Gov. Mark Sanford, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Charleston County joined Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) – an advanced engineering company that provides innovative solutions to its customers in the U.S. government, private industry and international markets – in announcing the company’s plans to expand operations at its Charleston County facility. During an event today at its facility in North Charleston, SRC announced its plans to invest $4 million and add 300 new jobs over the next five years.
“We are pleased to expand in Charleston County. The area has an excellent business environment that is well-matched to fit the needs of our growing company, while giving us access to a talented workforce. SRC has experienced strong growth in recent years and we look forward to continuing that growth in South Carolina. We appreciate the support we have received from state and local officials and look forward to furthering our relationship with Charleston County and South Carolina in the years ahead,” said Michael Watt, president and CEO of Scientific Research Corporation.
SRC’s business activities are focused on a broad range of information, communications, intelligence, simulation, training and instrumentation systems. The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Atlanta, and its engineering offices located across the U.S., including the North Charleston facility, are dedicated to a full range of engineering, integration, testing, support and research and development activities. SRC laboratories and test facilities reflect state-of-the-art technology and mirror both commercial and defense operational environments.
SRC has expert resources and facilities in place to provide its customers with products and services related to complex electronic systems, custom hardware/software development and engineering services that span analysis, design and development through integration, installation and support.
“Given the rising competition for jobs, investment and way of life in today’s global economy, our state’s ability to improve business soil conditions is increasingly important," Gov. Sanford said. “We recognize Scientific Research had a world of choice when looking for places to grow, and the fact that they added 300 new jobs in North Charleston represents a significant dividend with regard to our state’s continued efforts on this front. Not unimportantly, Charleston County is increasingly becoming home to a growing commercial hub focused on defense technology - and this, along with other industry growth in the Lowcountry and across the state, provides all the more reason to redouble our efforts in pursuit of quality jobs, substantial investment and, indeed, a better quality of life for South Carolinians.”
Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor added, “SCR’s announcement today and growth in recent years are yet another example of our state’s ability to attract and grow knowledge-based job opportunities. SRC is an innovative organization providing advanced engineering solutions to its customers throughout the world. We thank them for choosing to grow in South Carolina and look forward to long and mutually beneficial relationship with SRC for years to come.”
“Our heartiest congratulations go out to Mr. Watt and the employees of Scientific Research Corporation,” said Teddie Pryor, chairman of Charleston County Council. “This wonderful expansion news comes at a very opportune time, offering an excellent career opportunity to 300 of our citizens. It is hard to overestimate the importance of the work which Scientific Research Corporation performs in support of our national defense and our homeland security, and we on Charleston County Council are very proud that the company calls Charleston County ‘home.’ ”
“We congratulate Scientific Research Corporation on their decision to add 300 high-paying jobs to the community. SRC is a wonderful corporate citizen and we look forward to their continued growth. North Charleston is proud to provide SRC and all of the businesses within the City a pro-business climate that supports commerce and fosters growth,” said Mayor Keith Summey.
SRC will pull from a highly-skilled workforce. In fact, numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics show that South Carolina ranks among the top five states for employment in several important engineering occupations. In three categories, South Carolina has the second-highest employment concentration of engineers in the nation. These include: chemical engineers, health and safety engineers and industrial engineers. South Carolina also ranks 4th in the nation for employment concentration of nuclear engineers.
About Scientific Research Corporation
Scientific Research Corporation is an advanced engineering company that was founded in 1988 to provide innovative solutions to the U.S. government, private industry and international markets. Since its inception, SRC has continued to successfully meet emerging challenges in the marketplace and consistently deliver the highest quality products and technical services to its customers. For more information about Scientific Research Corporation and to learn about employment opportunities visit www.scires.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 magazine and Southern Business and Development magazine. 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 ranked number two in the South in points per million residents by Southern Business and Development for the state’s 2008 job recruitment efforts. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements, and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.