Sigmatex decision is positive sign for development

THE ISSUE: New industry for Orangeburg County; OUR OPINION: Supplier puts focus on ideal location near aerospace hub

Thursday’s economic development announcement won’t immediately change the economic situation in Orangeburg County, but it is a very positive sign for the future and the county’s economic development goals.

Sigmatex, a British-based carbon fiber textile manufacturer, announced Thursday it will invest $12 million in a facility at the John W. Matthews Jr. Industrial Park, a 556-acre site at U.S. Highway 301 and U.S. 176.

While the total of new jobs is projected at 50, the company already has expansion in its plans.

Ground will be broken on the $6 million, 75,000-square-foot facility by the end of the year. Operations could begin in mid-2015. The facility will be the 28-year-old company’s fifth and largest manufacturing operation.

Sigmatex will be located near the entrance of the Matthews Industrial Park on about 20 acres, becoming the flagship industry for the park named in honor of veteran Orangeburg County Sen. John Matthews. It will be constructed to allow for expansion up to 150,000 square feet and eventually up to 450,000 square feet.

Growth seems a real possibility with the company as a supplier for the aerospace industry and the nearby Boeing-inspired hub in Charleston.

Sigmatex, which supplies both the aerospace and automotive industries, will join GKN Aerospace, Zeus and Triumph Tube Inc. as Orangeburg County industries supplying the aerospace industry.

Importantly, the decision to build at the Matthews Park will bring that site to life. Orangeburg County is planning a spec building for the park, which could mean announcement of a neighbor for Sigmatex by the time the new industry is ready for operations.

The industry will also bring emphasis to Orangeburg County’s Global Logistics Triangle (I-26, U.S. 301 and I-95) and its position as an ideal site in proximity to Charleston and major highway routes. Just a week ago, the county broke ground for a new Interstate 95-U.S. 301 interchange that will represent a major infrastructure improvement.

“We are looking forward to a good marriage,” Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright said Thursday. “Orangeburg County is user-friendly. We recognize we are here to improve the quality of life for those in Orangeburg County with good-paying, solid jobs.”

The company will pay above Orangeburg County’s average wage of $14 an hour.

Additional good news comes in the partnership the county has with Santee Cooper, the state-owned utility, in Sigmatex’s decision and the spec building. The new industry’s building will be funded by a low-interest Santee Cooper loan, as is the spec building.

“Santee Cooper has supported the development of the Matthews Industrial Park because it offers so much potential for Orangeburg County,” said Lonnie Carter, Santee Cooper president and CEO. “Sigmatex is an excellent fit for Orangeburg County and a solid cornerstone for the Matthews Industrial Park.”

With the county landing Sigmatex while in competition with Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina, the hope now is the county can maintain the momentum and get itself increasingly on the industrial development map, particularly with aerospace-related industries that are certain to gravitate toward the Charleston hub.

To quote Orangeburg County Development Commission Chairman Ken Middleton: “Orangeburg has landed another aerospace leader in Sigmatex and the positive momentum continues.”