$2.5 million investment expected to create 44 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Palmetto Aero, a manufacturer and producer of sheet metal fasteners and airframe components for the aerospace industry, is establishing a corporate presence in Colleton County. The $2.5 million investment is expected to create 44 new jobs.
Palmetto Aero plans to build a 77,000-square-foot hangar on Robertson Boulevard at the Lowcountry Regional Airport, in Walterboro, S.C. The Walterboro facility will house the company’s manufacturing hangar, manufacturing aerospace sheet metal fasteners and components for airframes. The company will also produce the Air Truck, a single engine utility type aircraft.
Additionally, Palmetto Aero has acquired two existing hangars within the Lowcountry Regional Airport complex, located on 467 Aviation Way, which will act as the company’s headquarters and research and development facility. Colleton County’s former WWII Hangar, located on 566 Aviation Way, will serve as the completion and delivery center, electronics installation and repair operation for the company.
Candidates interested in applying for positions available at Palmetto Aero may call or visit the Colleton Career Skills Center, located at 1085 Thunderbolt Road in Walterboro - (843) 538-1613.
QUOTES
“While Palmetto Aero is a new company, we have been in the aviation manufacturing business in Ohio since 1979. We looked at many possible locations to launch our new venture and found the Lowcountry Regional Airport to have the best mix of advantages that we sought. The airport and community are poised for growth, and we look forward to getting in on the ‘ground floor.’ The location is also ideal for the aerospace market with Air Truck, Boeing, and Gulfstream and utilizing the Port of Charleston for the world market.” –Dennis Dent, chairman & CEO of Palmetto Aero
“We are excited to welcome Palmetto Aero and celebrate their decision to invest $2.5 million and create 44 new jobs as they establish their first corporate presence in Colleton County.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“The aerospace industry has been booming in recent years. Since 2011 we have announced more than $1.1 billion in capital investment and more than 3,000 new jobs. Palmetto Aero is another example of an aerospace company that has seen the success we are having in this industry and has chosen to be a part of the growth happening here in South Carolina. We look forward to seeing the economic impact Palmetto Aero will have on Colleton County and beyond.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“We are pleased to welcome Palmetto Aero to Colleton County. Palmetto Aero’s enthusiasm about locating in Colleton County has been inspiring and we feel it will spark even more interest from other aviation‐related industries.” --Colleton County Council Chairman Phillip M. Taylor, Sr.
“The Lowcountry Regional Airport is the largest general aviation airport in South Carolina and is one of our greatest assets. Dennis Dent and Palmetto Aero’s investment will make our airport an even stronger force for the aviation industry in Colleton County and the entire Lowcountry region.” --Bill Workman, chairman of the Colleton County Resource & Development Board and co‐chair of the Colleton County Economic Alliance
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Palmetto Aero is establishing its corporate presence in Colleton County.
- The $2.5 million investment is expected to create 44 new jobs.
- Palmetto Aero plans to build a 77,000-square-foot hangar on Robertson Blvd. that will house the company’s manufacturing hangar.
- The facility located on 467 Aviation Way, will act as the company’s headquarters and research and development facility
- Additionally, the former WWII Hangar, located on 566 Aviation Way, will serve as the completion and delivery center, electronics installation and repair operation.
About Palmetto Aero.
Palmetto Aero was formed in 2013 and is locating manufacturing operations at the historic airfield (now the Lowcountry Regional Airport, www.lowcountryairport.com) where the valiant Tuskegee Airmen received their combat training during WWII. The company will manufacture aerospace sheet metal fasteners for private and commercial aircraft. The company will also produce the Air Truck, an agricultural and forestry type aircraft. For more information, visit www.palmettoaero.com.