Area Development
McLaughlin Body Company, a manufacturer of operator protection systems, will locate a new manufacturing facility in Anderson County, South Carolina. The $22 million investment is expected to generate 250 new jobs over the next five years.

The firm plans to have its facility fully operational during the first quarter of 2014. The new operation will create employment opportunities for a variety of skilled manufacturing and technical positions including engineering, robotic weld programming and welding.

McLaughlin Body Company, based in Moline, Illinois. since 1902, will locate their new subsidiary operation in the industrial park at 5121 Old Pearman Dairy Road, pending final approval by the Anderson County Council on April 15.

The facility will manufacture operator stations and complex metal componentry. This location is strategically located to supply heavy-equipment manufacturers located in the southern and eastern regions of the U.S. The manufacturing facility will be the company’s first operation outside of its home state. Additionally, the company is the first supplier of the new Caterpillar facility in Georgia to locate in South Carolina.

“The search for a new location was extensive and we felt South Carolina and Anderson County was the best choice for us,” said John Mann, president of McLaughlin Body Company. “Our new location provides our company an excellent opportunity for business development in this region of the country. South Carolina also provides a great business environment and with the excellent training resources provided by the state, we are confident of being able to access the required skilled workforce that we need for our products. We sincerely appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials.”

“We understand what businesses need in order to do well, and that’s why more firms like McLaughlin Body Company are choosing to establish operations in our state. We celebrate the company’s decision to invest $22 million and create 250 new jobs in Anderson,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “Today’s announcement is the result of Team South Carolina’s efforts.”

“Manufacturing continues to be a creator of wealth and jobs for South Carolina. McLaughlin Body Company’s decision to locate new operations here provides another boost to our state’s manufacturing renaissance and is another sign that firms see the Palmetto State as just right for business and just right to find success,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a Governor’s Closing Fund grant for $4 million for building acquisition and approved job development credits.