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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Harbor Freight Tools expanding distribution facility in Dillon County, South Carolina

04/05/2013
Harbor Freight Tools USA Inc., a discount tool retailer, will invest $75 million to “greatly expand” its existing distribution center in Dillon County, South Carolina, with plans to generate 200 jobs in the region.

Harbor Freight Tools plans to add approximately 1 million square feet of space to the company’s existing facility in the Tri-County Gateway Industrial Park in Dillon. The Tri-County Gateway Industrial Park is jointly owned by Dillon, Marlboro and Marion counties. All three counties had a hand in bringing the project to fruition.The company built its original Dillon distribution center in 2001 and expects to complete the expansion by early 2014.

“We are excited about breaking ground on what will be a dramatic expansion of our operation in Dillon County. Dillon has been the hub of our eastern distribution network for over a decade and South Carolina has been a great home for our company, providing us with a strong and skilled workforce and an excellent place to do business. With this expansion we’re making a commitment that extends far beyond building and equipping a new building – we’re making a commitment to outstanding corporate citizenship and a commitment to a great corporate culture that will make Harbor Freight Tools the employer of choice in the Pee Dee Region. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials and we’re very proud of the extraordinary team we’re building in Dillon,” said Eric Smidt, CEO of Harbor Freight Tools.

“We celebrate Harbor Freight Tools’ decision to greatly expand its footprint in our state with a $75 million investment and the creation of 200 new jobs in Dillon County. South Carolina provides a great location for companies to reach markets across the Southeast and, with our port facilities in Charleston, around the globe. Coupled with our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce, it’s easy to see why more and more companies are choosing to locate and expand here,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“Today’s announcement is another terrific example of what Team South Carolina can accomplish in the economic development arena. State and local officials worked with the company to make this happen. Harbor Freight Tools’ investment means more jobs and sustainability for the local community. Every one of these jobs will have impact,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“With our hard working people, our proximity to major markets, our technical colleges and our available Industrial sites, our area has always been an ideal location for any industry. We were very happy to assist Harbor Freight Tools with this expansion,” said Dillon County Council Chairman Archie Scott.

As an incentive, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant of $1 million and approved job development credits. A Community Development Block Grant worth $1.46 million was also approved.

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