W International, a full-service manufacturer of large, complex welded metal fabrications, today announced plans to locate new production operations in Berkeley County. The company's $35.2 million capital investment is projected to create more than 600 new jobs.
Headquartered in Madison Heights, Mich., W International serves the aerospace, defense, energy and marine industries. Within the defense sector, in addition to combat vehicles, the company supports U.S. Navy platforms, such as submarines, aircraft carriers and frigates. The company's highly-trained staff supports requirements associated with a diverse range of materials, including ballistic armor, aluminum, titanium and other high-strength steels.
Located at the Bushy Park Industrial Complex, W International's new, 451,000-square-foot facility will provide manufacturing, custom fabrication, project management, tooling and engineering services to clients in the aerospace, defense, automotive, energy and commercial business industries. Hiring for the new positions is projected to begin in January 2019, and interested applicants can visit the company's careers page online.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits, as well as a $2 million Set Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with the costs of the project.
QUOTES
"We are thrilled to be expanding our family-owned business to Berkeley County, S.C. The ability to build a manufacturing facility on the East Coast offers a unique opportunity to our clients and customers. We are looking forward to being part of the Lowcountry community for decades to come." -W International CEO Ed Walker
"Today, we're proud to celebrate another major win for South Carolina's thriving manufacturing industry. This announcement by W International is a landmark moment not only for the company but also for Berkeley County, the Lowcountry community and our entire state." -Gov. Henry McMaster
"From premium automobiles and wide-body commercial aircraft to medical devices and luxury boats, South Carolina is now a state that produces advanced products. With today's announcement that an industry leader like W International is locating in Berkeley County, our manufacturing portfolio continues to grow. Congratulations to everyone involved on this project, and we look forward to seeing the impact these new jobs will have in the Lowcountry."
-Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
"Berkeley County is pleased to be the new production home of W International. We are looking forward to the increase of 600 additional jobs for this county that continues to grow. We are excited for those who will get to be a part of this industry." - Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler
"We are so pleased to welcome W International to our community and look forward to their continued success. This was a seamless effort among several partners, and this company will be an integral part of our region's growing industry clusters." -Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman Robert Pratt
FIVE FAST FACTS
W International is launching new production operations in Berkeley County.
$35.2 million investment to create more than 600 jobs.
W International is a full-service manufacturer of large, complex welded metal fabrications for a variety of industries.
Located at Bushy Park Industrial Complex, the company's new, 451,000-square-foot facility will provide manufacturing, custom fabrication, project management and more to a variety of clients.
Hiring for the new positions is projected to begin in January 2019, and interested applicants can visit the company's careers page online.
About S.C. Department of Commerce: As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State ranked No. 1 in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis in 2018 -- extending its streak of top three finishes since 2011. Additionally, in five of seven years, the state has won the Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine; and, in 2017, the state was recognized as Business Facilities' State of the Year. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.