ORANGEBURG COUNTY, SC (WCSC) -
Albemarle Corporation, a producer of specialty chemicals, announced Tuesday the expansion of its existing operations in Orangeburg County. The $65 million investment is expected to generate 20 new jobs over the next five years.
"We would like to thank the local community leaders for granting Albemarle a license to operate in Orangeburg. The dedication of our employees and the support for our operations here made Orangeburg the logical choice for these growth projects," said Luke Kissam, Albemarle's Chief Executive Officer.
The expansion will occur between 2012 and 2016, and will consist of four separate projects. Two of the projects will add facilities to manufacture new products in the company's Fine Chemistry Services business. A separate project will add facilities to manufacture GreenCrestTM, the company's latest addition to its EarthwiseTM portfolio of eco-friendly fire safety products in the Polymer Solutions business. An additional project will expand the current organometallic production unit to support the growing Polymer Catalysts business.
"We work hard every day to recruit new companies, but we are extremely excited anytime one of our existing businesses chooses to grow. We celebrate Albemarle's decision to invest $65 million and create 20 new jobs. Not only do expansions like this create new jobs in our communities, but also shows companies that South Carolina is a place where they can succeed," said Gov. Nikki Haley.
"South Carolina has a long history in the chemical production sector, and today's announcement by Albemarle Corporation shows that industry continues to flourish in the Palmetto State. The company's decision to expand in our state also provides a boost to our state's manufacturing renaissance," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
"Albemarle is a worldwide leader in the field of specialty chemicals and an innovator in the development of eco-friendly solutions. We are excited about the investment Albemarle is making in our community. It's a testament to our skilled workforce, location and Pro-Business environment," said Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright Sr.
"For nearly three decades, Albemarle's Orangeburg Plant has operated as a leading specialty chemical company providing innovative chemistry solutions to customers. Today's significant announcement will continue the company's legacy of safe and efficient operations in Orangeburg County. Albemarle certainly understands the value of having a manufacturing site with easy access to rail, four interstates and a seaport that simply makes it easier to be cost competitive," said Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple.
Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit the company's careers webpage at www.albemarle.com/Careers/.
The corporation's Orangeburg plant (Source: Google)
