Carolina Filters Announces Expansion in Sumter County Investment expected to create 20 new jobs The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Sumter Economic Development announced that Carolina Filters Inc. will expand its operations in Sumter County. The $3 million investment is expected to generate up to 20 new jobs in the next five years. “We are pleased to expand our operations in Sumter County, and specifically in the City of Sumter. The area has long provided our company with an excellent workforce and positive business environment. This expansion is an exciting next step for us. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Coles Dwight, principal and chief executive officer of Carolina Filters. Carolina Filters is expanding its filter and parts cleaning operations. The company is expanding the facility in order to accommodate new equipment that will help eliminate chemical waste streams and reduce environmental impact. “Carolina Filters has been providing air filter services to companies throughout the Southeast for more than 40 years. This family-owned business has a strong history in Sumter County and their decision to expand operations in South Carolina is a positive indication that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to encourage growth among existing businesses, even in these challenging economic times. Thanks to the team effort of state and local officials, Sumter County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. The company has also entered a partnership with Longworth Engineering Ltd, a United Kingdom-based firm that produces filter cleaning equipment. Carolina Filters will represent Longworth Engineering in North America and market that company’s products here, including the DEECOM™ filter cleaning system. “The City of Sumter strives to consider the environmental impact on everything we do, and we applaud any company that shares our commitment to cleaner living and smarter business,” said Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen. “Obviously we’re pleased with the jobs and investment, but anytime a business in Sumter takes things out of the waste stream and reduces its impact on our environment, we’re doubly pleased. This is real progress towards a cleaner, more sustainable Sumter.” Carolina Filters plans to begin hiring for the positions in the fall. Anyone interested in applying or getting more information on the jobs available can contact the company’s human resources department at 803-418-9719. 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.
