Swift Group of Industries, a maker of replacement refrigerator filters, will establish a new filter manufacturing facility in Clarendon County. With an initial $3.5 million investment, and further investment planned later, the company expects to generate 60 new jobs.
“We looked at a number of different states for our U.S. location and found that South Carolina offered the best choice. The entire South Carolina economic development team was well-prepared to show us the path to our company goals. We would like to thank John Truluck at Clarendon County, Andre Leblanc and the Commerce staff and especially the Clarendon County Council for working through the Christmas holiday to make this project a reality,” said Ramesh Suri, managing director of Swift Group of Industries.
Vancouver, British Columbia-based Swift Group will locate a new production facility in Clarendon County at 2678 Ram Bay Road in Manning. The company makes refrigerator replacement filters for water and ice dispensers for all major OEM brands. In addition, the company also makes home appliances, appliance components and barbeque grills. The company uses an environmentally friendly “green” manufacturing process in making its products.
“Today’s announcement is another win for one of our state’s rural areas. We celebrate Swift Group’s decision to put down roots in South Carolina with a $3.5 million investment and the creation of 60 new jobs in Manning. Our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce continue to attract investment from companies all around the globe,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
The new facility will be the first U.S. operation for the company, and will move some manufacturing operations from China to South Carolina. The company currently exports its products from Canada to Australia, Israel, Europe and the U.S.
“South Carolina continues to see its manufacturing renaissance gain steam with announcements like this one by Swift Group. Our manufacturing sector is a key wealth creator in the Palmetto State’s economy. In addition, these jobs will have a positive impact and help sustain the Manning community,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in capital investment and more than 20,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“The announcement of a new industry to Clarendon County is a great way to start the New Year,” said Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart Jr. “We look forward to working with Swift Group of Industries and we appreciate their confidence in our county. I would especially like to thank John Truluck and the Clarendon County Development Board for representing us in locating this company.”
H. Blake Gibbons, chairman of the Clarendon County Development Board, added, “We welcome Swift Group of Industries to Clarendon County. Their innovative products coupled with a unique corporate culture will make them a valuable addition to our community.”
Suri said the company is committed to hiring local talent, as well as helping community members in need. He said Swift Group would also buy materials from local suppliers.
“We congratulate Clarendon County and the Development Board for their efforts on this project. What a great way to start the New Year with the announcement of 60 new jobs coming to Clarendon County. The Central SC Region continues to attract quality companies that are making significant investments and we are very thankful,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple.
Swift Group is now hiring for a range of positions including mold makers, injection mold machine operators and assembly line workers. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should send an e-mail to marge.suri@gmail.com.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant for $225,000 for building upfit.
For more information about Swift Group, please visit the company’s website at ww.swiftgreenfilters.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. Also, the state was ranked first in attracting jobs through foreign investment by IBM-Plant Location International. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.