Company's $410,000 investment expected to create 13 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Aerial Options, a manufacturer and global supplier of water systems for the aerial fire truck industry, is expanding its Marion County plant. The company's $410,000 investment is expected to add 5,000-10,000 square feet to its existing footprint along with 13 new positions, effectively doubling the Mullins, S.C. facility's current employment level.
Founded in 2007 in Mullins, Aerial Options has seen its projected sales grow at a rate of five to 10 percent over the past three years. Currently, the company serves customers in the United States and exports its water systems to clients in Japan, Russia, South Korea, China and throughout Europe.
The announcement comes as employment in Marion County has been trending upward during the past six months. Since February 2013, the county has seen a seven percent decrease in its unemployment rate.
QUOTES
"Our investment in our Mullins location shows that we're dedicated to the people of Marion County. It's a testament to the great business environment here and the great things we can accomplish together." - Vernon J. Wissler, CEO of Aerial Options
"We build things in South Carolina and Aerial Options is a great example of a company that was built here and is growing here. Their decision to invest $410,000 and create 13 new jobs in Marion County is exciting news and we look forward to their continued success." -Gov. Nikki Haley
"We believe manufacturing is the center of job creation for South Carolina and Aerial Options proves this to be true. They were born and bred right here in the Palmetto State and represent the perfect mix between manufacturing business savvy and the spirit of entrepreneurship." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
"We've seen some great improvements over the past few months and today's announcement simply reinforces some of the reasons why we feel so optimistic about our region. Aerial Options is a great company and their investment in our region gives us reason to be even more hopeful for the future." -Sen. J. Yancey McGill, chairman of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) executive committee
"Nearly every fire truck you see, across the United States and in other countries, has an element on it that was created in Mullins. If that doesn't show that Marion County is able to participate and win the global economy, I'm not sure what will." - South Carolina State Senator Kent Williams, a member of the NESA Executive Committee
"For a company such as Aerial Options - one of the world's top manufacturers of telescopic waterways - to make the sort of investment they have, says a lot about what Marion County has to offer. We have a great deal to offer and we're ecstatic to have Aerial Options in Marion County." -Marion County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Julie Norman
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Aerial Options is expanding its Marion County facility with a $410,000 investment.
- The company expects to add another 13 jobs at the site, effectively doubling its current employment level.
- A global supplier of water systems for aerial fire trucks and exporter to clients throughout Asia and Europe.
- Aerial Options' projected sales have grown between five and 10 percent a year for the past three years.
- The unemployment rate in Marion County has declined seven percent since February 2013.