SoPakCo to expand, create 120 new jobs in Marion County

COLUMBIA, S.C. - SoPakCo, a world leader in the design, production and packaging of shelf-stable, ready-to-serve foods, is expanding its Marion County operations. The company plans to invest $3.4 million to produce a new product line and create more than 120 new, full-time jobs. The company's experience in processed foods began more than 60 years ago creating meals ready to eat (MREs) for the U.S. military and the world, generating more than $100 million in annual sales. SoPakCo intends to begin processing and packaging a line of frozen food in conjunction with a major international food company for distribution to retailers throughout North America at its Marion County facility located at 118 South Cypress Street in Mullins, S.C. The new jobs will be entirely focused on the new product line. The expansion will bring SoPakCo's total number of employees to more than 600 associates between the company's Mullins and Bennettsville facilities. Production will commence in the fourth quarter of 2014 and new positions will be filled immediately. The company is coordinating with readySC to create a customized, two-week pre-employment training program to begin filling the vacancies immediately. For more information about the new jobs and to apply, visit www.sctechjobs.com or visit your local SC Works center. SoPakco is a member of the Tennessee-based Unaka Corporation's family of businesses. QUOTES "We would like to offer special thanks to everyone who has assisted in making this expansion possible and would certainly be remiss not to offer a special thanks to the Marion County Economic Development Commission and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. We are especially grateful that in these difficult economic times to be able to add approximately 120-125 new associates to our team." -Lonnie Thompson, president of SoPakCo "SoPakCo is a major employer and an important part of the economy in Marion County. With this expansion, they will employ more than 600 people in our state. We applaud SoPakCo and their commitment to invest $3.4 million and create more than 120 new jobs in Mullins." -Gov. Nikki Haley "Today's announcement means that SoPakCo's long-standing legacy will continue in both Marion County and in our state. We wish them every success as they continue to expand their business lines, and we stand ready to keep supporting their workforce needs in the years to come." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt "SoPakCo has been a vital part of our local economy for years. Their decision to open a new production line in Mullins exemplifies their dedication to our community and belief in our workforce.  On behalf of South Carolina's Seventh District, I congratulate SoPakCo on their expansion and wish them success with their new endeavor." -Congressman Tom Rice "SoPakCo is a company that means so much to our region. This is a great company and we're excited to see them not just succeeding and carrying on business as usual, but expanding and creating jobs across our region." -Senator J. Yancey McGill, chairman of North Eastern Strategic Alliance "Marion County Council is excited about the expansion of SoPakCo and their continuous commitment to this county for many years. County Council thanks the Department of Commerce, County Delegation, along with the Economic Development Director for all their hard work in helping this project come to fruition." -Buddy Collins, chairman of Marion County Council FIVE FAST FACTS 

• SoPakCo is expanding its Marion County operations.
• The $3.4 million investment is expected to create more than 120 new jobs.
• The expansion will bring SoPakCo's total number of employees to more than 600 associates between the company's Mullins and Bennettsville facilities.
• Production will commence in the fourth quarter of 2014 and new positions will be filled immediately.
• For more information about the new jobs and to apply, visit www.sctechjobs.com or visit your local SC Works center.