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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

WABCO Expands Its Lowcountry, South Carolina, Operations Center

03/25/2015
WABCO, a leading innovator and global supplier of technologies that improve the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles, is expanding its compression and braking business operations in the Lowcountry. The firm is investing $17 million to establish a new manufacturing site in North Charleston, South Carolina.

The investment is expected to create more than 50 new jobs and help sustain approximately 175 existing jobs. WABCO first established compression operations in South Carolina with WABCO Compressor Manufacturing Company’s Lowcountry facility in 1996. WABCO manufactures air compressors and other braking system components at the facility.

“We are excited to expand our manufacturing operations in South Carolina to better serve our customers in the United States. Our investment will sustain existing jobs and create new high-tech manufacturing jobs in the state. We greatly value the collaborative spirit and support of both state and county officials in the process,” said Nik Varty, WABCO President, Americas.

Having outgrown its existing space, WABCO has decided to relocate to a larger, 145,000-square-foot facility in Dorchester County. Located near the intersection of Dorchester Road and Lincoln Patriot Boulevard in North Charleston, South Carolina, the new building is expected to be fully constructed by the end of the year. Expanded operations will enable the company to better meet increased customer demand for air compressors and air disc brakes for trucks, buses and trailers in North America. Hiring for most of the new positions is anticipated to take place from the end of 2015 through 2016.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $250,000 grant to Dorchester County to assist with the costs of real property improvements as well as job development credits related to the project.

“It’s exciting for the entire state of South Carolina when we can celebrate the success of a company, like WABCO, that has been doing business here for so long. WABCO’s decision to invest $17 million and create 50 new jobs in a new Dorchester County facility will make a real difference in the Lowcountry, and we look forward to supporting its success as it continues to thrive in our state,” said Governor Nikki Haley.

“SC Ports Authority congratulates WABCO Compressor Manufacturing Inc. on the expansion of their operations. The port plays an important role in serving the import needs of manufacturers across our state, and we look forward to supporting WABCO’s continued growth,” SC Ports Authority President/CEO Jim Newsome explained.

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