Company to invest $89.1 million in solar power facilities

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – January 5, 2017 – National Renewable Energy Corporation (NARENCO), a leading renewable energy independent power producer focused on development, engineering, procurement, construction and operations of utility scale and commercial solar installations, is on track to invest $90 million to establish solar power operations in Orangeburg County.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, NARENCO was established in 2009. It has since become one of the largest solar developers in North America and is currently ranked No. 6 in Solar Power World’s list of the nation’s Top Solar Developers. The company’s services include greenfield development, commercial & industrial development, operations & maintenance services, financing, and asset management. NARENCE constructed nearly 50 megawatts in 2015, operates more than 100 megawatts in the Southeast, and has nearly 1,300 megawatts of projects in their development pipeline.

The firm has purchased more than 600 acres of land with plans to develop two separate locations: Magnolia Solar and Peony Solar. These projects have the potential to service two utility companies — Santee Cooper and SCE&G — producing approximately 100 megawatts total. One megawatt AC of solar energy is enough to provide clean energy to approximately 200 South Carolina homes.

Project construction will create more than 100 temporary construction jobs over a 6 to 8 month period with plans to be fully operational late 2017 or early 2018.

For more information on NARENCO, visit www.narenco.com.

“We are excited to advance two of the largest solar projects in South Carolina and look forward to being a contributing member of the Orangeburg County business community. Once constructed, NARENCO’s solar facilities will provide significant discretionary tax income to the local community and will deliver clean, cost -competitive, on-peak power to South Carolina ratepayers. We would like to thank South Carolina Electric & Gas and the South Carolina Public Service Authority for their willingness to work with us to make these projects successful. We are truly honored to partner with the State of South Carolina and Orangeburg County on these projects and we look forward to making additional infrastructure investments in the state in the near future.” – Jesse Montgomery, President of Development, NARENCO

“It is indeed a great day in Orangeburg County! We welcome one of the top solar companies in the Southeast. NARENCO has proven to be a dynamic and diversified company that is committed to both the community and the environment. Their decision to locate in Orangeburg County once again validates our superb location and robust utility network. We are truly grateful for their investment and commitment to sustainable alternative energy.“ – Johnnie Wright Sr., Chairman, Orangeburg County Council

“This is a significant investment for the County. This impact on western Orangeburg County will create a foundation for the future in alternative energy. We are building a brighter future for our citizens.” – Harold Young, Administrator, Orangeburg County

“Our thanks goes out to the Orangeburg County leadership for their continued efforts and vision to make our community a significant leader in manufacturing, distribution, and now solar energy in South Carolina. NARENCO’s potential to provide clean energy to roughly 20,000 homes is a big deal for Orangeburg County. We look forward to reducing the carbon footprint on our community with cutting-edge technology.” – Kenneth Middleton, Chairman, Orangeburg County Development Commission

China’s leading textile manufacturer investing $3.1 million in Orangeburg facility

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – December 20, 2016 – Shanghai Labon Technical Fiber Co., LTD, the leading technical fiber and textile manufacturer in China, is launching its first U.S. operations in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The new development is expected to bring $3.1 million in capital investment and lead to the creation of 23 new jobs.

Established in Shanghai in 2005, Labon specializes in research, development, and manufacturing of technical fibers and textil es. Their products have been widely applied for various uses, including personal protection, friction, sealing, and flame retardant products. Labon has been well recognized by the industry and gained high customer loyalty due to its consistent high quality and successful customer service.

Located at 122 Industrial Boulevard, the company’s new 15,700 square -foot facility will utilize raw materials to produce fibers. It is projected to be operational by January 2017, with hiring to begin in December 2016. Those interested in applying should conta ctyxl@lbang.com

“Labon is excited to launch our first operations in the United States in Orangeburg County. Between the skilled workforce and friendly business climate, this decision was easy for us. This development will allow us not only to accommodate our continued business growth, but better serve our customers as well.” – Labon General Manager Hongxin Chen

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Labon to the South Carolina family. It’s special any time a company decides to invest in one of our rural counties because it drastically improves the lives of those in the area. We thank Labon and its leadership for the commitment this investment represents to our state and our people, and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the Orangeburg community.” –Gov. Nikki Haley

“It’s  always  exciting  when  foreign-based  firms  choose  the  Palmetto  State  for  their  new  operations.  Today,  we  celebrate  Chinabased Labon and their decision to do business in Orangeburg County.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt 

“We welcome this quality international company. Labon’s decision to locate in Orangeburg County once again validates our quality workforce, superb location, and robust utility network. We are truly grateful.“ – Johnnie Wright Sr., Chairman, Orangeburg County Council

“It truly is another great day for the City of Orangeburg and the County. The City and DPU would like to welcome Labon to Orangeburg County. We know that Orangeburg has the environment that will allow them to succeed and to continue growing .” – Michael Butler, Mayor, City of Orangeburg

“Economic development continues to be a priority for Orangeburg County. We welcome Labon and wish them tremendous success, because when they succeed, our citizens succeed.” – Kenneth Middleton, Chairman, Orangeburg County Development Commission

Five Fast Facts

• Labon launching first U.S. facility in Orangeburg County.
• Labon is a leading technical fiber and textile manufacturer based out of China.
• $3.1 million investment to create 23 new jobs.
•  Located at 122 Industrial Blvd in Orangeburg, S.C., the company has purchased a 15,700-square-foot facility to accommodate their operations.
• The new facility is expected to be operational by January 2017.

$200,000 in Rural Development Funds for the Development of Infrastructure in the park

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – December 12, 2016 – The Orangeburg County Development Commission is pleased to announce additional funding for the Western Orangeburg County Industrial Park. Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. has allocated $200,000 of Rural Development Funds (RDA) to be used for infrastructure associated with the development of the park. RDA funds are monies that the Cooperative would otherwise pay to the state of South Carolina in the form of gross tax receipts; however, the RDA Act of 1996 allows the Cooperative to, instead, invest these funds locally. Aiken Electric Cooperative’s partnership with the Orangeburg County Development Commission has been instrumental in improving the economic growth for not only the western region of Orangeburg County but for the entire region.

“The continued economic development of rural South Carolina is vital. We are committed to improving the quality of life for residents of western Orangeburg County by investing in the industrial park. Combined with our current contribution, Aiken Electric has facilitated more than $450,000 in Rural Development Act (RDA) grants for this project over the past eight years.” — Aiken Electric Cooperative CEO Gary Stooksbury

“The cooperative’s contribution of RDA funds clearly reflects their commitment to economic development and symbolizes our commitment to providing great job opportunities for the county.” —Senator Brad Hutto, State of South Carolina

“This is another example of community partners working together to make it a Great Day in Orangeburg County! Orangeburg County is very grateful of the support given by Aiken Electric over the years.” —Johnnie Wright Sr., Chairman, Orangeburg County Council

This economic incentive reflects County Council’s vision to make development in Western Orangeburg County a reality, and Aiken Electric continues to play a major role in helping Orangeburg County fulfill that vision.” —Harold M. Young, Orangeburg County Administrator

“Aiken Electric Cooperatives contribution to the park clearly shows their dedication to the residents of Western Orangeburg County. The park is being developed at a pace as funds become available. The additional RDA funding is key and greatly improv es our timeline and brings the future of the park closer to reality” —Craig Williamson, OCDC Board Member representing Western Orangeburg County

Orangeburg County, SC – The Orangeburg County Development Commission is pleased to announce addi-tional funding for the Western Orangeburg County Industrial Park. Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. has al-located $100,000 in RDA (Rural Development Act) funds to be used for infrastructure associated with the de-velopment of the park. RDA funds are monies that the Cooperative would otherwise pay to the state of South Carolina in the form of gross tax receipts; however, the RDA Act of 1996 allows the Cooperative to, instead, invest these funds locally. Read more

Santee, S.C. – October 7, 2014 The highly anticipated I-95/US 301 interchange and exit improvements near the Town of Santee in Orangeburg County will begin October 13, 2014. The I-95 exit 97 and US 301 exten-sion to SC 6 will have an official groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, October 8th at 10:00 am at the Santee Conference Center. Read more