Area Development
Black Water Barrels LLC, a new cooperage business, is establishing operations in Bamberg County, South Carolina. The company is investing $3.6 million in the facility, resulting in the creation of 57 new jobs over the next five years.

A startup firm, Black Water Barrels LLC will specialize in the manufacturing of 53-gallon barrels made of FAS-grade, quarter-sawn American White Oak for use in the bourbon industry. Black Water Barrels LLC has full capacity to produce additional size barrels, including but not limited to, 60-gallon and 30-gallon. In addition, other wood profiles will be available to serve the spirits, beer and wine industries.

To house its operations, the company is purchasing the former Zeigler Chevrolet dealership, which is approximately 9,000 square-feet. The company plans to add an additional estimated 12,000 square-feet to the building, located at 3941 Main Highway in Bamberg. Expected to be fully operational late in the second quarter of 2016, Black Water Barrels LLC anticipates hiring to begin in April 2016.

“We are very excited for the opportunity to build our barrel manufacturing company in Bamberg County. During the process of visiting several states and counties, the people of Bamberg welcomed us with open arms. We look forward to being part of such a great community and working with the county and state to become South Carolina’s only cooperage,” said Black Water Barrels LLC President Greg Pierce.

“It’s exciting to see new companies choose our state as their home for the future because it proves that Team South Carolina’s approach to providing a business-friendly environment is working. Black Water Barrels’ investment, and the 57 new jobs it will create, will make a real difference in Bamberg County, and is a reason to celebrate across South Carolina,” said Governor Nikki Haley.

“Not only will Black Water Barrels create 57 new jobs, the company will manufacture a unique product here in the Southern Carolina region of the state. We are excited about the diversity this manufacturing operation will bring to our forest products sector, as well as the economic stimulation it provides to Bamberg and the surrounding counties. We are proud that Black Water Barrels chose to call Bamberg ‘home’ for their production facility,” SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Buddy Phillips added.