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Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Chester County today announced that Guardian Industries Corp., a manufacturer of glass products, will expand its current operations in Chester County. The $45 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs.
“We are pleased to be able to expand our operations in South Carolina. Chester County has provided us with an excellent business environment and strong workforce, and we are excited about increasing our presence here. Demand for our company’s products is on the rise and our Chester County plant plays an important role in our overall operations,” said Tom Wunderlich, plant manager for Guardian Industries Corp.’s Chester County facility.
The plant will be installing an advanced technology coating machine that will enable the facility to produce highly energy-efficient glass for residential and commercial buildings. The company’s energy-efficient glass for homes is known as ClimaGuard®, and for commercial applications, as SunGuard®.
“We’re focused on attracting investment and bringing jobs to every part of our state, and we understand the unique challenges facing our rural communities. That’s why we couldn't be happier for Guardian Industries and the people of Chester County,” said Gov. Haley. “We’re going to celebrate this kind of investment and expansion at every opportunity because of what it says about our great state: that our commitment to making South Carolina the most competitive state in the country for business development is paying off.”
“Manufacturing companies continue to have a large role in our state’s economy, and so it is always gratifying to see one expand its presence in South Carolina. Guardian Industries decision to build on its current operations in Chester County is another sign our state provides a strong foundation for success and helps businesses prosper,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
Guardian Industries will expand its float glass plant in Richburg, located at 610 L&C Railway Distribution Park. In addition to the float glass plant, Guardian also has facilities in Greer and Winnsboro, S.C.
“Guardian has a longstanding relationship with the state of South Carolina. This new investment at Guardian's glass plant in Richburg will create new manufacturing jobs in our state,” said U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). “It’s also the type of investment that helps make the U.S. less dependent on foreign energy sources, while saving consumers money on their energy bills, and promoting a cleaner environment.”
“I was excited to learn that Guardian is making such a large investment in their Richburg plant,” added U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC). “Private investments like this are exactly what our district needs to come back from such a deep recession. Guardian’s expansion will put more folks back to work, and the energy-efficient glass produced at the plant will also keep energy costs low for families and businesses.”
County officials welcomed the added jobs and investment to the region.
“We thank Guardian for their vote of confidence by choosing to expand here in Chester County and create jobs to put our citizens back to work! It is a fine example of how Chester County continues to create a pro-business atmosphere that is attractive to our existing industrial partners that may be considering an expansion here,” added R. Carlisle Roddey, Chester County Supervisor.
“Encouraging new jobs and investment in our county is vital to the CCED’s mission statement. It is especially gratifying when the new jobs and capital investment are from an existing industrial partner that continues to Choose Chester, for both business and life!” said Karlisa Parker, Director of Economic Development for Chester County.
Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Guardian Human Resources at (803) 789-6100.
Guardian is a diversified global manufacturing company headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., with leading positions in float glass, fabricated glass products, fiberglass insulation and other building materials for commercial, residential and automotive applications. Its automotive trim group, SRG Global Inc., is one of the world’s largest suppliers of advanced, high value coatings on plastics. Through its Science & Technology Center, Guardian is at the forefront of innovation including development of high performance glass coatings and other advanced products. Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 18,000 people and operate facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. For more information about the company, please visit www.guardian.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has been recognized for its success in the areas of job creation and economic impact by Area Development and Business Facilities magazines. The S.C. Department of Commerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations to receive Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award in 2009 and Commerce received the 2009 Deal of the Year award from Business Facilities magazine. Southern Business & Development also awarded the S.C. Department of Commerce the “Deal of the Year” for the 2010 SB&D 100. Commerce received the recognitions for Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant to support the 787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services and offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
