Investment expected to create more than 50 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Streit USA Armoring, a maker of armored vehicles, today announced plans to expand current operations in Charleston County. The $5.8 million investment is expected to generate more than 50 new jobs over the next three years.
“Demand for our products has grown, so we needed to grow in order to keep up. We are pleased to have the opportunity to grow here. Charleston and South Carolina have provided an excellent business climate and a great location for our business, and we look forward to expanding here. We’d also like to thank our builder, Frampton and Associates, who has helped us move this project forward,” said Eric Carlson, vice president/partner of Streit USA Armoring.
Streit USA Armoring will establish a new facility to be built by Frampton and Associates in the Palmetto Commerce Park, moving its existing operations from a leased building. The move will allow the company to add four new production lines, greatly increase its output and more than double the manufacturing space to 75,000 square feet.
“We are always excited when one of our existing businesses chooses to increase its footprint in South Carolina. We celebrate Streit USA Armoring’s decision to expand and create more than 50 new well-paying jobs in Charleston County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
“Today’s announcement shows that South Carolina provides a growth environment for business. Streit USA Armoring’s decision to expand in Charleston also strengthens our state’s manufacturing sector,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
This year, Commerce has been involved in the recruitment of more than $3.3 billion in capital investment and more than 11,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector. There are over 2,000 firms, like Streit USA Armoring, in South Carolina that furnish goods and services through Department of Defense contracts. In fiscal year 2010, more than $4.3 billion in Department of Defense contracts were obligated to South Carolina establishments.
“Congratulations to Streit USA Armoring on this exciting expansion news,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “This dynamic company occupies a very unique security market niche, and we are gratified to have them expand their operations in North Charleston during such trying economic times. I am confident that our skilled workforce, superior logistics and positive business climate will be a recipe for profitability as Streit continues to grow. As they do, they will always have a steadfast partner in Charleston County.”
“The expansion of Streit USA Armoring to Palmetto Commerce Park gives us confidence that North Charleston and the greater Charleston region remain ripe environments for businesses to flourish,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “We applaud Streit’s success and are thankful for the capital investment and job creation in our community.”
“It’s wonderful to see the automotive industry strengthening and growing in our community,” said Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman R.M. Singletary. “Streit USA Armoring’s expansion is good news for us all, particularly the Port of Charleston, another key driver of our regional economy. This partnership will continue to drive economic prosperity throughout the three-county region for years to come.”
Proximity to the Port of Charleston was an important factor when the company initially decided to locate operations in the area. The company will continue to import parts and export finished products through the port.
“We appreciate Streit USA Armoring’s trust in our port, the region and our state,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “The Port of Charleston has the quality facilities, skilled labor and support industry to handle any international shipping need.”
The company will begin hiring for the new positions next summer, and will be using ReadySC to assist with the hiring process.
For more information about the company, please visit www.armored-cars.com/streit/.