Manufacturer to create more than 150 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Apex Tool Group, LLC, a leading manufacturer of power and hand tools with more than 30 brands, is expanding its Sumter County workforce, adding between 150 and 200 jobs by the end of 2015.
Apex Tool Group, headquartered in Sparks, Md., is one of the largest manufacturers of professional power and hand tools in the world, serving the vehicle assembly and maintenance, industrial, aerospace, electronics, construction and do-it-yourself market segments.
The company's Sumter facility produces hand tools under the Crescent®, Wiss®, HK Porter® and Xcelite®brand names, and will be adding production of Armstrong® and Allen® hand tools as well as private label brands. Apex will be consolidating several of its manufacturing facilities into its Sumter plant, which currently employs approximately 200 associates. Apex's presence in Sumter County spans more than three decades.
Apex's group of brands includes other marquee names like Apex®, Belzer®, Campbell®, Delta®, GearWrench®, Jacobs® Chuck, JOBOX®, Lufkin®, Nicholson®, Plumb®, SATA®, Cleco® and Weller,® with products manufactured in more than 25 plants across the globe, including its other South Carolina facility located in Lexington. Apex today employs more than 8,000 people in more than 30 countries.
QUOTES
"Apex Tool Group's products are synonymous with quality, and as they continue to grow in Sumter County, we commit to continuing to provide a top quality workforce. We welcome Apex's workforce expansion that will bring more than 150 new jobs to Sumter." -Gov. Nikki Haley
"South Carolina is known for making things, and making things well. The growth of Apex Tool Group over three decades underscores that our state is just right for manufacturing." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
"For more than 30 years now Sumter has manufactured some of the best hand tools in the world through Apex Tool Group. County Council is pleased that tradition will continue. We're proud of the company, our workers and our community for not only competing, but for winning quality new jobs and capital investment." -Larry Banding, chairman of Sumter County Council
"I see this as a huge vote of confidence in Sumter and validation of our efforts to be both a family and business-friendly community. I think we can compete with any other location in the world and win. Apex is a good company that makes quality products, and Sumter is a quality community and home to some of the best workers available anywhere. I think we're a good match. " -Mayor Joe McElveen, City of Sumter
"New companies and new names get the most attention, but we know the businesses already here in our community are our greatest source of growth and investment. We're glad to hear Apex will continue to grow right along with us here in Sumter, where we have an excellent mix of business environment, logistics and skills. These are things we should all be proud of." -Greg Thompson, chairman of the Sumter Development Board
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Apex Tool Group is expanding its Sumter County workforce.
- Apex's manufacturing consolidation will bring 150 to 200 new jobs to the area.
- Apex's group of brands includes marquee names like Allen®, Apex®, Armstrong®, Belzer®, Campbell®, Crescent,®Delta®, GearWrench®, HK Porter®, Jacobs® Chuck, JOBOX® Lufkin®, Nicholson®, Plumb®, SATA®, Wiss®,Cleco® and Weller,®with products manufactured in more than 25 plants across the globe.
- Apex will be consolidating several of its manufacturing facilities into its Sumter plant, which currently employs approximately 200 associates.
- Apex today employs more than 8,000 people in more than 30 countries.
About Apex Tool Group
Apex Tool Group, LLC, based in Sparks, Md., is one of the largest worldwide producers of hand and power tools, tool storage, drill chucks, chain, and electronic soldering products. Directly and through its subsidiaries, Apex serves a multitude of global markets, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail. Apex Tool Group markets its portfolio of diverse products under its own brand names in addition to being the principal manufacturer for several key private label products for certain retailers. Additional information about Apex Tool Group is available at www.apextoolgroup.com.