Area Development
A firm that manufactures, markets and distributes specialty chemicals derived from sawdust and other by-products of the papermaking process, MWV Specialty Chemicals, a division of MeadWestvaco Corporation, will invest $9.3 million to expand its existing operations in Charleston County, South Carolina.

The company will open of a new technology center near its existing headquarters on Virginia Avenue in North Charleston. The new facility will serve as an innovation center for the company to expand its capabilities in automotive emissions control and sustainable chemicals in the oilfield, road construction and adhesives global markets. The center is expected to begin operations in early 2015.

“The new facility will enrich our technical innovation capabilities positioning our division to serve important global growth businesses in rapidly changing and competitive markets. The center will support our existing North Charleston operations as we continue to expand our product offerings around the world,” said Ed Rose, President of MWV Specialty Chemicals.

“MWV Specialty Chemicals is a world-class company, and it speaks volumes that they decided to put this high-tech expansion here in South Carolina,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We celebrate the company’s commitment to invest in innovation.” The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits.

Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor said, “MWV Specialty Chemicals’ new facility will be an innovation center to grow their global business. A global leader in safety and sustainability, we see their products in everything from asphalt to activated carbon products for the automotive industry, and to adhesives products. We are proud to have them call North Charleston as home for their division headquarters.”

“MWV Specialty Chemicals will expand upon its long history of providing top-quality, well-paying jobs in North Charleston with the investment to establish a new facility within its current footprint,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “MWV has continued to innovate, develop, and deploy chemicals and products from sustainable sources that are used around the world. With MWV’s global stature, top-notch employees, and community stewardship, I am certain the company and its economic impact will remain a fixture in North Charleston for many, many years.”