Meter Bearings Group to establish first U.S. production facility in Colleton County

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Meter Bearings Group, a designer and producer of ball and cylindrical roller bearings, is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operations in Colleton County. The $4.5 million investment is expected to create 50 new jobs over the next five years. The company plans for the 48,000-square-foot facility, located at 220 Anderson Road in Walterboro, to begin production by September 2015. Meter Bearings Group is a family-owned company with headquarters in Robassomero, Torino, Italy. The company, which was founded in 1981, has manufacturing plants in Italy and China and customer support offices in Germany and the United States. Among the factors that influenced the company's decision to locate in Colleton County is proximity to the Port of Charleston, which Meter Bearings Group will utilize for its importing and exporting needs. The company is coordinating with readySC to create a customized, pre-employment training program. For more information about the new jobs and to apply, visit www.sctechjobs.com or visit the local SC Works office located at the Colleton Career Skills Center, 1085 Thunderbolt Road in Walterboro. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $200,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant for real property improvements. QUOTES "Part of our growth strategy is to establish a manufacturing operation in the United States to reach our customers that already exist there. We chose Colleton County thanks to the great and professional support of the South Carolina Department of Commerce staff and local officials." -Vittorio Musso, president and CEO of Meter S.p.A. "We couldn't be more excited to see Meter Bearings Group establish their first U.S. manufacturing location in South Carolina. Their $4.5 million investment, 50 new jobs in Colleton County and increased business through the port will be a real boost to the area and the hardworking South Carolinians who live there." -Gov. Nikki Haley "Through our ease of access to global markets through the port and our strong workforce, Meter has realized the potential of doing business here in South Carolina. Meter will be a great addition to our growing community of foreign-owned companies in our state, and I look forward to seeing them succeed here." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt "Meter Bearings Group's decision to locate in South Carolina is great news for Colleton County, and the SCPA looks forward to fulfilling their import-export needs. Their announcement today is a reminder that our capable port system impacts every county across the state and handles cargo for businesses of all sizes." - Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SC Ports Authority  "Meter will bring good jobs to Colleton County and will be an asset to our regional economy, which is powered by manufacturing. We are truly grateful to Meter's Vittorio Musso for his company's investment in Colleton County, and we congratulate the Colleton County team." -SouthernCarolina Alliance President and CEO Danny Black"Our partnership with the state and SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance has made this project possible. Meter's positive impact in Colleton County will be evident by new jobs and increased economic activity. They will join an outstanding roster of existing industry here. " - Phillip Taylor, Colleton County council chairman"We are very pleased that Meter has decided to locate in Colleton County. We have worked to make Colleton County attractive for business and industry and Meter has confirmed that it indeed is. Their investment in this community and the creation of new jobs will keep Colleton County moving ahead." -Bill Workman, Colleton County Economic Alliance co-chair and Colleton County Resource & Development Board chairmanFIVE FAST FACTS 

• Meter S.p.A. is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operations in Colleton County.
• The $4.5 million investment is expected to create 50 new jobs over the next five years.
• 48,000-square-foot facility, located at 220 Anderson Road in Walterboro.
• Meter expects to begin production by September 2015.
• The company is coordinating with readySC to create a customized, pre-employment training program. For more information about the new jobs and to apply, visit www.sctechjobs.com or visit the local SC Works office located at the Colleton Career Skills Center, 1085 Thunderbolt Road in Walterboro.