Area Development
Nexans, a supplier of cable systems to a variety of industries, will build an $85 million high voltage power cable manufacturing plant in Berkeley County, South Carolina, creating an estimated 200 jobs in the region

"Establishing our Berkeley plant is a key strategic development that will enable Nexans to capitalize on the ever growing demand for high-quality high-voltage cables designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of the major power transmission infrastructure projects in North America and worldwide in the coming years," said Dirk Steinbrink, vice president in charge of Nexans' High Voltage and Submarine Business Group.

Nexans will first manufacture high-voltage power cables, with possible future extension to include production of submarine cables. The company expects plant to be operational in 2014, a company spokesman said.

As an incentive to building in state, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant worth $1.6 million to help with site preparation and infrastructure improvements. Job development credits will also be available when the firm meets hiring targets. South Carolina Economic Development will also provide training for potential workers.

"Nexans is a world class company and we're grateful they've chosen South Carolina to help them make world class cables. Announcements like this one continue to build momentum for our state's manufacturing renaissance," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

"We are excited to welcome Nexans to the Charleston region, adding their expertise to a growing base of global manufacturing companies," said R.M. Singletary, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board chairman. "The Port of Charleston, Bushy Park Industrial Complex and our ready supply of highly-skilled workers were critical factors in Nexans' decision to locate here. They will be an invaluable asset to our region."