$2.1 million investment expected to create 50 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Due to increased demand for returnable packaging solutions, packIQ is expanding its existing operations in Anderson County. The $2.1 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs. The expansion will include a complete shipping rack fabrication facility with powder coat paint and polyurea coating systems.
packIQ manages and executes the entire packaging lifecycle from 3-D CAD design, prototype, fabrication to storage, maintenance, real-time tracking and just-in-time delivery of packaging assets. Founded in 2000 as a supplier of packaging solutions to the automotive industry, the company now also services clients in other major manufacturing industries such as aerospace and defense, armed forces, heavy truck and power sports.
"We have been very fortunate to have the opportunities for growth, and Anderson County has been very supportive in helping us expand to meet our customers' requirements," said Mark Beck, chief executive officer of packIQ.
packIQ operates locations in Michigan and Georgia, including its headquarters in Anderson, located at 1 American Way. As a domestic and international supplier, packIQ provides industrial packaging solutions for some of the world's top brands, including BMW, Daimler, General Dynamics, BAE, Rolls-Royce, many Tier 1 suppliers and the U.S. Navy and Marines.
"It's always exciting to see an existing business grow its footprint in our state," said Gov. Nikki Haley. "We celebrate packIQ's decision to invest $2.1 million and add 50 new jobs in Anderson County."
Some of packIQ's products and services include Clip-Lok™ custom wood crates, steel shipping racks, bulk containers, totes and custom dunnage and returnable packaging management. The company utilizes a zero waste philosophy to help its clients better manage their packaging processes to reduce the amount of transportation, which lowers associated greenhouse gases and, ultimately, saves money.
"In South Carolina, we know how to make things, and we make them well - whether it's cars, tires or the appropriate packaging for these things. Companies like packIQ play an important role in the manufacturing process, and we welcome their continued commitment to our state," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $200 million in capital investment and more than 650 jobs in the packaging sector.
Anderson County Council Vice Chairwoman M. Cindy Wilson said, "packIQ's decision to continue to grow in Anderson County is a tribute to the value of collaboration in our state. With our partners at the South Carolina Department of Commerce, we were able to ensure the necessary infrastructure improvements to make this expansion a reality. We look forward to packIQ continuing to be an integral part of our community."
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $159,845 set aside grant for infrastructure improvements related to the project.
For more information on packIQ, go to www.packiq.com or call 864-356-5578.