Allied Air to expand, add 100 jobs in Orangeburg

“We’re truly grateful for Allied Air in our community. Lennox has been a great partner in our community and we appreciate the local leadership,” Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright Sr. said in a press release.

“What a wonderful Christmas present for many families,” he said.

Allied Air Enterprises says it will make the investment at its Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park facility over the next five years.

The Orangeburg plant produces complete HVAC units, along with replacement parts, for both residential and commercial customers.

Allied Air currently employs 400 in the county, according to the Orangeburg County Development Commission website. It is one of the county’s top five manufacturing employers.

The new jobs will be at or above the county’s average manufacturing wage of $14 to $15 an hour, according to OCDC Executive Director Gregg Robinson.

The jobs will include some salary positions but mostly hourly positions. Hires will occur from the current temporary labor pool as well as new hires, Robinson said.

The county has approved performance-based incentives for the expansion, including a special source tax revenue credit and fee-in-lieu of taxes.

Lennox initially cut the ribbon for its Allied Air Enterprises Inc. plant in 2000, becoming the first tenant of the industrial park located on U.S. Highway 301. The company has continued to expand over the years.

“Our commitment to invest in the Orangeburg facility is a direct result of the hard work and efforts of our local team members at the plant,” Allied Air Enterprises Director of Human Resources Baxter Krutsch said in a press release.

“We have become a part of the local community over the last 16 years and look forward to a successful partnership for many years to come,” he said.

Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler praised the expansion.

“We further appreciate the economic development as it relates to creating employment opportunities for our community residents and investment in our city,” he said.

Thursday’s announcement received praise statewide.

“The fact that a company like Allied Air Enterprises continues to grow its operations in Orangeburg County shows that South Carolina is open for business,” Gov. Henry McMaster said.

“These 100 new jobs will make a big difference in the community, and we’re grateful for this terrific company’s commitment to our state,” he said.

S.C. Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said, “It’s always an inspiration to see one of South Carolina’s existing industries succeed. I’m proud to congratulate Allied Air Enterprises and look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow and thrive here.”

Allied Air is a component of Lennox International, Inc. Allied Air includes the brands of Armstrong Air, AirEase, Concord, Ducane, Allied Commercial and Magic-Pak.

Lennox International stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol LII.

For more information on Allied Air Enterprises, visit www.alliedair.com.