$1 million investment expected to generate 12 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Starflo Corporation, a manufacturer of industrial valves, is breaking ground on a new distribution center as the company expands in Clarendon County. The $1 million investment is expected to double Starflo's distribution center capacity while bringing online new equipment for the Manning manufacturing shop to increase machining capacity and efficiency.
The new 25,000 square foot of space will be located in the Clarendon County Industrial Park and is designed to better facilitate the company's continued growth of new products and both domestic and international sales. The expansion will also consolidate distribution for the company's Orangeburg and Manning manufacturing facilities as well as other Starflo manufacturing operations nationwide. The company expects to bring on an additional 12 positions as a result of the expansion.
Starflo is a division of the Wm. Powell Company, which has remained a privately held company since 1846. The company's manufacturing plant and distribution center in Manning is a registered foreign-trade zone facility.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $50,000 rural infrastructure fund grant for building and site improvements.
Since 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $12 billion and 31,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
QUOTES
"We are very appreciative of the continued support from the Clarendon County Development Board, the great state of South Carolina, the Charleston Port, Santee Electric Co. and the Bank of Clarendon. We expect this project to be just another stepping stone in our continual growth in Clarendon County." -Randy Cowart, President and CEO/chairman of The Wm. Powell Company Starflo Corporation
"It's always a great day in South Carolina when an existing business chooses to expand their operations within our state. We celebrate with Starflo as they invest an additional $1 million and create 12 new jobs in Clarendon County." -Gov. Nikki Haley
"With Starflo's expansion, South Carolina is once again proving itself to be a manufacturing powerhouse. Last year alone, 68 percent of new jobs and 82 percent of capital investment came from our manufacturing sector." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
"The South Carolina Ports Authority is pleased to support the expanding needs of Starflo through our Charleston facilities. Our ability to capably and efficiently handle imports and exports for manufacturers across South Carolina is a top priority for the SCPA." -Jim Newsome, President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority
"Congratulations to Starflo on today's announcement. Clarendon County's logistical advantage, including proximity to the Port of Charleston and easy access to I-95, makes it cost efficient for companies to service global markets." - Mike Brenan, Chairman of Central SC Alliance
"Seeing signs that our existing industries are expanding gives us real hope for an improving economy. We are proud that Starflo always leads the way." -Dwight L. Stewart, Chairman of Clarendon County Council
"Starflo has been the foundation of manufacturing in Clarendon County since 1979. They continue to provide skilled manufacturing jobs for our citizens." -August J. "G.G." Cutter, Chairman of the Clarendon County Development Board
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Starflo is breaking ground on an expansion in Clarendon County Industrial Park.
- The $1 million investment is expected to create 12 jobs.
- New distribution center is expected to consolidate distribution activities for the Manning and Orangeburg manufacturing facilities as well as Starflo facilities nationwide.
- The company has been approved for a $50,000 RIF grant to be used for building and site improvements.
- Since 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $12 billion in capital investment and 31,000 jobs.