Hickory Springs Bottling, Inc. expanding Calhoun County operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Silver Springs Bottled Water Company, a bottled water manufacturing firm, is acquiring and expanding Hickory Springs Bottling, Inc.’s existing Calhoun County operations. The $16.3 million investment is expected to generate 37 new jobs over the next five years.

Established in 1986, Silver Springs Bottled Water Company was purchased by its existing owners, the Richmond family, in 1991. Since that time, the company, headquartered in Marion County, Fla., has become the largest privately-held bottled water firm in the state of Florida. In an effort to continue to expand its footprint beyond the Sunshine State, Silver Springs is acquiring the existing Hickory Springs operations in Calhoun County.

The spring, which supplies the Calhoun County operations, was initially discovered in the early 1800s by a British naturalist. It flows to the surface from a 33-million-year-old aquifer. The existing bottling facility is located at 347 Old River Road in Elloree, S.C. To expand operations, Silver Springs will be adding new high-speed bottling equipment. Hiring for the new positions is expected to begin in the next several weeks. Those interested in applying for open positions may contact SC Works. For more information on Silver Springs Bottled Water Company, please visit www.ssbwc.com.

QUOTES

“The Silver Springs Bottled Water group of companies is pleased to announce the acquisition and expansion of Hickory Springs Bottling, Inc. We are excited to build on the foundation that has been established by Rick Stewart and his team at Hickory Springs Bottling. We look forward to Mr. Stewarts continued leadership through this exciting time of expansion. The positive environment established by the state of South Carolina, Calhoun County, and the Central S.C. Alliance were a key factor in making the timing and location of this expansion right. We are eager to become an active part of the growing, local community.” –Silver Springs Bottled Water CEO Kane Richmond

“The fact that Silver Springs Bottled Water has decided to expand the Hickory Springs operations in Calhoun County is a real reason to celebrate in South Carolina. Silver Springs’ $16.3 million investment and the 37 new jobs it’s creating truly will make a difference in the lives of South Carolinians, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch this great company continue to grow here for a very long time.” –Gov. Nikki Haley

“In addition to possessing a world-class workforce and pro-business environment, South Carolina is also blessed with a myriad of natural resources. Silver Springs Bottled Water Company’s decision to invest in the expansion of Hickory Springs in Calhoun County is a perfect example of the positive impact these resources can have on our economy.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“It is my honor to welcome the Silver Springs Bottled Water Company to Calhoun County.  Their purchase and expansion of Hickory Springs Bottling, Inc., will bring a $16.35 million investment and the creation of 37 new jobs where they are needed most.  We are proud of our low taxes and pro-business environment, which have always yielded economic development success for the Palmetto State.  Our central proximity to the Port and the major metropolitan markets in South Carolina makes us a prime location for future investments.”  –Calhoun County Council Chairman David K. Summers, Jr.

“We are delighted to welcome Silver Springs Bottled Water Company to the Central South Carolina region. We are grateful for this announcement of new capital investment and jobs to Calhoun County and look forward to watching Hickory Springs grow and become an icon in the region.” –Central SC Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Silver Springs Bottled Water is acquiring and expanding Hickory Springs Bottling Water, Inc.'s existing Calhoun County operations.
• $16.3 million investment creating 37 new jobs.
• Silver Springs Bottled Water was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Marion County, Fla.
• The expansion is being achieved with a 60,000-square-foot addition to the existing facility located at 347 Old River Road in Elloree, S.C.
• Those interested in applying for open positions may contact SC works.

About Silver Springs Bottled Water Company
Silver Springs Bottled Water Company was founded in 1986 and the Richmond Family purchased the company in 1991. Driven by the market’s demand for water as a beverage and with the customer as the controlling officer, Silver Springs Bottled Water Company has quickly become Florida’s largest privately held bottled water company. For more information, visit www.ssbwc.com.