$2.5 million investment expected to create 100 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – December 20, 2013 – A U.S.-based, family-run flag manufacturer that has been in operation for more than 100 years is expanding its existing operations in Williamsburg County. Valley Forge Flag Company’s $2.5 million investment is expected to generate 100 new jobs for the area.
“Our company is committed to manufacturing in the United States and keeping jobs in this country. The State of South Carolina and Williamsburg County have been instrumental in helping to bring those jobs to South Carolina and we are truly appreciative of the long-standing partnership we have cultivated with them. We are proud not only to say that our flags are “Made in the U.S.A,” but are equally proud to say that they are “Made in South Carolina.” said Scott Liberman, CEO of Valley Forge Flag Company. “
Based in Wyomissing, Pa., Valley Forge Flag Company will expand its current operations into an existing 300,000-square-foot facility in Williamsburg County, located at 119 Milliken Road, Kingstree, S.C. The company’s philosophy of “proudly made in the U.S.A.” means its flags are made entirely of domestic materials in U.S. facilities with U.S. labor.
“South Carolina is where companies can find success, whether in an urban environment or in one of our rural communities,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We’re proud to have Valley Forge Flag Company call South Carolina home, and we celebrate the company’s decision to invest $2.5 million and create 100 new jobs in Williamsburg County.”
The company presently employs more than 300 people at its facilities in Pennsylvania and South Carolina.
Importantly, the expansion preserves nearly 200 existing South Carolina jobs while adding 100 additional personnel at the new Kingstree facility.
“Manufacturing has long been one of South Carolina’s economic mainstays,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Whether we’re making cars, planes, tires or flags, the Palmetto State is leading our neighboring states in manufacturing GDP, proving we are leading the manufacturing renaissance.”
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $10 billion in capital investment and more than 28,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“The announcement of Valley Forge’s expansion of their operations to Kingstree is truly wonderful news,” said Sen. Yancey McGill, chairman of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance’s executive committee. “This great day signifies the fact that our cooperative spirit and determination will continue to lead us to more successes in economic development. Valley Forge could have located their facility anywhere in the world and they chose to do it in the NESA region. Valley Forge and their decision makers have made a strong statement about the business climate of Kingstree and surrounding Williamsburg County by continuing to build their business here.”
“We are extremely pleased that Valley Forge Flag has chosen to expand into the Kingstree area of Williamsburg County,” said Stanley Pasley, Williamsburg County supervisor and chairman of Williamsburg County Council. “We look forward to an extended relationship that will be mutually beneficial and contribute to the overall prosperity of Williamsburg County. This type of company meets the desires of our strategic plan in multiple ways.”
The company plans to begin hiring for the new positions in January of 2014. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Human Resources at [email protected].
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.
For more information about Valley Forge Flag Company, please visit www.valleyforgeflag.com.
About Valley Forge Flag Company
Valley Forge Flag Company is a leading manufacturer of American flags, banners and other related products. The company, a family owned and operated business, has a storied history in this country dating back over 100 years. Valley Forge flags have been a part of our national fabric, flying over the U.S. Capital, accompanying our astronauts into space and providing inspiration to our service men and women throughout the world. Valley Forge Flag is headquartered in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania and manufactures and distributes its products from state of the art facilities throughout South Carolina. The Company’s products are available in some of America’s most well-known retail outlets, large commercial dealers, and on the Internet. In addition to its traditional U.S. flag business, Valley Forge Flag utilizes advanced printing technologies to provide custom flags and banners to customers in a wide range of industries.