GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA—April 11, 2014. The South Carolina Department of Commerce recently presented Robert Johnson, President of Agru America, Inc., with The Ambassador Award, presented by Governor Nikki Haley to private sector executives who have made exceptional contributions to community and state economic development during the previous year.
Robert Johnson joined Agru America in 1996, when the company had 25 employees and one manufacturing facility. Together with the support of the company owners, the Austrian-based Gruber family, Mr. Johnson has grown the enterprise to become the world’s leading manufacturer of flat die extrusion geomembranes, geonets, geocomposites, geosynthetic clay liners and geotextiles, with more than 200 full-time employees at three facilities across the United States. As the award recognizes, through Mr. Johnson’s innovative leadership the bulk of this growth has taken place in Georgetown County.
Agru America’s materials can be found in environmental, civil, and industrial applications around the globe. Under Mr. Johnson’s continued guidance, the company has more than doubled its thermoplastic geomembrane liner production capacity during the past five years, as well as greatly expanded its presence across North America and beyond. Through its partnership with Watershed Geosynthetics, Agru has rapidly developed the market for ClosureTurf™, a state-of-the-art final closure system for landfills, mining facilities, and other environmental applications. Agru has led efforts in coordinating with numerous regulatory agencies regarding this new technology, including the EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and additional regulatory bodies in most states.
“I am honored to receive this special award,” stated Mr. Johnson. “Economic growth is best accomplished through a team effort, and Agru America will continue to work closely with Governor Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce/Secretary Hitt, as well as Georgetown County’s Economic Development Board/Brian Tucker, to support and strengthen commerce in the State of South Carolina.”
