Area Development
SoPakCo, a world leader in the design, production and packaging of shelf-stable, ready-to-serve foods, is expanding its Marion County, South Carolina, operations. The company plans to invest $3.4 million to produce a new product line and create more than 120 new, full-time jobs.

"We would like to offer special thanks to everyone who has assisted in making this expansion possible and would certainly be remiss not to offer a special thanks to the Marion County Economic Development Commission and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. We are especially grateful that in these difficult economic times to be able to add approximately 120-125 new associates to our team,” said Lonnie Thompson, President of SoPakCo.

The company intends to begin processing and packaging a line of frozen food in conjunction with a major international food company for distribution to retailers throughout North America at its Marion County facility located at 118 South Cypress Street in Mullins, South Carolina. The expansion will bring SoPakCo's total number of employees to more than 600 associates between the company's Mullins and Bennettsville facilities.

Production will commence in the fourth quarter of 2014 and new positions will be filled immediately. The company is coordinating with readySC to create a customized, two-week pre-employment.

"SoPakCo is a major employer and an important part of the economy in Marion County. With this expansion, they will employ more than 600 people in our state. We applaud SoPakCo and their commitment to invest $3.4 million and create more than 120 new jobs in Mullins,” said Governor Nikki Haley.

"Marion County Council is excited about the expansion of SoPakCo and their continuous commitment to this county for many years. County Council thanks the Department of Commerce, County Delegation, along with the Economic Development Director for all their hard work in helping this project come to fruition,” said Buddy Collins, Chairman of Marion County Council.