Area Development
A producer of specialty chemicals, Albemarle Corporation, plans to invest $65 million to expand its existing operations in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.

The expansion will occur between 2012 and 2016, and consist of four separate projects. Two of the projects will add facilities to manufacture new products in the company’s Fine Chemistry division. A separate project will add facilities to manufacture Green Crest, the company’s latest addition to its Earthwise portfolio of eco-friendly fire safety Products in the Polymer Solutions business. An additional project will expand the current “organometallic” production unit to support the growing Polymer Catalysts business.

“We would like to thank the local community leaders for granting Albemarle a license to operate in Orangeburg. The dedication of our employees and the support for our operations here made Orangeburg the logical choice for these growth projects,” said Luke Kissam, Albemarle’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We work hard every day to recruit new companies, but we are extremely excited anytime one of our existing businesses chooses to grow. We celebrate Albemarle’s decision to invest $65 million and create 20 new jobs. Not only do expansions like this create new jobs in our communities, but also shows companies that South Carolina is a place where they can succeed,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“For nearly three decades, Albemarle’s Orangeburg Plant has operated as a leading specialty chemical company providing innovative chemistry solutions to customers. Today's significant announcement will continue the company's legacy of safe and efficient operations in Orangeburg County. Albemarle certainly understands the value of having a manufacturing site with easy access to rail, four interstates and a seaport that simply makes it easier to be cost competitive,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple.

“South Carolina has a long history in the chemical production sector, and today’s announcement by Albemarle Corporation shows that industry continues to flourish in the Palmetto State. The company’s decision to expand in our state also provides a boost to our state’s manufacturing renaissance,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.