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The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Richland County and the Central SC Alliance recently announced that Owen Steel Company Inc., a structural steel fabrication company, will expand its operations at its plant in Richland County. The $5 million investment is expected to generate 30 new jobs over the next five years.
“The Midlands have been a home to our company for many years, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to increase our footprint here. Richland County has offered us an excellent business environment, a talented workforce and the infrastructure we need to be competitive. This expansion will put Owen Steel in a position to increase our market share and meet customer demand. We appreciate all the support we have received from the community and local and state officials,” said David Zalesne, president of Owen Steel Company.
Owen Steel will be upgrading its fabrication equipment and infrastructure at its Richland County plant, located at 2151 South Beltline Blvd. The company will also set up additional manufacturing operations in a recently-acquired facility in Richland County, located at 1602 Andrews Road. Structural steel produced by the company has been used in high-profile projects across the nation.
“Owen Steel is an industry leader in fabricating structural steel and the company has been an important part of the Midlands business community for decades. This investment is an indication of the company’s commitment to the local community and to our state. The announcement also serves as a reminder that South Carolina’s business-friendly climate, skilled workforce and exceptional market access are important factors in fostering growth among our existing businesses. The state must continue its efforts to hold taxes and regulatory burdens low so that we may see more investments like this one. We congratulate Owen Steel on its growth and wish the company continued success,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“Richland County is pleased that Owen Steel has chosen to expand its operations in our jurisdiction. This expansion is a testament to the county’s business-friendly environment. Owen Steel has been a great corporate citizen, and we hope that the company has many more prosperous years in Richland County,” said Richland County Council Chairman Paul Livingston.
“The cornerstone of our regional economy is existing industry and we are excited about Owen Steel Company continued investment in Richland County. We are in a global competition for capital investment and jobs today and are thankful that these new jobs will be realized right here at home,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple.
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in near the middle of 2011. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should send a resume to hr@owensteel.com.
Owen Steel Company has been fabricating structural steel in Columbia since 1936. The company’s experience with complex structural steel is unmatched in the industry, and covers the full range of steel contracting services, from design to delivery. For more information about Owen Steel, please visit www.owensteel.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.
