$15 million investment expected to bring 15 additional jobs to Charleston
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC, a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of high-quality coating systems for the aviation, automotive and general industry markets is expanding its operations in Berkeley County. The company will be making a $15 million investment to facilitate the expansion, which could increase to as much as $20 million. The expansion is expected to generate 15 new jobs over five years.
Founded in 1895 as an independent subsidiary of the English paint factory Robert Ingham, Clark and Felix Mankiewicz, Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co. was initially established for the manufacturing and sale of high-quality paints. Today, Mankiewicz possesses a truly global presence employing approximately 1,000 workers in 17 different countries.
With a primary customer base that includes the automotive and aerospace industries, Mankiewicz has decided to expand its Berkeley County operations – the firm’s only U.S. manufacturing facility – due to increased demands. The automotive and aerospace industries are thriving in South Carolina. Since 2011, those industries have accounted for nearly 20 percent of all jobs announced in the Palmetto State.
To accommodate the expansion, the company will relocate its Berkeley County operations to a larger facility at 1200 Regional Parkway, Charleston. The approximately 90,000 square-foot buildings will allow Mankiewicz to increase its production, technical center and logistical operation by 3rd quarter of 2015.
In anticipation of the new facility and needs, hiring for new positions has already started. Anyone interested in applying should visit www.mankiewicz.com.
QUOTES
“Just four years after the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the current facility in Charleston, S.C., we are in need of a new site providing more capacity for Production, Logistics, a brand new Research and Development lab and Application Center. Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC has been serving the U.S. locally for 17 years. After increasing local production and relocating to Charleston, S.C. in 2010, we were able to demonstrate to our customers the commitment to the U.S. market. The proximity to the Charleston seaport, the ability to produce locally and the access to southern truck routes to reach our customers on the West Coast finally paid out. After our U.S. subsidiary was able to double their revenue in just three years after its relocation to Charleston, it was an easy decision for our owner, Michael Grau, to approve approximately $20 Million, of which $15 million will be utilized for the first phase of the expansion. We strongly believe in the U.S. market and are also very grateful for the excellent support provided by Berkeley County.” –Peter Dietz, Managing Director of Mankiewicz Coatings
“Mankiewicz Coatings’ decision to expand in Berkeley County is another great example of how South Carolinians continue to benefit from the growing aeronautic and automotive industries in our state. We congratulate them on the success they have found here and look forward to watching it continue for many years to come.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“South Carolina’s automotive and aerospace industries continue to soar, and today we celebrate yet another victory for those sectors as Mankiewicz Coatings announces the expansion of their operations in Berkeley County. I look forward to watching Mankiewicz continue their success in our state.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“Mankiewicz Coatings has been a great corporate citizen in Berkeley County. It's a pleasure to see companies of this caliber locate, grow and expand in our County. We appreciate the investment, job opportunities and talent Mankiewicz brings to our County and region.” –Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC is expanding its manufacturing operations in Berkeley County.
- $15 million investment to create 15 jobs and could increase to as much as $20 million.
- Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co. was founded in 1895.
- Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC is expanding by relocating to a facility at 1200 Regional Parkway, Charleston, SC.
- Anyone interested in career opportunities with Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC may visit www.mankiewicz.com.
About Mankiewicz
Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co. was founded in 1895 as an independent subsidiary of the English paint factory Robert Ingham, Clark and Felix Mankiewicz initially for the sale and later for the manufacture of high-quality paints for coaches according to original English formulae. In 1930, paint manufacturer Ottmar J. Grau acquired the company from the Mankiewicz family heirs. Since the 1980s, the company has been managed by the current owner and managing partner Michael Ottmar Grau. Investments in the areas of research and development, as well as modern production facilities are the basis for successful business development worldwide. Worldwide, Mankiewicz now has more than one thousand employees. For more information on Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC, visit www.mankiewicz.com.