VOCO America investing $3.2M to expand headquarters, increase local workforce

An international maker of dental materials used to repair teeth is expanding its North American headquarters in Lancaster County with a more than $3.2 million investment that will more than double its local workforce.

VOCO America Inc., which is currently leasing space at Rosemont Business Park off S.C. 160, has purchased property there and will build a 16,000-square-foot corporate center and training facility.

“We’re always proud when a company chooses to invest in South Carolina, but it’s truly special when a company like VOCO decides to expand its headquarters here. I congratulate VOCO on this outstanding announcement, and I look forward to their continued growth,” said Gov. Henry McMaster in a statement.

The new facility is expected to be completed by the last quarter of the year, creating 15 new jobs. Right now, VOCO has 10 employees at its Indian Land office.

Based in Germany and privately owned, VOCO was founded in 1981. It has 80 employees at three locations in the United States. VOCO has about 500 employees worldwide and makes more than 150 customized dental materials used to repair teeth.

CEO Leif Ebert said the company chose to expand here due to the “skilled workforce” available across the Charlotte metro area. The Indian Land headquarters, he said, also has “excellent proximity” to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which makes traveling simple and economical.

“We are committed to our community and will work with several local companies to construct an attractive office building at Rosemont Business Park,” Ebert said.

The expansion has been in the works for more than a year, cloaked under the code name “Project Taffy,” said Jamie Gilbert, executive director of the Lancaster County Economic Development Department.

Gilbert said the more than doubling of VOCO’s workers here sends a clear signal that Lancaster County has a solid reputation as a great location for corporate centers.

“They are an excellent company, and their decision is reflective of how our community is a strong, welcoming and supportive home for international, domestic and existing businesses,” Gilbert said.

Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt agrees with Gilbert. Hitt noted in a statement that VOCO is another international company that has developed a strong partnership with the Palmetto State.

“South Carolina is not only a manufacturing powerhouse, but it is also a top choice for companies to establish their corporate headquarters,” Hitt said.

By Greg Summers, Staff Reporter with The Lancaster News