Area Development
Haier America plans to expand its refrigerator manufacturing operations manufacturing center in Kershaw County, South Carolina. A subsidiary of China-based Haier Group, the world's leading appliance brand, Haier America will contribute $72 million more to its existing $40-million facility, creating 410 new jobs in Camden, South Carolina, within the next five years.

As a part of the expansion, Haier will invest heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and tooling, as well as construct a 250,000-square-foot addition to the existing 365,000 square-foot facility, allowing the company to increase its annual refrigeration production up to 500,000 units.

The expansion of the Camden facility demonstrates Haier's continued investment in the U.S. market, highlighting Haier's continued commitment to meeting the needs of American consumers and the importance of the U.S. in the company's international expansion. Construction is anticipated to be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2018 with hiring for the 410 new positions expected to begin in the summer of 2016.

"South Carolina has been a tremendous partner since Haier first established manufacturing here in 2000. As we rededicate ourselves to the American consumer and continue our growth in the U.S., it gives us great pleasure to expand our operations in Camden and provide opportunities for the highly capable local talent,” said Haier America President and CEO Adrian Micu.

"Foreign direct investment continues to be a critical component of our economic development success. With more than 100,000 South Carolinian's employed by international companies, it's clear that the reputation we've earned for our workforce and business-friendly environment has made its way around the world. Today, we celebrate Haier's decision to expand its already robust South Carolina operations and look forward to continuing this extraordinary partnership for many years to come,” Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said.

"A true testament to a region's business climate is when an industry commits dollars to expand in place. Haier America has been a valued corporate citizen in Kershaw County for 15 years now, and we congratulate them on the decision to add over 400 jobs and $72 million in capital investment to their operation here in the Midlands,” added Mike Brenan, Chairman of Central SC Alliance.