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Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Alliance Pickens today announced that VCI-SC Inc., a metal working firm, will establish its new facility in Pickens County. The $2 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs.
“We are pleased to move forward with plans to establish our new operations in Pickens County. The new facility will allow us to manufacture products in much closer proximity to our customers and allow us to expand our market share in the Southeast. South Carolina offers us a positive business environment and exceptional market access. We look forward to starting our new operations in the Upstate,” said Gene Harrison, president of VCI Inc.
VCI-SC Inc. will locate a metal parts manufacturing and design facility in an existing building located at 2632 Farrs Bridge Road in Pickens County. In addition to being a supplier for BMW and other automotive OEM’s, the company does metal work for the aerospace, energy, industrial and military sectors.
“We welcome VCI-SC Inc. to our state’s business community and appreciate the company’s decision to start new operations and create good, new manufacturing jobs here. South Carolina is a competitive place to do business as announcements like this one show. This administration is committed to continuing efforts to improve our state’s business climate and attract investment that creates jobs for South Carolinians,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
“VCI-SC Inc. is a leader in providing metal working services and products and the company’s decision to locate its new facility in Pickens County is another sign that our state’s business-friendly climate is attracting investment. Manufacturing remains a critical part of our state’s economy, especially in the automotive-related sector. We look forward to VCI-SC starting operations in the Palmetto State,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
“We are thrilled to welcome VCI-SC to Pickens County as they expand their operations into the Southeast. VCI was attracted by our skilled technical workers, our educational programs in our high schools and technical college, and our business-friendly climate. It is wonderful to be announcing this expansion in Pickens County today and we look forward to watching and supporting VCI-SC as they prosper in South Carolina for many, many years to come,” stated Jennifer Willis, chairwoman of the Pickens County Council.
“VCI-SC is just the sort of company that we like to see locate here,” said Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, chairman of Alliance Pickens. “Gene and his team are on top of their game and committed to excellence in manufacturing and also in the way they do business. We look forward to a long-term relationship that will result in a secure future for highly skilled employees, superb products for VCI-SC customers, and community involvement by Gene and his entire employee base.”
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in late June. VCI-SC will be looking for applicants for design, welding, machine set-up, machine programming, fixture building and general labor. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact the Liberty Workforce Center at 864-843-6534 at that time.
VCI, based in Sturgis, Mich., is a full service manufacturing firm. The company specializes in material handling solutions and also performs contract manufacturing. The company’s services include concept development, 3D design and solid modeling, prototyping, production laser cutting, CNC brake press bending, machining, cold saw cutting, welding, parts assembly and parts finishing. For more information about the company, please visit www.vciusa.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. In 2010, Commerce recruited a record 20,453 new jobs and $4.1 billion in capital investment. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Deal of Year Award in 2011 from Area Development magazine. Trade & Industry Development magazine selected two projects recruited by Commerce and its allies in 2010 for the magazine’s annual Corporate Investment & Community Impact Awards. Commerce’s efforts have resulted in the successful recruitment of numerous world-class companies such as Boeing, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. 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.
