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Category Archives: News

Company plans $3.5M investment in county

A distribution company is planning to invest about $3.5 million and create five jobs in Orangeburg County.

Orangeburg County Council approved selling 10 to 12 acres of land in the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park to the prospect for about $150,000. The issue was discussed during a special called meeting on Tuesday.

The company, which plans to construct a 50,000-square-foot building, has expressed a desire to remain confidential for now. The county refers to it only as Project Bulldog.

The industrial park is located on U.S. Highway 301 near Interstate 26.

Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson said the company has been in the market and the Orangeburg site will be the company’s first permanent location.

“We are still working through all the details,” Robinson said.

The county has been working on the project for “quite some time,” he said.

“We are determining the building plans and we also have to produce a variance for the property for the new construction,” Robinson said. “The commitment of that construction will begin as soon as the ordinance is finalized.”

Robinson briefed Orangeburg County Council on industrial recruitment efforts during the meeting. In 2015, the county had 57 visits by industrial prospects. In 2014, the county had 76 visits, in 2013 it had 110 visits and in 2010 it had a ten-year high of 123 visits.

“Why are we down? The lack of product,” Robinson said. He compared available industrial buildings to cars at a dealership, saying “As we go down with product availability, it is cars on the lot. Less cars on the lot, less looks.”

Orangeburg County will have more buildings for potential industries to look at in 2016 with addition of the county’s new speculative building. Also, the former Utica Tools and Federal Mogul buildings will be coming on the market, providing space.

The number of visits is strong but it is “not as strong as it has been in the past,” he said.

“When we have more prospect visits, we have a better chance of winning,” Robinson said.

Robinson said the lower number of prospect visits is not due to a lack of effort or marketing.

“Sometimes our batting average is not the best, but we are still at bat,” he said. “They are looking at us.”

Last year, the county saw $97.7 million in investment and 164 net new jobs, Robinson said. That does not include temporary or seasonal jobs.

Councilwoman Janie Cooper Smith said she frequently hears from college students about their desire for more entertainment opportunities for Orangeburg such as a movie theater.

“There are a lot of people who want a theater,” Cooper-Smith said. “Not a week goes by that I do not hear ‘When, when, when is a theater coming to town?’”

Robinson said the Orangeburg County Development Commission would be supportive of county or city efforts to attract restaurants or movie theaters to the area, but its primary mission is to attract industrial growth.

Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said the county does need to improve its amenities or “it will be left behind.”

“If we don’t do something soon to get our act together, it is going to be tough to get people to stop here in Orangeburg without going on to Columbia or passing us by,” Young said. “We’ve got to do something significant to keep people in Orangeburg.”

In other matters, council agreed to begin the relocation of broadband fiber cables near the entrance of the future Western Orangeburg County Industrial Park in order to be able to build turning lanes for the park’s entrance.

The cables are currently in the South Carolina Department of Transportation right-of-way.

The cost of relocating the cables is estimated to be about $23,000, which would be the county’s responsibility to fund.

The cables will be relocated and replaced in the ground off the current right-of-way.

Council also requested research as to whether or not an encroachment or an easement procedure would be needed to relocate the fiber cables. The matter will be researched.

The 230-acre former sorghum farm is located northwest of Neeses and is adjacent to S.C. 389 and U.S. 321. About 3,000 feet of the property has S.C. 389 frontage.

Contact the writer: gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5551. Check out Zaleski on Twitter at @ZaleskiTD.

Leadership Grit: Straight Talk from Bill Beard, Vice President and General Manager of GKN Aerospace operations in Orangeburg, SC

GKN Aerospace
In the wake of GKN Aerospace’s $20 million expansion announcement to build inlet lip skins for the Boeing 737 Max and the 777-X, the company’s VP and General Manager sat down with the editors of South Carolina Manufacturing to discuss his background and GKN’s success in Orangeburg.

A native of North Augusta, Bill Beard, enlisted in the Navy following his high school graduation in 1977 and spent more than 20 years on active duty and 18 years in the aerospace and defense industry working his way from apprentice level technician to corporate executive.

Bill BeardWhile in the Navy, Bill served in a variety of special mission aircraft organizations and logged more than 4,000 flight hours in the EP-3E and P-3C Special Projects Aircraft earning Air Medals for missions flown during Operation Desert Storm and over Bosnia during the Balkans conflict.

Following his time in the service, the North Augusta native began working with L-3 Communications in the Navy program office at Waco, Texas. His last assignment at Waco was as Senior Director for Federal Programs where he led projects that upgraded Navy, Army and Customs and Border Protection aircraft.  Bill next served as Vice President of Operations at L-3 Vertex Aerospace in Madison, MS where he led more than 11,000 employees performing aircraft and vehicle maintenance around the world.

An opportunity to lead operations for DRS Technologies C3 and Aviation business unit moved him to the Washington, D.C. metro area for four years before he returned home full time to South Carolina in 2013.

Currently Vice President and General Manager of GKN Aerospace’s South Carolina operations in Orangeburg, Bill and his team produce flight critical components and assemblies for several aircraft original equipment manufacturers.

Bill holds a Bachelor’s degree in business from New Hampshire College and an MBA (with honors) from Baylor University.  He is also a graduate of the Imperial College of London’s Executive Leadership Program; Center for Creative Leadership’s Leadership at the Peak, and the Advanced Program Manager’s course at the Defense Acquisition University.

Bill and his wife Kathy of 31 years (also a Navy veteran) currently make their home in Prosperity, S.C.  Bill and Kathy are the proud parents of two sons who answered the call of duty after 9/11, serving in the United States Marine Corps.

1. As you look back on your early career, what were the most important lessons learned along the way?

I would say the most important lessons learned along the way are all centered on integrity.  One of the first things a young technician learns is that there is no room for a lackadaisical attitude toward quality or safety in aerospace.  Simply put, aerospace workers learn very early in their careers that their word is their bond, and that people are in many cases putting their lives in their hands based on assurances that the work is performed to the exacting standards required by our industry.  The very real life and death situations and scenarios possible in aviation were never far from my mind flying in the Navy.  I unfortunately, lost many friends and shipmates to accidents over the years.

2. How is GKN addressing workforce development?

We are partnered with Ready SC and Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College to select and train our assembly technicians.  We are also developing in-house training programs for specific job skills.  We’re very excited about the pilot program launched through the technical college system late last year where several new courses are being offered around the state.  These courses will teach structural assembly, sealant application, composite structures, FOD/5S and equipment installation.

3. What advice would you give to school counselors, teachers and parents regarding careers in aerospace?

I would make students aware of the opportunities that our industry offers through the growth in commercial aircraft sales, and due to what we refer to as the graying of the workforce.  Large numbers of engineers, artisans and technicians will retire in the coming decade.  This situation will present opportunities for rapid advancement for those willing to apply themselves.  So, I would emphasize the shortage of engineers in the industry, and I would also stress the availability of good paying technician level opportunities available in the industry.

I speak from personal experience when I say I realize that a 4 year degree is not for every student graduating high school.  I would likely have not been successful entering college straight from high school, even if the funding had been available, which it was not.  For me, the military offered an outstanding opportunity to gain a technical education and skills, that when coupled with a degree earned over a 12 year period while on active duty, opened the door for me to lead exciting programs that eventually led me to lead GKN’s South Carolina operations.   Likewise, the military is not for everyone, but very similar opportunities exist for those who wish to enter the manufacturing segment of the industry.

4. Why is this location strategic to GKN? What are the long term goals for the operation?

The location is geographically strategic due to its proximity to Boeing in Charleston, Gulfstream in Savannah, HondaJet in Greensboro and other potential partners and customers.  Our long term vision is to develop into the state’s #1 provider of aerostructures assemblies, and structural components such as engine inlet lip skins for 737 MAX and 777-X.

5.How important is infrastructure to your future growth? What would you like to see addressed or improved regarding roads, power, water, sewer, etc.? If you could prioritize a number one improvement for SC infrastructure to help set up GKN for even greater success in the future what would that be?

We enjoy outstanding support from the Orangeburg community (County and City), all of our immediate and foreseeable infrastructure needs have been met.   However, for the industry to continue to grow and expand, we must fix our crumbling road system.

6. Expansion?…As Boeing continues increasing already advertised production rates, what total employment could be expected? Are there other facility expansions in the future?

The growth of our existing programs will drive employment growth to over 300 in the next 2 to 3 years.  Our existing assembly building can accommodate growth resulting from new programs that could drive that number even higher.

7. How defensible are your products? Boeing usually shops products out every five years to collect new competitive bids. What strategies and methods make GKN unique so they can protect their work content?

Our philosophy is to protect current programs through sustained superior performance while maintaining a very competitive cost structure.

8. With the new expansion in mind, what do you consider the biggest challenge getting ready for production?

We are working diligently to industrialize our new facility, and are adding skilled team members on a weekly basis.  We will be ready to begin production on schedule later this year.

9. How prepared is GKN for the 737 rate and is their manufacturing process stable enough to support the high rate volume?

We are currently delivering lip skins for the 737 MAX program through our Camarillo, California facility.  This capacity in this facility, which developed the manufacturing processes for the 737 MAX and 777-X lip skins, provides us the ability to exceed the rate requirements of the program while we stand up production in Orangeburg.

10. The 777-X is a very large part. Are the manufacturing processes for the 777X the same as the 737 MAX?

Our facility and equipment are being sized for the 777-X lip skin.  The manufacturing process is essentially the same.

11. Has your manufacturing process been done on 777-X sized parts before?

The process has been used on other parts very similar in size to the 777-X.

12. How much of your manufacturing equipment is brand new design and new vendors versus a move from an existing operation? Is this a concern? Does GKN Orangeburg have the right resources to integrate this manufacturing process or is the expertise coming from others? (external GKN or sister divisions)?

We have the resources required to make the program successful.  We are employing a very talented team organic to Orangeburg that is being supplemented by expertise from other GKN sites.

13. What are the challenges of getting your production facility to Boeing production quality standards, and where is GKN in the process?

We are progressing well preparing the new facility for certification to Boeing standards as well as NADCAP certification of special processes.

14. In November, Boeing announced they were taking work away from GKN. Essentially, Boeing took away the 737 MAX thrust reverser over concerns that GKN could keep up with the rate. How is your facility ensuring Boeing will not have the same concerns with the lip skins?

We have invested a great deal of time, money and effort to ensure that we resource the program for success.  We are applying lessons learned from across our company.  We are on track to begin production as originally scheduled, and feel very positive that we will have all the resources and processes required, under one roof, to meet the demanding rate ramp of the 737 MAX.

15. With GKN located in Orangeburg, how successful have you been in recruiting the right people (manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance) and how much autonomy does your division have to control your own destiny?

As the leader of the South Carolina operations, I have the autonomy, but also the support, to ensure our success in Orangeburg.

We have been very successful in recruiting a very talented team to Orangeburg.  Our engineering team has been in place for some months, and we are in the process of staffing and training our operations team.

16. As you set up your operation, how much support are you getting from local sub-contractors versus out of state providers?

We have a good mix of local and out of state providers industrializing our facility and providing materials for our programs.

17. Will GKN produce parts other than lip skins in Orangeburg?

We will have to see what the future holds.

To view the original version, visit:http://southcarolinamfg.com/leadership-grit-straight-talk-from-bill-beard-vice-president-and-general-manager-of-gkn-aerospace-operations-in-orangeburg-sc>

New, $4M facility planned for growth

By DIONNE GLEATON T&D Staff Writer

Angel Malone beams with pride when she talks about the students who make up the Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 High School for Health Professions. She considers them an inspiration.

As her students have grown, so has the charter school. Now it’s preparing for their future.

The construction of a new $4 million, 17,000-square-foot facility on U.S. Highway 601 near the OCSD5 Technology Center is part of the school’s plans to accommodate its growth. The site is being prepared.

The school is currently located in the former Nix Elementary School building on Stilton Road.

The school opened in 2012 with seven classrooms and 73 children. It now boasts 357 students, Malone said.

The new building will house 22 classrooms, four office spaces, a library and a cafeteria.

“We have been planning for probably two years. We have the land,” Malone said.

Malone said she met with Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson, who put the school in touch with a private investor, Lincolnton, N.C.-based Piedmont Companies Inc.

“They have seen over the scope of two years what we’re doing at our school. They’ve visited, seen the classrooms, talked with kids and liked the idea of what we’re doing here. They’re actually building a school for us. It is a lease option for us,” Malone said.

Andrew Silver of Piedmont Companies stood before Orangeburg City Council on Jan. 19 to request $138,000 to help with infrastructure needs at the site on which the new school will be built.

Malone said the $138,000 is part of the total $4 million cost to build the school. An earlier report based on a discussion in the city council meeting indicated the cost could be $20 million or more.

“The total cost of our project is $4 million, not $20 million. There are various projects that are going on, but our initial project – our project that we’re doing – is $4 million,” Malone said.

“Initially we tried to find a site that was closer to town, but there are a lot of logistics with satisfying South Carolina DOT and the Office of School Facilities with the state Department of Education. As a charter school principal, I’ve learned a lot about roads and traffic and making sure there are enough spaces for buses to come in,” Malone said.

“Because of the tight fit of so many buildings moving further in town, some of those areas would not work, or cost a lot more money than we could afford to pay,” she said.

Charter schools are independent public schools. They receive a portion of the state funding that would otherwise go to local districts for their students.

Malone said the new school construction will not end up costing local taxpayers more.

“With our acquiring the building, there is not a rise in taxes because what we’ve done is gone through an investor that does not raise or ask for a bond referendum of any type. That’s not something that we do. One of the challenges that charter schools throughout the country have is finding suitable facilities,” she said.

Malone said the charter school has enjoyed a very fruitful relationship with OCSD5, which provides the use of the former Nix Elementary School.

“We’re just outgrowing it,” Malone said.

Students at the school come from “various areas within Orangeburg,” but are mainly students from OCSD5.

“We are a sponsored school within our district. We do have some children that come back into the school district,” including students who attended private school in areas as far away as Columbia, Malone said.

“The students come from everywhere, including from within the neighborhood that surrounds this (Nix-Stilton) area. It’s just a mixture of kids throughout the county,” she said.

OCSD5 is the charter school’s “parenting body” which provides it with negotiated services, but operating funds do not directly come from the district, the principal said.

“State and local funds through the state Department of Education are trickled down through our local district and then disbursed to us based on our population and whatever the allocated funds are per pupil for our district. That’s what we get for those children just like any other school,” Malone said.

She said while Piedmont Companies is building the new school, “we will have to pay a lease payment, which is generated through the disbursement of funds that come to our school through the school district.”

In the meantime, the principal said she is pleased with the success the school has seen, including increasing English and math scores and partnerships with institutions including the Medical University of South Carolina, Family Health Centers Inc., the Regional Medical Center and the Orangeburg-Calhoun Free Medical Clinic.

The school has also enjoyed partnerships with Charleston Southern University, Claflin University and South Carolina State University, where students are on campus working in STEM labs as they pursue dual-credit courses.

“I think that’s a strong point for us. We’ve been able to create partnerships with MUSC, where our kids are able to go during the school year and in the summer to be mentored by med students, as well as other health professional students,” Malone said.

“Our students do have the opportunity to get an associate’s degree, or just have college credit. Kids can get the transferrable credits for college and take those college transfer courses at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. They’re also able to go into school with 24 credit hours. And it’s free of charge to them,” she said.

The main goal, however, is to offer students choices that will prepare them for future success in the world, the principal said.

“I like the fact that the students on their own want to give back to the community even now. I think that’s a very special quality to see the many things that they do to inform, uplift and support the community,” she said.

Contact the writer: dgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5534. Follow “Good News with Gleaton” on Twitter at @DionneTandD.

OCtech becomes accredited by American Welding Society test facility

OCtech Welding Program Coordinator Jimmie Johnson, right, talks with welding students, from left, Claude Shuler and Eric Bradley during a demonstration of OCtech’s welding simulator.

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College has become the third technical college in South Carolina – and the fourth site statewide – to be awarded American Welding Society Accredited Test Facility status.

As an ATF, the college can test and certify welding graduates and working professionals seeking AWS certification.

“American Welding Society certifications are the most stringent and most recognized qualifications that welders can obtain,” Welding Program Coordinator Jimmie Johnson said. “What this does is it gives us the ability to test welders and give them credentials for any kind of welding process that they might need.”

According to the AWS, ATFs play an integral part in the operation of the AWS Certified Welder Program. ATFs can help companies save money, improve productivity and reduce liability by entrusting their welding certification to the experts. Test sites are listed on the AWS website for those who need to certify welders and advertised in Welding Journal magazine.

To earn AWS ATF accreditation, Johnson was tasked with developing a quality assurance manual that outlines the facility’s organizational structure, procedures and corrective actions. An on-site audit was then conducted to review the manual, facility, equipment and operating procedures.

Johnson was also required to obtain his AWS Certified Welding Inspector credentials, which allows him to serve as OCtech’s site inspector.

“It took us a while to get here, but it was well-worth the effort,” he said. “The advantages to us are, number one, we’re going to attract students because we’re a bonafide American Welding Society testing facility, which means we’re a top-of-the-line program. Second, industries can send their welders to us to receive any of the thousands of different AWS certifications that they might need to fulfill job or contract requirements.”

While Johnson can’t certify his own students, he said that an American Welding Society CWI can be brought in to administer certification tests to his students.

“This is just another way that OCtech can provide a service to the community,” he said. “The accreditation is an asset all the way around.”

For more information about OCtech’s welding program or certifications through the AWS ATF, call Johnson at 803-535-1299 or visit www.octech.edu.

News Source: http://www.octech.edu/Articles/octech_becomes_aws_accredited_test_facility.aspx

Orangeburg County industry grows globally

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The Orangeburg County Development Commission is observing its 60th anniversary as the lead agency in recruiting jobs and growing the local economy. For more on the OCDC and Orangeburg County development history, see Pages A4 and A5.

Orangeburg County lifted another international flag on its industrial economic engine in 2011 when United Kingdom-based GKN Aerospace announced it would invest $38 million and create 278 new jobs over the next five years.

GKN Aerospace located in the 151,000-square-foot speculative building in the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park on U.S. Highway 301. The building, constructed by Miller-Valentine Group, sits on 21 acres.

GKN initially focused on the manufacture of composite HondaJet fuselages as part of a contract with Honda Aircraft Co.

In June, GKN announced it has contracted with Boeing and will invest more than $20 million in a new manufacturing facility adjacent to its existing plant.

About 75 jobs will be added at the new facility, which will produce inlet lip skins for the Boeing 737 MAX and 777X.

GKN’s new operations are housed in the former Ecoscapes Composites LLC facility. First-part production from the building is scheduled for late 2016.

“GKN Aerospace I & II represents one of the true testaments to the Global Logistics Triangle (I-26, U.S. 301, I-95) in the last three years,” Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson said. “Their presence and success in Orangeburg sends a clear message to the aerospace industry that South Carolina and specifically Orangeburg County can produce a quality product.”

Robinson said that with its two locations, GKN now has about 280,000 square feet of manufacturing space in two separate locations in Orangeburg.

“We truly welcome both facilities and accept the challenge of producing quality Honda jet fuselages, winglets as well as the new plant which will produce the inlet lipskins of both the 737MAX, Triple 777X and 787 Dreamliner subassemblies,” Robinson said.

Robinson praised Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College for its role in training and preparing the workforce for the future of manufacturing.

GKN Aerospace has more than 10,000 employees, including more than 1,000 design engineers.

The last two years have seen two other international companies announce their intention to locate in the county.
Sigmatex

British carbon fiber textile manufacturer Sigmatex announced in October 2014 it will invest $12 million in a facility at the John W. Matthews Jr. Industrial Park.

Sigmatex Carbon Textile Solutions Inc. plans to create 50 new jobs at the Orangeburg County facility over the next five years. It is one of the largest projects the company has undertaken in its 28-year history.

The company develops and makes carbon fiber textiles for composite materials.

Ground was broken on the $6 million, 75,000-square-foot facility in January.

The facility is located near the entrance of the Matthews Industrial Park on about 20 acres.

Sigmatex president of U.S. operations Jonah Jimenez said the reason the company wanted to locate in Orangeburg was simple: “It came down to the people. We looked at three states … South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. We felt comfortable with the team you assembled to lure us.”

Jimenez said being on the East Coast is also a reason for choosing Orangeburg, as is proximity to the Port of Charleston.

“We are a global company,” Jimenez said. “We have operations in Europe and China.”

Jimenez said the growing carbon fiber and advanced-materials industrial base in the state is also attractive.

Sigmatex will move equipment into the building in September and begin operations in October. Currently, about 11 individuals have been hired with all beginning a month-long training at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
Inbra Chemicals

Brazil-based Inbra Chemical Co. in April 2015 announced it will open its first manufacturing facility in the United States in Orangeburg.

Inbra has agreed to invest a minimum of $7.7 million and produce 14 jobs in Orangeburg over the next five years. The investment could reach $10 million and as many as 20 jobs could be created.

Inbra purchased 21.51 acres from The Oaks at Highway 21 and Gulbrandsen Road.

Operations are expected to begin during first quarter of 2016.

Inbra was founded in October 1939 in Brazil. It made products for the textile industry and, with the innovation of PVC piping, Inbra began the production of liquid and solid stabilizers using extracts from soybean oil and foaming agents.

The Orangeburg facility will specialize primarily in plasticizer production with a focus on the polyvinyl chloride market.
Capital project sales tax

Orangeburg County voters approved the continuation of the capital project sales tax, which has paid for improvements throughout the county.

The tax — approved by voters in 1998 and since approved two additional times, the most recent being in 2012 — has resulted in millions of dollars for the installation of water, sewer and other infrastructure.

For example, the money has gone toward infrastructure development in the western portion of the county for the future Neeses industrial park and the upgrade of the Interstate 95/U.S. 301 interchange near Santee.

Following is a look at other key industrial announcements during the past decade:
ECKA Granules

ECKA Granules, a German manufacturer of pure metallic powders, established its first North American production facility in Orangeburg in April 2006.

ECKA promised to invest $12 million and create 40 new jobs in Orangeburg over its first five years.

The metallic powders are used as raw materials in a variety of products ranging from inks, paints and chemical detergents to automobile parts.
Universal Trade Solutions

Maryland-based trucking, manufacturing and distribution company Universal Trade Solutions promised to invest about $10 million and employ at least 50 in the fall of 2011. The company said it would increase the number of employees to 100 within five years.

UTS, along with its affiliate Fraley & Schilling Inc., located in the former Applied Engineering building on Charleston Highway.
Walker Emulsions

Orangeburg County officials rolled out the red carpet in October 2014 for Canadian sealant manufacturer Walker Emulsions Inc.

Walker Emulsions agreed to create a minimum of 11 new jobs and invest $4.5 million at the 53,000-square-foot site it acquired in the Orangeburg County Industrial Park off U.S. 21. Valspar formerly occupied the building.

Walker Emulsions manufactures and distributes the company’s liquid-based solutions used in building products such as insulation and tiling.
Still-Walter Tools becomes Fabritech

Still-Walter Tools located in a 3,000-square-foot building in Orangeburg in 1960.

Still-Walter provided machining, fabrication and welding services for several industries.

In 2005, Still-Walter Tool was purchased by Illinois-based aircraft-component manufacturer Fabritech Inc. In 2010, Triumph Fabrications purchased Fabritech Inc.

Triumph Group Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures, repairs and overhauls aircraft components and accessories. Today, the company employs about 46.
ACO Warehousing and Distribution

ACO Distribution and Warehousing announced in March 2007 that it would invest $3.7 million and create 14 jobs in Orangeburg County over a two-year period in the former Velcorex Inc. and Greenwood Mills facility on Rowesville Road.

The company offers general merchandise storage, shipping and receiving, and import/export services. Today, the company employs 40.
Talley Manufacturing in Santee

Talley was founded about 40 years ago by Dave Talley, who was building custom rifles in the United States and internationally for those who wanted to hunt “dangerous” game and needed a better scope mount.

The company came to Santee in 2007 and today employs 12.
Sims Bark

In 2007, Sims Bark constructed a mill in Bowman.

The company invested $8.5 million in its new facility situated on about 138 acres at Arista Road and Landsdowne Road.

Sims Bark Company makes soil, mulch and bagged rocks. Today, the Bowman plant employs 45, according to the OCDC.
Monteferro America

Monteferro America, an international manufacturer of elevator guide rails, arrived to Orangeburg in October 2007.

The company invested $3.32 million and created 25 jobs over a five-year period with projections to possibly expand in the future. The company is located in the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park.
Geocycle

Geocycle LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Holcim US (Inc.), was founded in 2002.

The company is a waste-management subsidiary of Holcim. It takes waste materials and uses them as engineering fuel at the Holly Hill Holcim cement plant.
Prime Materials Recovery

Prime Materials recovery added 20 new jobs to its plant in September 2013.

The company helps wire and cable manufacturers, utilities and dealers maximize resources through scrap recovery.

The Orangeburg plant employs 25.

Martin Marietta Minerals Inc.

The company announced an $11 million expansion in 2006, including equipment and machinery, at its plant on the Orangeburg-Berkeley county line.

Martin Marietta is a leading producer of construction aggregates and magnesia-based chemical products.