According to an administrator, Albemarle investments are anticipated of $6 million in 2009 and $3 million each in 2010, 2011 and 2012. (T&D File Photo/LARRY HARDY)

Albermarle Corp. plans to build on its investment in Orangeburg, County Council members said Monday.

Council gave first reading and passed a resolution relating to an extension of the fee-in-lieu-of taxes agreement with Albemarle.

Under the standard fee-in-lieu-of-taxes inducement agreement, in exchange for its investment, the company will pay a 6 percent assessment ratio rather than the usual 10.5 percent industrial assessment.

County Administrator Bill Clark explained that the extension is for three years, through 2012, “in anticipation of future investments expected.”

According to the administrator, investments are anticipated of $6 million in 2009 and $3 million each in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

No new jobs are being created, County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright said after the session.

Noting that Albemarle has been a “good corporate partner,” Councilman Willie B. Owens asked how long the chemical plant has been in Orangeburg.

Councilman Clyde Livingston said, “It’s safe to say Albemarle and their predecessor — it bought out a local company — exceeds 50 years.”

Orangeburg, SC– In 2007 Sims Bark opened its new manufacturing operation in Orangeburg County, invested $8.5M and created 40 new jobs. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of mulch, soil, and landscape rocks. Today Sims Bark announced an additional $5M in capital investments.

“It is always gratifying to see existing businesses expand in our state, and Sims Bark’s investment announcement is no exception. South Carolina’s business-friendly climate and skilled and available workforce provide strong foundations for any company’s future growth. We congratulate Sims Bark on the success of their manufacturing operation in Orangeburg and wish them continued good fortune in their endeavors,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“With the addition of our new concrete manufacturing facility in Bowman, we plan to further expand our market share by distributing high quality pavers and retaining wall blocks along the east coast and to provide the high level of service that our customers expect. We appreciate the support we have received from Orangeburg County and the State of South Carolina.” said Craig McCullough – VP Sales and Marketing, Sims Bark.

Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple said, “Sims Bark Company understands the value of expanding in a pro-industry region and the many advantages of a location along the I95/I26 corridor. More and more companies that locate a facility in the Central SC region are expanding their operations within 5-years. We are very pleased that Sims Bark Company is growing and continuing to invest in Orangeburg County.”

“We are very pleased that Sims Bark is moving forward at this time. We encourage optimism and we are sure that this investment will have a positive impact on our community,” said County Council Chairman, Johnny Wright, Sr.

“We are proud of Sims Bark, a new company that recently came to Orangeburg County and is already in the expansion mode. Its proof that Orangeburg County is a great place to do business,” said Orangeburg County Development Commission Chairperson, Jeannine Kees.

Sims Bark’s product line consists of soils, mulches, bagged rocks, concrete stepping stones, retainer walls, and most recently added pavers. Their customer base is diverse, ranging from large retailers such as Wal-Mart, Lowes and The Home Depot, to independent chains like Ace Hardware, Fred’s, etc. Sims Bark also provides bulk products to both professional growers and independent bulk yards. Furthermore, Sims Bark provides pavers and retainer walls to commercial installers.

Orangeburg, SC – Orangeburg County Development Commission announced that Koyo Corporation of U.S.A. will increase its investment in its Orangeburg County facility. The company will invest approximately $10 million in land, building and/or equipment at its facility in Orangeburg to preserve existing employment levels.

“We are pleased to be expanding our operations in South Carolina. We’ve operated our plant in Orangeburg for more than 30+ years and look forward to continuing to grow in the Global Logistics Triangle. South Carolina has long provided our company with a positive business environment and a strong workforce. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Yoichi Teramoto, Vice President of administration for Koyo Corporation of U.S.A. Koyo Corporation expects to begin installation of equipment in 2009.

“Koyo Corporation is an industry-leading supplier of bearings to industrial OEM and automotive manufacturers. The company’s decision to expand its operations in South Carolina is a testament that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to continually attract investment and grow our existing business. Thanks to the team effort of state and local officials, Orangeburg County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“Koyo Corporation has long been an important member of the Orangeburg County industrial base. We greatly appreciate the significant investments and job opportunities presented over the years. This announcement further demonstrates their commitment to our region and state.” Stated Central SC Alliance Chairman, Jim Apple.

“Orangeburg County has a very pro-business environment, and Koyo’s $10 million expansion is a testament to that. We are thrilled to support Koyo in its expansion efforts here, and we look forward to a continued prosperous relationship,” said Johnnie Wright, Orangeburg County Council Chairman.

“Koyo Corporation has a long history in South Carolina, and we are pleased to see them once again invest in South Carolina. We greatly appreciate the continued commitment to Orangeburg County by the company and look forward to supporting their continued growth and development,” said Jeannine Kees Chair of the Orangeburg County Development Commission.

Koyo Corporation of U.S.A. is a major supplier of bearings to the automotive industry. The company is a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier to Toyota, Honda, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and BMW. Koyo Corporation of U.S.A. opened its facility in Orangeburg in 1975.

Jafza South Carolina LLC announced Wednesday it is considering five civil engineering firms for the construction of the first phase of its planned logistics and multi-use commercial industrial park.

Five civil engineering firms will receive a request for proposal to construct the infrastructure of project’s first phase.

“All of the civil engineering firms that submitted a qualifications packet had excellent credentials,” said Clint Murphy, Jafza’s vice president of engineering and operations.

“The competition was tough and we feel confident in the firms chosen to potentially develop the first phase of our project,” he said.

The firms selected are:

* AECOM

* Alliance Consulting Engineers

* Arcadis

* BP Barber and Associates

* Seamon, Whiteside and Associates

All the firms have South Carolina offices.

Details on phase one are being revised and are expected to be released next month.

“Until we get a better understanding of the timeline on the U.S. 301 modification, we are focusing our efforts on plots of land that have existing access and are ready for business today,” Jafza spokesperson Tara Robertson said.

The Request For Proposals will be issued to the firms once the plans are finalized, Jafza officials say. The RFP will request more specific information, as well as a firm lump-sum price and schedule for providing the work.

In 2007, Jafza acquired more than 1,300 acres in Orangeburg County for a logistics, warehouse, light manufacturing and multi-use commercial complex.

The park will include light manufacturing, light industrial space, a public intermodal facility, a truck plaza, warehousing and mixed-use offices and commercial uses.

Company officials are still shooting for an early 2010 ground breaking, with the first tenants expected by early 2011.

Link to live article

Welder Marion Keller works on calibrating the machinery that will be used by Triumph Tubing to pull and lengthen the raw material used by the startup Orangeburg business. (LARRY HARDY/T&D)

Aluminum tubing manufacturer Triumph Tube is on the brink of kicking off operations in its 56,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Carolina Regional Park near U.S. 601 and Interstate 26.

Plant manager Ken Terry said the company will initially employ about 12 before ramping up operations and the number of employees. The company plans to invest a total of $3.5 million and generate 40 new jobs over the next five years.

Terry said throughout its start-up phase, the company has purchased its equipment and supplies locally – which he says is a priority.

“We have been active in the community,” he said. “We try to keep as much local as we can.”

Triumph Tube will distribute its products through the Orangeburg facility, where it will manufacture drawn tubing and fabricated aluminum products.

The company will focus its production on porthole-drawn tubing. The cold-drawn process it uses can produce tubes for tent poles, flag poles, medical cots, canes and many other items.

Terry said temporary employment agencies and the S.C. Employment Security Commission will pre-screen job applicants. Orangeburg County Development Commission and ReadySC will provide training at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

“Safety will be our main focus in training for these jobs,” Terry said.

The company plans to serve military contractors, plus the sporting goods, automotive and transport, medical and distribution industries.

In addition to Triumph Tube, the Carolina Regional Park also has a 25,000-square-foot speculative building available for a tenant.