Manufacturing Excellence honor is awarded to one manufacturer in each of three categories (small, medium and large) that exhibit strong economic impact, a commitment to work force and involvement and contributions to their communities,” the foundation says. U.S. Engine Valve had won the Silver Crescent for Manufacturing Excellence in the medium-sized category in 2002 and 2006.