Area Development
Three projects will bring $14 million in new investment and 150 new jobs to South Carolina, according to state commerce officials. SPF North America Inc., a manufacturer of pet food ingredients, will invest $10 million to expand its operations in Hodges; 50 new jobs are planned. "We are pleased to move forward with our expansion plans for our Hodges facility," says Dave Berry, the company's CEO. "Demand for our products continues to grow. Greenwood County has provided us with an excellent business environment and a skilled work force, so growing our South Carolina operation was an easy choice." The company will begin hiring skilled, technical, and management positions next year. In Salters, the Truss Company, a manufacturer of engineered wood roof and floor trusses, will invest $1.5 million to locate a new facility with 50 new jobs. "We are pleased to be building our new facility in Williamsburg County," says David Rice, Truss Company's president and CEO. "South Carolina has a positive business environment and a very strong work force." Construction is scheduled to begin this month and operations should begin in March or April. In Allendale, Four Star Industries LLC, a manufacturer of polyethylene pipes and conduits, will invest $2.75 million to open a manufacturing plant in an existing empty facility; at least 50 new jobs are planned. "We are pleased to move forward with plans for our new facility, and hope to be producing our products in the near future," says Dave Ward, a partner with the company. "Allendale County is the perfect fit for our company, providing a positive business environment and strong work force to suit our needs." The company plans to begin production in the first quarter of 2010.