$29 million investment expected to create new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – March 6, 2012 – Jones-Hamilton Co., an employee-owned manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemicals, announced plans today to build a plant in Chester County, South Carolina. The $29 million investment is expected to create 15 new jobs.
“We are looking forward to starting up operations in South Carolina. Chester County provided us with an excellent business environment and a great workforce. We appreciate all the hard work from local and state officials who helped us find the right place to locate,” said Bernie Murphy, president of Jones-Hamilton Co.
The Toledo, Ohio-based company is the world's largest producer of sodium bisulfate and a major supplier of muriatic acid to the North American market. Construction on Jones-Hamilton’s new facility is scheduled to begin in 2013, and operations are expected to begin in 2014.
“We are committed to bringing investment and jobs to areas across the state, but it’s always exciting to see investments like this in our rural areas. We celebrate the $29 million investment and the new jobs Jones-Hamilton will create in Chester County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
In 2011, South Carolina recruited more than $4.7 billion in investment and more than 13,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“I always like to say that we know how to make things in South Carolina. That’s especially true for chemical manufacturing. By attracting companies like Jones-Hamilton, we not only build on our manufacturing reputation, but also bring new jobs that have impact,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“We are extremely pleased that Jones-Hamilton decided to ‘choose Chester’ and become our newest manufacturing partner. The manufacturing community in Chester County is extremely important to our prosperity and we have worked diligently over the years to attract quality companies. We are fortunate to have partners, such as L and C Railroad, that were able to offer Jones-Hamilton the right property and the opportunity for dual rail service,” said Chester County Supervisor R. Carlisle Roddey.
“Chester County has a long history of supporting companies in the chemical industry. The announcement of Jones-Hamilton is just another indication of Chester County’s business-friendly environment that will help companies like Jones-Hamilton succeed in South Carolina,” said Chester Development Association Chairman Michael E. Enoch.
The company will begin hiring for the new positions during the second half of 2013.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant worth $100,000 for the county to help with site preparation.
Jones-Hamilton was founded in 1951 as a commodity chemical compounder. Today, the business markets products and services for water treatment, food processing, steel manufacturing, oil and gas drilling, production animal and pet nutrition, food safety, nutrient management and air quality. Jones-Hamilton Co. employs approximately 80 people in 13 states.
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