Opperman Webbing expanding, creating 20 jobs

ANDERSON Oppermann Webbing, a maker of tie-downs and webbing for cargo transportation, will expand its operations in Anderson County, investing $2.1 million and creating 20 jobs. The company will add 38,000 square feet to the weaving and warehouse spaces at its Piedmont plant by mid-December. Hiring will begin in November. For jobs, call the SCWorks center in Anderson at (864) 226-6273.

Apple expected to unveil smaller iPad on Tuesday

NEW YORK Apple is sending out invites to reporters for an event next Tuesday, where it’s expected to announce the release of a smaller iPad. The invite to the venue in San Jose, Calif., doesn’t hint at what’s will be revealed, but media and analysts have said for months that Apple has an “iPad mini” in the works. The tablet is thought to be about half the size of the regular iPad and to start at $249 or $299. Apple founder Steve Jobs derided the idea of a smaller tablet two years ago, but Amazon.com Inc. has had some success with its Kindle Fire, which is half the size of the iPad and starts at $159. Analysts believe Apple wants to tackle that competition with its own similarly sized tablet.

Luxury Chevy Volt hybrid to roll out next year

DETROIT General Motors says production is set to begin late next year on a luxury version of its Chevrolet Volt hybrid. The automaker said Tuesday the Cadillac ELR will be assembled at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant. That plant makes the Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera and Holden Volt. The Cadillac will run on electricity and carry a four-cylinder gasoline engine to generate power when the batteries run out of juice. It’s based on the Cadillac Converj, a concept car unveiled in 2009 at the Detroit auto show. GM North America President Mark Reuss said in a statement that the car is “further proof of our commitment to electric vehicles and advanced technology.”

Target to begin matching competitors’ prices

NEW YORK Target Corp. says that for the first time it will match prices that customers find on identical products at select online competitors this holiday season. Target’s CEO Gregg Steinhafel told reporters at a conference Tuesday that the retailers include Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Bestbuy.com, Toysrus.com and babiesrus.com. The price match program will cover Nov. 1 through Dec. 16. The retailer says it will extend the time period for its price match policy with items from brick and mortar stores. It will also include prices offered by Target.com for the first time.

The Associated Press contributed.