The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Laurens County announced that Force V Environmental LLC will locate a new window and door production facility in Laurens County. The $2.5 million initial investment to move the company to South Carolina is expected to create just under 200 new jobs. The facility is anticipated to be operating by April of this year.
“Force V is excited to be moving to South Carolina, which is the center of its market. The warm welcome and friendly reception of the state, city and residence of Clinton was a factor in us locating in this community,” said Richard Porosky, principal, Force V Environmental LLC. “For Force V to find a facility like the Timken plant will allow us to lay out the equipment for optimal flow and be able to expand our product lines without waiting on building space. We know that we will be supported with a good workforce with a strong work ethic as the area has been hard hit with layoffs. These layoffs have had nothing to do with the people and everything to do with the economy. Our business model is one of the very best for these times.”
Force V specializes in state-of-the-art technology in window and door manufacturing. The product is designed to be energy efficient and qualifies for the tax credits and benefits under the new federal stimulus plan. Force V also excels in providing hurricane windows and doors that meet the energy star codes. The company recently acquired the vinyl division from German-based Schuco and will locate their new facility in the former Timken facility in Laurens County.
“As we work to compete in today’s global marketplace, it is vital that we continue to enhance our state’s business climate in order to attract new investors and help existing businesses grow. Today’s announcement is another sign that these efforts are working and Force V Environmental’s commitment to create just under 200 new jobs in Laurens County is evidence of that. We remain committed to enhancing the state’s business soil conditions to create an environment that allows our existing businesses to be more competitive and successful while providing incentives for companies to locate new operations here,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.
“Force V Environmental is an industry leader in the manufacturing of specialty windows and doors. The company’s decision to locate in Laurens County is a positive reflection that our business-friendly climate and strong workforce continue to attract new investments and jobs despite these difficult economic times. Laurens County continues to witness phenomenal success in recruiting new investments and jobs with FITESA and American Titanium Works announcing record investments for the county in the last six months,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. “We welcome Force V to South Carolina’s business community and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them in the years ahead. Thanks to the team effort of state and local officials, Laurens County will benefit from this investment."
“Force V will be an excellent addition to our manufacturing base in Laurens County. Laurens County and the Laurens County Development Corporation have worked hard to put the county in the forefront of economic development. This announcement demonstrates that the hard work is paying off,” said Jim Coleman, chairman, Laurens County Council.
“We are very excited that Force V chose to locate their new facility in Laurens County,” said Diane Anderson, Laurens County Council vice chairman. “It is especially gratifying that they chose an existing building.”
Force V Environmental will be working in partnership with readySC to train new employees. Individuals interested in job opportunities can contact the Laurens County One-Stop Workforce Center at 864.833.0142 for more information.