New company investing a minimum of $32 million and 15 jobs

The Price Companies, Inc. headquartered in Monticello, Arkansas, has recently announced plans to build a new facility in South Carolina near Holly Hill in Orangeburg County. The company currently processes over 14 million tons of wood per year at 20 facilities in the southeast and Maine. Price provides complete wood supply chain services including procurement and collection; transportation and logistics; processing to specifications; facilities financing; long-term agreements; and turnkey solutions.

The new wood chip processing mill, named Carolina Chips, will be the company’s second facility located in South Carolina. The operation will produce wood chips and processed bark for the KapStone paper mill in North Charleston, S.C. It is anticipated that once the facility is complete they will employ a minimum of 15 people and have a minimum capital investment of approximately $32 million over the next five years. This investment will cover all personnel, buildings, and equipment to be installed into the new chip mill facility.

The chip mill and wood storage yard are scheduled for completion and start-up in the 1st half of 2017.

“It’s indeed another Great Day in South Carolina and Orangeburg County. This validates the importance of our strategic location in South Carolina’s Global Logistics Triangle (I-26 * US-301 * I-95) and our close proximity to Charleston. We welcome Carolina Chips to Holly Hill with open arms and are committed to a partnership of success.” -Senator John W. Matthews, Jr.- Chairman, Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation

“We are grateful that Carolina Chips has chosen to locate their latest facility in Holly Hill. We are always excited when companies confirm Orangeburg County as an excellent location to do business. We appreciate Carolina Chips creating new job opportunities and for their confidence in our community,” -Johnnie Wright, Sr., Chairman, Orangeburg County Council

“The Town of Holly Hill is proud to have Carolina Chips locate in our area. Our community will be a better place to live and raise our families with the jobs and capital investment that they will bring to our area. Our Town and community look forward to working with Carolina Chips to ensure its success.”-Mayor William R. Johnson, Holly Hill

“’Location, location, location!’ Prepare properly and they will come! Orangeburg County and the surrounding area welcome Carolina Chips and wish them phenomenal success. We join with those employees who will find a better future while working here in saying ‘Expect our best,’ and ‘THANK YOU,’ for becoming a part of ‘Us’.” -Ken Middleton, Chairman, Orangeburg County Development Commission

Grass-roots initiative hoping to attract new industry and jobs to Orangeburg County receives commitment of $100,000

The One Orangeburg County Initiative (TOOCI) is a newly developed collaborative effort supported by the Orangeburg County Development Commission. The purpose of TOOCI is to bring together Orangeburg County’s leaders in the public, private, and educational sectors in order to work toward a common goal of making the county an even better place to live, work, and play.

TOOCI includes business executives and owners, representatives from local colleges and universities, elected officials, K-12 education administrators, higher education officials, health care representatives, law enforcement, public entity partners, and other organizations including both the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association. TOOCI is made of four Task Forces: Gateway Enhancements, K-16 Education, Commercial, Housing, & Retail, Marketing & Communications and includes an Executive Committee.

TOOCI has recently been granted a legislative delegation commitment of $100,000 from State Senator John W. Matthews. These funds are to be utilized with the Orangeburg County Partnership in order to leverage private sector donations to accomplish the identified goals of TOOCI. While this is the first grant for TOOCI, many members of Orangeburg’s leadership have assisted with basic funding of the initiative by making donations, all which are tax deductible. The initial seed money of $50,000 will help form the initiative’s framework, providing a budget for each task force to work independently. The total commitment of $100,000 dollars is for operational funding over the next 12-18 months in two installments.

While the initiative aims to help improve the quality of life in Orangeburg, it will not be possible without “The 1,000”. The 1,000 is a grass-roots initiative to get people in the community involved and keep them informed about what is going on in Orangeburg County. It includes young professionals and college students, investors, property owners, county stakeholders, and individuals who inspire others by their vision, passion, and concern for their community.

“Ideally this initiative will serve as a beacon for other counties in South Carolina to follow. I am excited about the possibilities, and I look forward to seeing how TOOCI will not only impact Orangeburg County, but the state of South Carolina as well.” -Senator John W. Matthews Jr., Orangeburg County State Legislation Delegation Chairman

“The One Orangeburg County Initiative is an opportunity for the major stakeholders to come together. Often we are all focused on economic development in different directions. This initiative allows us to shoot with laser precision at opportunities to change for the better.” -Johnnie Wright, Sr., Orangeburg County Council Chairman

“The City of Orangeburg appreciates the delegation for granting this allotment of $100,00 to any kind of project that will make One Orangeburg come to fruition.” -Mayor Michael Butler, Orangeburg County

“The Orangeburg County Partnership is excited to be part of the One Orangeburg County Initiative. Economic development is all about “Partnerships” and we must work together to better the community holistically. We truly appreciate the commitment from Senator Matthews and the Legislative Delegation.” – Robert Jennings IV, Orangeburg County Partnership Chairman

“The relationship between TOOCI and The 1,000 is similar to that of a body, with TOOCI being the head and The 1,000 being the rest of the body. All parts work together for the common purpose of bringing life to Orangeburg County,” -Ken Middleton, Orangeburg County Development Commission Chairman

Company investing more than $29 million to expand operations in Orangeburg County

The Husqvarna Group has implemented a number of structural changes in order to improve efficiency and reduce costs. In line with these changes, Husqvarna has decided to expand their Manufacturing Operations in Orangeburg with the addition of a 513,000 square foot Main Distribution Center.

This expansion, taking place at Husqvarna’s Old Elloree Road location, will consist of an additional building that will serve primarily as warehousing, staging, and storage for the facility. The $29.5 million investment will include automation to transfer the finished products from the assembly lines to the new Distribution Center. In addition to the nearly $30 million investment this expansion is expected to create more than 25 new jobs over the next five years. The facility is expected to be operational in December 2016, in preparation for the 2017 season.

Husqvarna North America is part of the Husqvarna Group, a firm with a rich history that can be traced back to 1689. As the world’s largest producer of outdoor power products, including robotic lawn mowers, ride -on mowers and chainsaws, the company employs more than 14,000 employees in 43 countries across the globe. The Orangeburg plant hires up to 1,800 in the summer and fall, but at peak production in the winter and spring the company employs nearly 2,500 employees.

“Husqvarna has been an integral part of the Orangeburg County economy for nearly four decades. This expansion is further evidence of its commitment to the community. County officials have worked hard to attract new investments. This announcement is an indication that their efforts are paying off, and I believe other companies will follow Husqvarna’s lead in making Orangeburg home.” – Congressman James Clyburn

“Husqvarna is a leader in the manufacture of lawn and garden equipment and they have been an important part of the state’s business community for years. This expansion provides another indication that South Carolina’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are continuing to attract investment and help our existing businesses grow. By remaining committed to bolst ering South Carolina’s business environment and working to keep our business tax and regulatory burdens low, we will see more inves tments like this in the future,” -Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.

“Today’s announcement confirms the confidence Huqvarna has in South Carolina’s Global Logistics Triangle (I -26 US-301 I-95) and Orangeburg County’s workforce. We are fortunate to have Huqvarna in our State and welcome this new capital investment to our community.” -Senator John W. Matthews, Jr. Charirman Orangeburg County State Legislative Delegation

“We are grateful that The Husqvarna Group is located in Orangeburg County and continues to grow and support our community. Orangeburg County Council is ready to assist in the most aggressive way we can to ensure your growth is a smooth transition.” -Johnnie Wright, County Council Chairman

Mr. Gordon Powell of Bimbo Bakeries USA, a subsidiary of Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo – one of
the world’s largest bakery firms, has been named the Economic Development Ambassador of the year for 2016 -17 for his leadership at the manufacturing operations in Orangeburg County. Bimbo bakeries has also been named Industry of the Year for 2016 -17.

Since entering the U.S. bread market in 1997, Bimbo Bakeries USA has grown tremendously and, today, employs approximately 22,000 associates across the United States. Headquartered in Horsham, Pennsylvania, Bimbo Bakeries USA is the proud manufacturer of many leading brands including Arnold®, Brownberry®, Oroweat®, Nature’s Harvest®, Ball Park®, Entenmann’s® and Sara Lee.®

“Bimbo Bakeries USA is excited to be in Orangeburg County. Aside from its geographic advantage as a logistics center, Orangeburg has nurtured a business-friendly environment and a strong workforce that we hope will enable us to continue to grow in South Carolina. I’m honored to be recognized as the Economic Development Ambassador for Orangeburg County and Bimbo truly appreciates being recognized as Industry of the year. It is a testament to our associates at the Orangeburg Plant and we appreciate our hard working team.” — Gordon Powell Plant Manager and Ambassador for Economic Development 2016-17.

“Congratulations to Gordon Powell and Bimbo bakeries for their achievements in Orangeburg County. We are thrilled to support and recognize Bimbo Bakeries in its continued investment efforts here, and we look forward to a continued prosperous relationship.” – Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright

“Congratulations to Gordon Powell and Bimbo Bakeries USA for their selection by the South Carolina Department of Commerce as our Economic Development Ambassador of the Year for 2016-2017. The “Bakery” continues to be a cornerstone of employment for nearly 200 families. We wish the Bimbo Team continued success for years to come.” – Mr. Ken Middleton, Chairman of the Orangeburg County Development Commission.

FAST FACT

• Bimbo Bakeries USA Orangeburg has 180 Associates in Orangeburg
• In 2015 Bimbo Announced it was expanding 9.3M and creating 30 New Jobs
• Bimbo Bakeries USA is a subsidiary of the Mexico -based Grupo Bimbo, which was founded in 1945

About Bimbo Bakeries USA

Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 22,000 U.S. associates operates more than 60 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,0 00 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold®, Bimbo®, Boboli®, Brownberry®, Entenmann’s®, Freihofer’s®, Heiners ®, Marinela®, Mrs. Baird’s®, Nature’s Harvest®, Oroweat®, Sara Lee®, Stroehmann®, Thomas’®, and Tia Rosa.® BBU is owned by Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world’s largest baking company with operations in 22 countries

Company investing in its first permanent location

IPS Packaging, a wholesale packaging distributor headquartered in Fountain Inn, SC, will build a new distribution center in Orangeburg, SC. In addition to a $3.5M investment, IPS will also bring 5 new jobs to the community.

The Orangeburg County Development Commission, Orangeburg County Council, and county personnel were all very instrumental in IPS’ decision to locate their newest distribution center in Orangeburg. Orangeburg County Council approved the sale of 10 -12 acres of land to IPS during a special meeting held in February. The new climate controlled warehouse will be a 50,000 square-foot Class “A” facility that will be expandable to 150,000 square-feet in the future.

IPS Packaging has been providing industrial customers with complete packaging systems and supplies from the world’s leading packaging manufacturers since 1976. As a single-source packaging supplier who runs their own logistics, IPS is able to provide customers with affordable and timely deliveries.

Many of IPS’ existing customers have locations in the Midlands, Pee Dee and Coastal areas of SC. Opening a branch in the Orangeburg area will allow the company to provide those customers with better access to IPS’ services and offerings. The Orangeburg site will be the company’s first permanent location.

The new distribution center will be located in the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park on US Hwy 301 near I -26 and will be open for business by December 15, 2016. The Orangeburg location joins IPS Packaging distribution centers operating in Charlotte and Greensboro, N.C.; Lakeland, FL; Memphis, TN; and Ontario, CA as well as the corporate office and distribution center in Fountain Inn, S.C.

“The building of this Class ‘A’ facility with climate control warehouse shows the strong commitment that we’ve made to our c ustomers in the region.” – IPS Founder and President, Jerry W. Murdock

“We are thankful to everyone who took a part in making this a reality. This project is another significant step in creating quality jobs for our citizens. “ – Orangeburg County Council Chair, Johnnie Wright

“This is a positive reflection of our workforce and development going forward.” – City of Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler

“Today’s announcement bodes another milestone for the stakeholders, work -force, and citizens of Orangeburg County and Central South Carolina.” – Central SC Alliance Chairman Mike Briggs