India-based vinyl flooring producer Responsive Industries Ltd. is investing $10 million to establish a distribution center in Mauldin, S.C., where company officials also plan to open a manufacturing operation in the future.
Founded in 1982, Response Industries offers three product lines — vinyl flooring, synthetic leather and luxury vinyl tile — that are produced at a 100-acre factory complex in Thane, India, and exported to 65 countries.
Responsive Industries generates sales of more than $250 million annually and is among the top five global brands, the company website says.
Supply chain problems haven't made it easy to move products, so the company is getting a foothold in the United States, first with a distribution facility to manage sales, technical services and after-sales services, and one day possibly production.
"We have committed to holding inventory stateside to avoid interruptions in the ever-changing global supply, and our ultimate goal is to manufacture our floors right here in South Carolina. We're excited for the future and the opportunities to grow and work with the great people in South Carolina," Responsive Industries Chief Operating Officer Doug Van Nest said in a news release.
Responsive Industries has more 300 distributors. The flooring is sold to commercial segments, including schools, cities, health care conglomerates and large construction and architectural firms.
The company also is investing to expand capabilities and capacity as well as completely automate the manufacturing process.