Area Development
Expansion and consolidation projects from three companies will bring new investment and jobs to South Carolina, according to state commerce officials. Textile manufacturer Rockland Industries will invest $800,000 to consolidate manufacturing operations to its facility in Bamberg; 30 new jobs are expected. "We are pleased to move forward with plans to grow our operations in South Carolina," says Mark R. Berman, the company's chair and CEO. "Bamberg County has been an excellent fit for Rockland Industries, offering a positive business environment that has led to the success of our operations in Bamberg. We also appreciate the all the support we've received from state and local officials." In Summerville, Metalworx Inc., an industrial machine and fabrication company, will invest $2.3 million to construct a 24,000-square-foot facility next to its existing production plant; the company will create 25 new jobs. "We are pleased to move forward with our expansion plans in Summerville," says Michael Sawer, the company's president. "Our company has had great success in South Carolina during the past few years, and this expansion will help us meet growing customer demand." In Gaston, Diamond Pet Foods will invest $3.8 million to expand its warehouse operations and purchase new equipment; 37 new jobs are planned. "This addition will help us meet customer demand for our products and allow us to prepare for future growth," says Mark Schell, the company's executive vice president. "Lexington County has been an excellent fit for our company, providing us with a positive business environment, a solid labor force, and excellent market access." State officials did not release information about financial incentives for any of the three projects.