Area Development
FedEx Ground, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, will invest $14 million to locate a new distribution center in Fort Mill, South Carolina, according to state commerce officials. The project is expected to create 22 full-time jobs, 84 part-time jobs, and 99 independent contractor opportunities. "Finding the right location for a distribution center is important, as it helps us meet our customers' needs for timely and reliable shipping of their packages," says Stephen Johnson, FedEx Ground's Carolina Region managing director. "York County is the right fit for our company, providing us with a positive business environment, a top-notch labor force, and close proximity to major interstates." In Conway, South Carolina, Coastal Biodiesel Group will invest $4.5 million to locate an oil processing facility that will convert used cooking oils from restaurants and commercial cooking companies into biodiesel fuel. The company has purchased a 28,000-square-foot facility and plans to create 50 new jobs. "We are pleased to begin operations in South Carolina with our Conway facility," says Mark L. Hefner, company president. "Horry County provides us with a positive business environment and excellent labor pool, as well as giving us excellent market access." State officials did not release information on financial incentives for either project.