$7.5 million investment expected to create 500 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – August 22, 2013 – Element Electronics, a maker of consumer electronics, today announced plans to establish its new manufacturing facility in Fairfield County. The $7.5 million investment is expected to generate 500 new jobs.
“Today’s announcement represents a big step for our company, and we are excited to locate our new operations in Fairfield County. South Carolina provides an excellent business environment for our television manufacturing operations, and we look forward to doing great things here. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Mike O’Shaughnessy, president of Element Electronics.
Element Electronics is locating its new flat-screen television production facility, which will encompass 315,000 square feet of space, in Winnsboro at 392 U.S. Hwy 321 Bypass North. The investment brings production operations that were formerly located in China, and the facility is expected to begin operations in December.
“We welcome Element Electronics to South Carolina’s business community and celebrate the company’s decision to invest $7.5 million and create 500 new jobs in Fairfield County. Today’s announcement is another indication that we are doing the right things to attract job-creating investments here in South Carolina,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $9 billion in capital investment and more than 26,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“South Carolina has transitioned into an advanced manufacturing state, and today’s decision by Element Electronics to build their flat-screen televisions here is another sign of that change. Whether its cars, planes or consumer electronics, people in the Palmetto State know how to make things, and make them well,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“The partnership between South Carolina and Element Electronics came together in just a few short months demonstrating that American renewal in manufacturing is working to create jobs, drive investment and produce quality American made products for our customers,” said Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. “Through collaboration with Element Electronics we have facilitated discussions at the state level to make their partnership a reality.”
“This is a very exciting day for the citizens of Fairfield County. Today's announcement by Element Electronics to create 500 new jobs in a plant that has been vacant for several years will have a significant and positive impact on the region. Fairfield County is a cost-effective location with a proud manufacturing heritage,” said Fairfield County Council Chairman David Ferguson.
“We welcome Element Electronics to Fairfield County and the Central South Carolina region. Today's announcement is further confirmation that manufacturing jobs are coming back to the Southeastern U.S. The Central SC Region is well positioned along the mid-Atlantic and within close proximity to Element Electronics major distribution channels,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan.
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in the fourth quarter of this year. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit www.sctechjobs.com at that time.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant of $1.3 million and approved job development credits.
For more information about the company, please visit www.elementelectronics.com.
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