Quality Models adding 20 jobs, $4 million here

Quality Models Plastics, a plastic injection-molding company, plans to invest an additional $4 million in its Orangeburg plant and create 20 new jobs.

The additions will bring the company’s total investment at the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park to $10 million. It will employ 60 people once the expansion is complete.

“During the past four years since the original construction, we have enjoyed the opportunities for the growth that were available in this region. These include additional customers, suppliers and contractors as well as a willing and friendly workforce,” said Dave Meloche, operations manager of Quality Models.

The business climate in Orangeburg has allowed us to grow, resulting in this expansion to include warehousing, which will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2007. With its completion, we will be able to better serve our current customers as well as continue to expand in new markets, he said.

Orangeburg County Development Commission Chair Jeannine Kees said “It is great that Quality Models has chosen Orangeburg County for their expansion. They are an excellent corporation and I look forward to their continued success.”

The Canadian company announced in 2004 that it would locate a molding facility in Orangeburg to manufacture plastic lawn mower tanks for then-Electrolux, now Husqvarna Outdoor Products Inc. Quality Models specializes in plastic-injection and vac-form production for lawn and garden equipment, as well as the power sports, industrial and automotive aftermarket.

Orangeburg County Council Chairman Harry Wimberly said The future looks very bright with Quality Models expanding in South Carolina and the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park. Orangeburg County is continuing to create employment for its citizens.

And Mayor Paul Miller said “We are very pleased that Quality Models continues to expand in Orangeburg County. This confirms Quality Model’s commitment to South Carolina and Orangeburg.”

OCDC Executive Director Gregg Robinson said, This expansion is a prime example of the success of existing industry, which is the core of Orangeburg County’s economic future.