US-based medical device manufacturer Rhythmlink International has announced plans to invest in a new automated packaging line at its Richland County facility in the Columbia Industrial Park.

The company intends to invest $1.4m to install the packaging line in a new 1,500ft2 ISO 8 Certified, Class 100,000 cleanroom.

The latest investment will allow the company to compete in existing markets and enter new markets quickly, as well as to bring products to market faster and improve customer service.

Rhythmlink International COO Michael O'Leary said the company has decided to move some of the production processes from its Chinese facility after careful analysis.

"We looked at Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico and even a couple of other states. After working with and receiving support from our partners at the State of South Carolina, Richland County and Capital Bank, in the end it was less expensive and clearly more practical to invest in automation for a new packaging line right here in our own facility in Columbia," Leary added.

According to the company, the investment in new packaging will create an additional 50 new jobs over the next five years.

Rhythmlink, which offers custom packaging, custom products, private labeling and contract manufacturing services, produces different medical devices for intraoperative neuromonitoring, electroencephalography, evoked potentials, polysomnography, long-term monitoring epilepsy and critical care units.

Image: Rhythmlink International headquarters in Columbia, South Carolina. Photo: courtesy of Rhythmlink International.