Image via Wikipedia
The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Florence County Economic Development Partnership (FCEDP) today announced that Wellman Plastics Recycling will increase its current operations in Florence County. The $2.5 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs over the next two years.
“We are pleased to be able to reinvest in our facility in Florence County. Demand for our products is on the rise. This expansion will allow us to increase our market share as well as position us for future growth. South Carolina has provided us with an excellent business environment and strong workforce. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Robert Taylor, vice president of PET Resin and Fiber for Wellman Plastics Recycling.
Wellman Plastics Recycling will add equipment to its current facility in Johnsonville to help increase capacity. This increase in output will also require additional employees. The company expects to make the additions gradually over the next 24 months. The company produces a range of products for the automotive, lawn and garden, consumer products and electronics industries.
“Wellman Plastics Recycling’s decision to expand its operations in Florence County is another indication that South Carolina has the business climate, workforce and infrastructure necessary to help our existing businesses grow. Additionally, South Carolina’s efforts to keep taxes and regulatory burdens low, well positions our state to continue to attract new jobs and investment. We appreciate Wellman Plastics Recycling’s decision to expand in South Carolina and look forward to the company’s continued success,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
Dr. Charles Gould, president of Florence Darlington Technical College and chairman of the FCEDP said, “Wellman’s announcement confirms that Florence County's economy continues to flourish. I commend them on their expansion and know they will succeed with the task at hand.”
“Wellman’s announcement to reinvest in its Johnsonville plant is a true testament of our people’s work ethic. These new jobs will begin to improve our local economy, as so many families seek to recover from this truly devastating economic downturn,” said state Senator Hugh K. Leatherman. “I applaud everyone who pitched in to help make this possible, but moreover, I applaud those hard-working families who will benefit because of this announcement.”
Florence County Council Chairman K.G. “Rusty” Smith stated, “Every job counts in Florence County and we’re so pleased with these recent announcements. This is indicative of our bright future and what is to come in 2011 as economic conditions continue to look up for the citizens of Florence County.”
“Florence County is excited about our journey to that ‘next level.’ As each announcement and expansion evolves, we know we’re positioned for further success. Our local officials and economic development team have set their sights on a goal to ensure Florence thrives,” said Florence County Progress Inc. Chairman Timothy F. Norwood
The company will begin hiring for the positions in the first quarter of 2011. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact the Florence Workforce Center at 843-669-4271 at that time.
Wellman Plastics Recycling for the past 40 years has been dedicated to creating high-quality, high-performance, environmentally supportive and cost-effective products for the automotive, lawn and garden, consumer products and electronics industries. The company’s mission has always remained the same: to provide cost effective materials to customers while concurrently providing the technical expertise and support to ensure complete customer satisfaction and project success. For more information about Wellman Plastics Recycling, please visit www.wellmanplastics.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.
