Scio Diamond Technology (SCIO), the leading US-based diamond grower, today announced that it has returned to full production following its December shutdown.

"We are pleased to report that our Greenville, SC factory has returned to full growing capacity following the December water line break. All growers have been repaired and are back in production," announced Gerald McGuire, President and CEO, Scio Diamond. "Our team, equipment suppliers and insurance company have worked seamlessly and tirelessly together to bring us back to full production in a remarkable amount of time. We are very appreciative of their efforts."

As described in the Company's fiscal third quarter 10-Q and third quarter news release, the Company experienced a water line break in its facility on December 12, 2015 causing damage to its diamond growers and a significant interruption in production. The factory was partially operating again within a number of days, and is now restored to full capacity. The Company expects to show significant increases in output in March and April as the diamonds from the restored growers complete their growth cycle.

The company continues to work closely with its property loss and business interruption insurance policy carrier to account for losses due to the shutdown.

"Property losses and business interruptions are events no business ever wants to endure so when they do happen, it is greatly appreciated when you have an insurance company that can mobilize to help quickly," said Jonathan Pfohl, CFO, Scio Diamond. "Our insurance provided was motivated to see us back up and running as quickly as possible and we are pleased to see how helpful they have been in our return to production."