$1.5 million investment expected to create 50 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Aqua City Inc., a producer of water filtration products and bottled water, today announced that it plans to establish a new production facility in Marion County. The $1.5 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to begin our new operations in Marion County. This new facility is a big step for our company, and will help us better serve our customers. South Carolina offers us an excellent business environment with a dedicated and skilled workforce. We are overwhelmed by the support and kindness we’ve received from state and local officials and businesses,” said Robert Potts, president of Aqua City Inc.
Aqua City Inc. will locate its new bottled water plant in an existing building in Mullins, located at 310 South Cypress Street. Initially, Aqua Cityä will produce 500 milliliter and one liter bottles of water, provide delivery of five-gallon bottles to homes and businesses, and will also offer private labeling for businesses.
“Today’s announcement is another win for one of our state’s rural areas. We celebrate Aqua City’s decision to invest $1.5 million and create 50 new jobs in Mullins. South Carolina is becoming the ‘it’ state for business, and more and more companies like Aqua City are seeing the benefits of putting down roots here,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $8 billion in capital investment and more than 21,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector, and recruited more than $530 million in capital investment and more than 2,200 jobs in the agribusiness sector.
“Aqua City’s decision to locate its operations in Mullins is another sign that companies continue to find our state’s business-friendly climate just right. Not only does this announcement build on the success of South Carolina’s agribusiness sector, but it also creates new jobs that will help keep Mullins and the surrounding areas sustainable for years to come,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Aqua City also specializes in the production of water purification products, and will relocate that division to its new facility in Mullins.
“On behalf of Marion County Council, I would like to welcome Aqua City Bottling to Mullins and Marion County. We are excited that they selected a site in the City of Mullins for their new location,” said Marion County Council Chairwoman Elista Smith. “Small businesses like Aqua City and the 50 new jobs they will bring to Marion County are essential to our continued growth and development.”
“Aqua City Inc. found our city and workforce suitable for establishing a business that has an opportunity to grow and perhaps energize our citizens and other businesses that may be looking in our direction. It is a step in the right direction and another significant announcement for our area. I truly feel that our county is poised for growth and expansion at this particular time, and with forward thinking leaders and interested citizens we can all witness a major shift in our economic future,” said Mullins Mayor William L. “Bo” McMillan.
“We’re very pleased to see this project come to fruition. This has been in the works a long time, and we appreciate Robert Potts’ work in bringing this investment to Mullins. This is another good announcement for the area, and brings more investment and jobs to Marion County,” said state Rep. Wayne George.
The company plans to begin hiring for the positions by early July, and will advertise for the positions through local media at that time.
For more information about Aqua City, please visit the company’s website at www.aquacity.com.