AHT Cooling Systems USA, Inc., an Austria-based provider of custom refrigerated and frozen merchandising solutions, is expanding its existing facility at Palmetto Commerce Park in Ladson, South Carolina. The company will add assembly and distribution operations. The project will result in more than $5 million in capital investment and lead to the creation of more than 70 new jobs in Charleston County.

“It is an exciting time for our organization as we look to capitalize on the ever-changing retail market in North America. This expansion of our facility to support the production of our innovative plug-in Multideck portfolio clearly shows our commitment to the AHT Group’s growth plans, and will further strengthen our brand and position as a leading refrigeration manufacturer,” AHT Group CEO Thomas Babacan said.

With more than 30 years of experience, AHT Cooling Systems services the grocery and small format retail markets with manufacturing sites in Austria, China and Brazil. To establish its first production site in the U.S., the company is upfitting its Charleston County operations with a production business unit for the assembly of commercial refrigeration and freezing equipment.

Located at 7058 Weber Boulevard, the facility’s new manufacturing operations will support management and logistics operations already in place. With the project anticipated for completion by the end of the year, hiring for the new positions is already underway.

As an incentive, The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project.

“South Carolina’s reputation for having a pro-business climate continues to spread around the world. I offer my congratulations to AHT Cooling Systems for expanding their operations and look forward to watching them continue to grow here,” Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said.

“South Carolina Ports Authority congratulates AHT on their expanding facility and operations in the Lowcountry. We look forward to serving significant growth of their import needs through our deepwater harbor and modern, capable facilities,” said S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome.

“We love it when our companies expand and grow. AHT Cooling has been a solid corporate citizen in North Charleston for many years, and we are obviously very excited as they embark on this newest chapter in the establishment of manufacturing operations at Palmetto Commerce Park. We believe that this new facility will be highly successful, and we look forward to partnering with AHT Cooling Systems in every way possible,” added Charleston County Council Chairman Victor Rawl.