The South Carolina Department of Commerce, York County and the Town of Clover announced that Honeywell will expand its facility in York County. The $10.5 million investment in local manufacturing for the Honeywell Safety Products division is expected to generate 80 new jobs in the next five years.
“Honeywell is excited to make this significant growth investment in its safety products business and Clover-based manufacturing,” said Glenn R. McCloskey, Clover operations manager for Honeywell Safety Products. “The facility expansion will accommodate additional local manufacturing capability important for our growth in the personal protective equipment market.”
Honeywell Safety Products is expanding its Clover facility to accommodate the addition of a new product line. The company manufactures a wide range of protective and safety gloves for fire service, utility and general industrial workers. The initial investment of $4.5 million and creation of the first 30 jobs are expected in 2010, with the rest of the investment and jobs coming online by 2013.
“Honeywell Safety Products is one of the largest providers of personal protective equipment for fire service, electrical safety and general industry workers. They are a world-class company and have been a strong corporate citizen in our state for a number of years and we are thrilled that they have chosen to grow here,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. “Today’s announcement is also further indication that our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to attract new jobs while helping to grow some of South Carolina’s most esteemed businesses. Thanks to the team effort by state and local officials, York County will benefit from this investment now and in the future.”
“I’m thrilled that Honeywell Safety Products has chosen to grow and advance their company in South Carolina. Honeywell has been a thriving presence in our state for years, and their new investment will help create new jobs and encourage other valuable business growth in South Carolina,” said Sen. Jim DeMint.
Mr. Buddy Motz, chairman of York County Council said, “The decision by Honeywell Safety Products to reinvest in York County is welcome news as we continue to encourage the development of new manufacturing jobs to replace those recently lost in our area. Anytime we have existing industries expand, the net economic impact is always substantial to our local economy, and gives further testimony to York County’s reputation as a great place to live and work.”
“The Town of Clover is very fortunate to have a quality company like Honeywell call our town home. Honeywell has already made a terrific impact on our town with the improvements that they have made to the facility and job opportunities they have provided to our citizens. Now, to announce that they will be investing even more, with a $4.5 million dollar expansion in 2010 and an even larger expansion by 2013 is music to our ears here in Clover. I would like to personally congratulate and thank Honeywell for their commitment to our community,” said Clover Mayor Donnie Grice.
Honeywell expects to begin hiring for the positions in January. At that time, job postings will be available on the company’s Web site, www.honeywell.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agent, the Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new businesses and jobs and help existing businesses grow. In 2008 Commerce recruited a record 18,993 new jobs and $4.17 billion in capital investment. Many well-known names and world-class companies chose to invest in South Carolina during 2008, some of which include: Target Corp., Home Depot, Heinz, Monster, American Titanium Works, BMW, Michelin and URS Corp. Commerce also assists companies in locating buildings and sites in which to operate, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.