News Summary
Zilmet USA, the American subsidiary of the Italian manufacturing company Zilmet, has moved its headquarters from Rhode Island to Georgetown County, South Carolina. This strategic relocation allows the company to tap into growth opportunities and meet rising demand. Zilmet has opened a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to enhance production capacity and support its expansion efforts. The move is backed by South Carolina’s Ready SC program, emphasizing the positive economic climate for business growth in the region.
South Carolina – Zilmet USA, the American subsidiary of the renowned Italian manufacturing company Zilmet, has officially relocated its headquarters from North Kingstown, Rhode Island, to Georgetown County, South Carolina. The company made this strategic decision to tap into stronger growth opportunities in South Carolina, reflecting an increasingly positive outlook for the business.
To support its expansion, Zilmet USA has opened a substantial 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in South Carolina. This facility is a crucial part of the company’s objective to boost its manufacturing capabilities, a necessity driven by rising demand in both the U.S. and international markets. The new facility will help Zilmet increase production capacity, ensuring it can better serve its U.S. customer base while alleviating pressure on its existing operations in Italy.
Factors influencing the relocation decision included the support received from South Carolina’s Ready SC program, which has played a pivotal role in facilitating the company’s move and expansion plans. General Manager Scott Jacobsen noted that this program was a significant factor in the successful establishment of the new facility.
Zilmet USA was founded in Rhode Island in 2012. Since its inception, the company has solely relied on its parent company’s manufacturing plant in Italy for product sourcing. However, with greater-than-expected growth rates in the U.S. market as well as abroad, Zilmet recognized the urgent need to expand its production abilities. The company’s strategy aims not only to enhance production but also to meet the increasing demand for its wide range of expansion tanks and plumbing products.
The first phase of the new manufacturing facility is anticipated to be finished by late 2024, with the commencement of production expected in 2025. This timeline highlights the company’s commitment to ramping up production efficiently to satisfy growing customer needs.
Company Background
Zilmet has a storied history, having been founded in 1955 by Ugo Benettolo in Padova, Italy. Over the years, the company has established itself as a global leader in the production of expansion vessels and heat exchangers, now supplying its products to over 100 countries worldwide. Zilmet operates manufacturing plants not only in Italy but also in France and China, in addition to the new site in South Carolina.
Despite moving its headquarters to South Carolina, Zilmet USA will maintain a facility in Rhode Island that will operate as the Northeast Distribution Facility. This dual-location strategy allows the company to efficiently manage its operations across different regions, ensuring swift delivery and excellent service for its Northeast customers.
Conclusion
The move of Zilmet USA’s headquarters marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. With the opening of a large manufacturing facility in South Carolina, Zilmet is poised to enhance its production capabilities and better serve its customer base in the increasingly competitive plumbing products market. This expansion reflects the positive economic climate in South Carolina and the company’s continuing commitment to meet consumer demands on a global scale.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Providence Business News: Zilmet USA Moves Headquarters from R.I. to South Carolina
- PHCP Pros: Zilmet USA to Build Manufacturing Plant in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Google Search: Zilmet USA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zilmet

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.