Firefly Distillery, a craft distiller of fine spirits, will invest $7.3 million to expand its Charleston County operations by constructing a new distillery in North Charleston, South Carolina.

The company’s new operations, located at 1210 Valdosta Street in North Charleston, will include increased distillation capabilities, expanded retail opportunities and more. Hiring for the new positions should begin in the first quarter of 2019 with the new facility operational by fall of 2019.

Founded on Wadmalaw Island just south of Charleston, from its Sweet Tea Vodka to its Southern Lemonade, Firefly’s signature products are sold at retail stores and beverage establishments throughout the country.

“We are very excited about our new distillery experience coming to North Charleston. We will offer new expanded tours, tastings and consumer events at our new 16-acre Creekside venue,” said Firefly Distillery President Scott Newitt.

“Firefly’s welcomed expansion into North Charleston is taking a former public works transfer site and reimagining it into a sprawling destination within the heart of our city. Soon to be a major attraction for residents and tourists alike, Firefly has become part of the revitalization story of Park Circle and the Spruill Avenue corridor. We love seeing local businesses take part in the economic transformation of the region,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey explained.

“South Carolina is a great location for companies trying to transport products to markets across the globe. The 20 new jobs this investment is bringing will make a real difference to the community, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for a great South Carolina company like Firefly,” Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said.

“Time and time again, South Carolina has shown it is one of the best places in the world to do business. This expansion announcement by Firefly is further proof of our pro-business environment, and we’re excited to see what this locally-grown company has in store for the future,” Governor Henry McMaster said.