Industry Appreciation 2015

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Why Aiken?

As you explore the multitude of manufacturers and industry located in the Aiken, Edgefield and Saluda area, perhaps you wonder why all these multi-national companies chose our little corner of the world in which to settle.

Manufacturing in Aiken County dates to 1845 when William Gregg and a group of Charleston investors were granted a charter for the Graniteville Manufacturing Company. Around that time Gregg wrote a series of essays in the Charleston Courier advocating the establishment of cotton manufacturing in the South. He remarked that the forests, the deposits of iron ore and granite and the wealth of water resources available in this area would be particularly useful.

Today, manufacturers examine a long list of requirements before they commit to building multimillion dollar facilities. They examine seismic zones and water tables, and available utilities to service electric, sewer and waste elimination needs. They also look at an area’s infrastructure, its available workforce, and factors that af-

fect quality of life such as housing and schools.

Many of our largest employers cite a variety of reasons their companies chose to establish plants in Aiken County. Ron Brooks, plant manager of the Bridgestone Americas Off-Road Radial Tire Plant in Graniteville, said, “Bridgestone has a storied history of manufacturing success in South Carolina, and Aiken County, in particular, understands the company’s technical, industrial and labor needs.” He continued that, “This area provides a positive business climate, and Aiken County offers an exceptional quality of life for Bridgestone teammates.”

Aiken, Edgefield and Saluda counties are also perfectly positioned for any company’s transportation needs. Located about two hours from Greenville, Charlotte, Charleston and Atlanta, this area is served by myriad major highways.

The extensive rail system here, as well as access to navigable waterways, also aid companies who seek ways to transport finished products.

Some industries, most notably the three kaolin-production companies, take advantage of the large stores of natural resources here.

Dixie Clay Co., Imerys and W.R. Grace all mine and refine kaolin

(kaolinite, a hydrous aluminum silicate) for uses in the paper, porcelain, rubber and automotive industries.

The local education system also contributes greatly to the attractiveness of this area. Aiken Technical College, especially, offers an array of programs and certifications that meet the workforce needs of local companies. The University of South Carolina Aiken has also added coursework to help educate the local workforce, adding a bachelor of engineering program that will launch in 2015.

Finally, many companies are attracted by the business-friendly climate of South Carolina. State and local leaders, as well as organizations such as our local chambers of commerce, the Aiken County Council and the Economic Development Partnership work tirelessly to make our area more attractive to investors.

Joerg Klisch, vice president of North American operations, MTU America, said, “Aiken County provides us with all of the tools that are necessary for us to deliver excellence to our customers: A location that meets our logistical needs, a talented workforce, and an environment that has enabled us to develop a true partnership with the community.”

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

When your employees are healthy, so is your bottom line.

Learn how you can improve the well-being and productivity of your employees and SAVE on healthcare costs.

Business and Industry Health at Aiken Regional Medical Centers can help you address these common health problems.

Our Workplace Wellness Program provides:

• • • • • • • • •

Health screenings Cardiac screenings Physicals/drug screenings Prescriptions Biometric screenings Medical nutrition therapy Weight management Diabetes self-management education … and more

70%

of total healthcare costs in the U.S. are from preventable diseases.*

On average, employers spend an estimated

$18,000

per employee per year for health and loss of productivity due to illness.*

Research shows that workplace wellness services work.

We also provide Workers’ Compensation services, first aid and CPR training and contract nursing support.

Contact Aiken Regional’s Darren Waters, Manager of Business and Industry Development, at 803.642.5819, or darren.waters@uhsinc.com.

According to a comprehensive review of research studies,

worksite health promotion programs can lead to reductions of more than 25%

in absenteeism, healthcare costs and disability/Workers’ Compensation costs.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY HEALTH

*The Health Trust Physicians are on the medical staff of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 150808

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Industry Economic Development Partnership Appreciation

2015

Table of Contents

Why Aiken?..................................................2 Economic Development......................4 Industry Profiles......................................5 Industries in Saluda County............15 Publisher & President Ellen C. Priest

Retail Sales Manager Diane Daniell

Sales Kathy Boyette Haley Culp Rechelle Dallas Becky Dearden Jennifer Green Joe Harty Lauren Molony Debra Price Robert Schettino Sharye Whisenant

Layout & Design Lauren A. Haley

Content Linden Hammett

Executive Editior Melissa Hanna Advertising Director Dee Taylor

Industry Appreciation is published by the Aiken Standard, 326 Rutland Drive, Aiken, SC 29801

The success of attracting more industry here can be substantially attributed to the efforts of the Economic Development Partnership, a unique economic alliance between Aiken, Edgefield and Saluda counties. Founded in 1984 as a non-profit organization representing Aiken County, it joined forces with Edgefield County in 1987. Saluda County entered into the partnership in July 2014.

EDP President and CEO Will Williams said, “Saluda County borders Aiken and Edgefield counties and shares many common interests with these two.” Additionally, the schools of Ridge SpringMonetta are included in the Aiken County Public School District. Also, many of the industrial sites of Saluda County are situated very close to the border with Aiken County. Williams said, “All three counties have people who live in one county and work in another. It is a very strategic partnership.”

The EDP acts as a single point of contact for new industry interested in a location and existing industries looking to expand.

The EDP staff works closely with the

Aiken and Edgefield, and Saluda county councils to raise the per capita income, diversify the labor force and increase the tax base in our community. In many instances, a company will reach out to the EDP

with a request for information (RFI). Williams said the RFIs are very specific and can focus on such diverse topics as seismic zones, engineering data, population and Please See EDP, page 15

SRNS savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com AS06-1300433

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Industry Profiles Active Minerals, Kaolin Division - Aiken Plant

1369 Reynolds Pond Road, Aiken, SC 29805, 803-648-3248 Active Minerals is a leading worldwide kaolin production company. The Aiken facility, formerly Southeastern Clay, was purchased in 2008. The purchase enabled Active Minerals to expand their product line to include Aiken’s hard kaolin clay, which in known as some of the finest kaolin in the world. Between 2011 and 2012 the company expanded its Aiken facility from 75,000 tons per year to 225,000 tons per year and now employs 30 people. The kaolin produced here is used in rubber, paints and coatings and as catalysts in chemical processes.

Aiken Communications, Inc.

326 Rutland Dr. Aiken, SC 29801, 803-648-2311 Aiken Communications owns and produces the Aiken Standard, a local daily newspaper. The company also prints The North Augusta Star, a weekly paper.

The Aiken Standard dates back to 1867, when the paper was called the Aiken Press. Ownership changed hands many times until 1968 when it was purchased by the Evening Post Publishing Co. (Now Evening Post Industries, Inc.) The company moved into its current 25,000 square foot facility on Rutland Drive in 1969.

The newspaper is committed to providing the people of Aiken with the news they want in the format they use most. From traditional daily newspaper delivery to digital editions and online access, the paper has diversified its approach to the local news market. They also developed a multimedia outlet with the launch of ASTV, news video content that is available online.

This year, the Aiken Standard was awarded the President’s Award and second place General Excellence award by the SC Press Association. Ellen Priest, Publisher, said, “We are pleased to be recognized as the best in this highly competitive category of all daily newspapers of our size in the state.�

The newspaper recognizes that awards are not as important as the appreciation of its local readership and businesses. The sense of community fostered between the staff and the people and businesses they cover is important. “In return, our employees recognize the impact their local spending dollars can have on their community, and they believe in shopping locally whenever possible,� Priest added.

The Aiken Standard’s daily circulation is 12,990 and Sunday is 14,605.

AGY

Aiken Electric Co-op

2556 Wagener Rd, Aiken, SC 29801, 648-8351 AGY is a leading manufacturer of composite materials and glass fiber yarns used in a variety of applications. Proprietary technology allows the company to produce high strength glass fiber yarn and glass fiber reinforcement material applied in the automotive, aerospace, construction, electronics and defense industries.

AGY products are used in a wide variety of applications that make materials faster, stronger and lighter, thus improving efficiency for many of their customers.

AGY’s Aiken facility employs 610 people and has been in operation since 1960.

Patrick J. Burns is President and CEO of the company.

2790 Wagener Rd., Aiken, SC 29802, 649-6245

Aiken Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric utility serving over 45,000 members in nine counties. Â The Cooperative service territory holds more than 5,300 miles of line, over 93,000 utility poles and 27 substations. Â AEC employs approximately 145 employees and has annual contracts with several major sub-contractors.

The cooperative is active in recruiting new business to the area and works closely with the Economic Development Partnership, the South Carolina Power Team and the SC Department of Commerce to attract new industry, investing over $9.4  million in our region toward economic development efforts.  “We’re serious about the benefits new industry promotes in our communities, about creating new jobs, increasing tax base and demonstrating to corporate leaders that our service area is fertile ground for any company seeking to grow its own bottom line,� said Gary L. Stooksbury, Chief Executive Officer of AEC.

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Sunday, March 29, 2015 Aiken Industries

AmbioPharm

Aiken Industries produces quality contract apparel and has been in business since 1962. Initially a contract clothing producer, the company began non-apparel production in the early 1990s. In 2004, they diversified the product line capabilities even more by building a controlled environment clean room for sewing lap sponges used in operating rooms. Now they use a second clean room to cut, assemble and package bandages for a large healthcare company. The Richland Ave. facility is 28,000 square feet and has enough room for future expansion.

AmbioPharm, Inc. produces pharmaceutical-grade peptides that are used as active ingredients in pharmaceuticals. The North Augusta facility employs 45 people and is 20,000 square feet, housing laboratories and offices. AmbioPharm is an industry leader, having developed a unique service that allows them to produce peptides quickly and at the lowest possible cost to the consumer. The peptides are used in a variety of applications, including medical studies, vaccines and generic drugs.

Aiken Precision Technologies

ASCO Valve

Aiken Precision Technologies is an automotive parts manufacturer. Located on 6.14 acres in the Verenes Industrial Park, production takes place in a 59,000 square foot facility. Established in 2002, the company employs about 42 workers. The company provides a wide range of production capability from 2 to 55 mm material processing formers which covers all types of automobile parts produced from wire rod.

ASCO is the worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of quality solenoid valves, products designed to control the flow of air, gas, water, oil and steam. ASCO, a division of Emerson Electric, offers a comprehensive line of over 50,000 products that are made, packaged and shipped with a focus on efficiency and speed. ASCO products have applications in many industries, including: analytical and diagnostic equipment, automotive and tire, biofuel, chemical, combustion, food and beverage, medical equipment, oil and gas, packaging, power, refining and wastewater. The Aiken facility employs over 350 people.

Allnex Industries, Specialty Chemicals & Coatings

Augusta Concrete Block

Allnex is a global company that supplies resins and specialty coatings used in architecture and industry. Formerly known as Cytec, they have two manufacturing facilities in Aiken County, one in North Augusta and one in Langley, which together employ about 135 people. The company is recognized as a specialty chemicals pioneer and offers a portfolio of high quality, innovative liquid resins and additives, radiation cured and powder coating resins, and crosslinkers for use on wood, metal, plastic, and other surfaces.

Augusta Concrete Block is a local manufacturer of hi-test concrete block. In business since 1946, the company provides normal and lightweight masonry units to local contractors and builders, as well as architectural block, retaining wall products, cap block, geo-textile fabric and aggregates. Augusta Concrete Block employs 22 people and is a family-owned and operated business. The company believes in giving back to the community. They donate thousands of blocks to Habitat for Humanity and support local schools and recreational sports teams.

1910 Richland Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, 648-5467

50 Beloit Street, Verenes Industrial Park, Aiken, SC 29805

North Augusta and Langley, 593-4461

1024 Dittman Court, North Augusta, SC 29842, 415-921-3593

1561 Columbia Hwy., Aiken, SC 2980, 641-9200

6269 Jefferson Davis Hwy., North Augusta, SC 29841, 803-279-7620

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Sunday, March 29, 2015 Autoneum

1103 Powderhouse Rd., Aiken, SC 29803, 649-1371 Autoneum North America, Inc. produces vehicle carpet and trunk systems, heat shields and underbody shields in its manufacturing facility on Powderhouse Rd. Their parent company, Autoneum, is the global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management solutions for vehicles. The company is a partner for the major light vehicle manufacturers around the world. Autoneum provides innovative and cost effective solutions for noise reduction and thermal management to increase vehicle comfort and value. The Aiken plant employs 226.

BAE Systems

15 Windham Blvd, Aiken, SC 2980, 803-643-2500 BAE Systems manufactures components for armored combat vehicles used by Marines and allied soldiers throughout the world. They also produce miscellaneous naval components for allied sailors. Employing 87 local workers with an annual payroll of $4.5 million, this facility has been located in Aiken Coxunty for 33 years. BAE Systems is also committed to local purchasing, and estimates they spent $44 million in South Carolina in 2013. Site manager Mike Eaton said the company enjoys its partnership with the educational community as well as various local charities.

“We are also very proud of our employees who have demonstrated their commitment both to our soldiers, our security and our company,” he said. The company also touts their safety record as a South Carolina Palmetto Star Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) site, having earned that certification in 1994. Fewer than 60 industrial sites in the state have that designation.

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Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations

1 Bridgestone Pkwy, Graniteville, SC 29829, 803-232-2000 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has made a significant economic impact on Aiken County. In 1998, the first Bridgestone facility represented an unprecedented $435 million investment that created a 1.5 million square foot facility and 800 new jobs. The plant produces passenger and light truck tires.

In 2011, the company announced a two-phase expansion of the existing facility and the development of a separate off-road radial tire plant. The total of $1.2 billion remains the single largest capital investment in South Carolina history.

The first tires made in the expanded PSR/LTR plant came off the line in April 2013. This location employs 1,318 local workers.

Bondex, Inc.

B&S Machine Tool, Inc.

Bondex, Inc. is a maker of thermally bonded nonwoven materials and laminated materials. In 2012, the Trenton facility doubled its size to 66,000 square feet. The $6.4 million investment generated 13 new jobs and allowed the company to add a new product line producing industrial laminates used in the manufacture of motors and generators. The laminates and coated products are used extensively in automotive, transformer and consumer white-good applications. The flat and point bonded materials are used in business machines, electrical insulation substrates, filtration and separation composites and niche medical sector applications. Currently, the company employs 26 people.

B&S Machine Tool provides machining and fabrication services for a variety of industries. Services include large turning, CNC turning with live tooling, milling, grinding, roll repair and fabrication, welding, assembly, and cutting. The company repairs or replaces worn components and has design and production capabilities for new machines and products.

B&S Machine Tool products have many applications, including building products, fiberglass, pharmaceutical, automotive, textile and paper industries. The company employs 22 local workers.

Bridgestone Americas Off Road Radial Tires

Costa Layman, LLC

2 Maxwell Dr., Trenton, SC 29847, 803-663-9626

Graniteville

The ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Bridgestone Americas Off Road Radial Tires plant was held in November 2014, and the completion of construction on the 1.5 million-square-foot facility was much-heralded in the Aiken community.

The new plant, along with an expansion to the existing Bridgestone passenger tire production facility, represented the single-largest capital investment in South Carolina history - a $1.2 billion investment in Aiken County. The off-road radial tires produced at the new facility are classified as large and ultra-large, and are used for mining and construction vehicles.

The largest tires produced here can measure up to 63 inches in diameter.

The ORR plant has 400 full time employees and contractors. The company is currently hiring machine technicians, service technicians or industrial maintenance and process engineers with chemical or mechanical engineering degrees. Plant Manager Ron Brooks noted that they received more than 7000 applications for 200 advertised machine technician positions. He said, “It will take several months for us to process the existing applications we currently have on hand.”

Brooks said that this area has an “excellent workforce.” He noted that “Ready SC, Aiken Technical College and the University of South Carolina Aiken are equipped to handle Bridgestone’s educational and technical needs and support Bridgestone’s teammate recruiting efforts.”

Bridgestone Americas is also involved in giving back to the local community. Brooks said, “The new Aiken ORR plant will continue this spirit of giving and community involvement by expanding our overall outreach in both financial support and volunteer hours to many different groups and agencies that align with our Trust Fund initiatives, which include education, conservation and preservation of our environment and a variety of children’s programs.” The company has used its Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund to distribute more than $6 million to local charities, foundations and schools since the passenger tire plant opened in 1998.

158 Old Wagener Rd., Aiken, SC 29802, 803-648-1826

73 Greenhouse Road, Trenton, SC 29847 Costa Layman, LLC, is a wholesale nursery located in Trenton, SC. The company, formerly Layman Wholesale Nurseries, was acquired by Costa Farms in March 2012. Costa is recognized as one of the largest nursery companies in the U.S. The acquisition of the Trenton farm added a sizable perennial plant division. In addition to popular perennial flowers, they also grow flowering shrubs, groundcover, ornamental lilies and ornamental grasses.

CTPP

25 Windham Blvd., Aiken, SC 29805, 648-7053 CTPP, formerly Carlisle Transportation Products is a global producer of specialty tires and wheels used in agriculture, ATV and all-terrain vehicles, construction, outdoor power sports. Carlisle tires are the official tire of the American Bass Anglers Tour. The company has been in operation since 1917 and acquired the Aiken plant in the 1990s. The company is committed to quality, performance, durability and value and employs 188 people.

CVS Distribution Center

111 Revco Road, North Augusta, SC 29842 The CVS Distribution Center in North Augusta, a logistical center owned by CVS/Health, is one of 19 U.S. distribution centers used by the pharmacy and convenience stores throughout the country.

The retail division of CVS Health is America’s leading retail pharmacy with more than 7800 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores. The North Augusta facility employs 350 local workers.

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Sunday, March 29, 2015 Custom Saddlery

127 Hedge Rd., Aiken, SC 29801, 649-2766 Custom Saddlery is a locally-owned, handcrafted saddle manufacturer. The family-run business creates saddles designed to precisely fit both horse and rider for dressage, jumping and event riders. Locally, saddles are custom fitted by Melodie McGowan. The Aiken production facility, operating since 1992, has made custom saddles for such noted Olympians as Steffen Peters, Tina Konyot and Heather Blitz. A recently-acquired hydraulic cutting machine and workforce expansion enabled an increase in production. There are 15 local employees, as well as 30 nationwide representatives and 15 international representatives. Custom Saddlery is the official saddle of the Intercollegiate Dressage Association and hosts an annual continuing education meeting in Aiken for saddle fitters. The event is an important opportunity for leaders in the saddle and tack industry to exchange ideas. Cary Wallace, president of Custom Saddlery said, “By listening to riders and trainers, industry leaders, and with our state-of-the-art facilities, qualified personnel and combined knowledge, we are able to offer a great selection of the finest saddles available.”

Dixie Clay Co.

305 Dixie Clay Rd., Bath, SC 29816, 593-2592 Dixie Clay, a division of the R.T. Vanderbilt Co., is a kaolin production company with manufacturing roots that date back to 1916. They operate several open pit mines and a mill in Bath that encompass over 3000 acres and employ 37 people.

The company’s products are used as fillers in rubber and plastics formulations, adhesives, and ceramic products. The kaolin clay they mine and mill is sold under such trade names as DIXIE CLAY® Clay, BILT-COTE® Aluminum Silicate, MCNAMEE® Clay, PAR® Clay, PEERLESS® Clay, and LANGFORD™ Clay.

Fenix Manufacturing Solutions

2063 University Pkwy., Aiken, SC 29801, 649-1381 Fenix Manufacturing Solutions makes electronic components, ignitions and specialty engineered products. The company, formerly R.E. Phelon has been headquartered in Aiken since 1979 and operates out of a 160,000 square foot facility situated on 20 acres. About 30 local workers are employed there. The headquarters is the design and test center for all of the company’s manufactured products. David Mosier, owner and president, said “Our company has a rich history as a world class manufacturing operation. From our roots as R. E. Phelon to our transition to Fenix Manufacturing Solutions, our mission has always been the same; treat our associates with integrity and respect, design and manufacture a quality product at a competitive price and exceed the expectation of our customers and local community.”

Fenix offers electromechanical assembly, fine wire winding, plastic injection molding, plasma etching, potting, printed circuit board assembly, steel stamping, surface mount technology and tool and die design.

GlaxoSmithKline

65 Windham Blvd, Aiken, SC 29805, 803- 649-3471 GlaxoSmithKline is a leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company that manufactures over-the-counter medications such as Panadol, Alli, Ecotrin, Beano, Sominex, Phazyme and Nicorette lozenges at their consumer healthcare manufacturing plant in Aiken. The company employs about 200 local workers at its facility in Verenes Industrial Park.

Grace Davison

213 Kaolin Rd., Aiken, SC 29803, 649-4133 The Grace Davison facility in Aiken is a kaolin mine and production company with deep roots in the Aiken area. The plant opened in 1940 and was purchased by W.R. Grace and Co. in 1980. The facility occupies 213 acres and has about 25 employees. Raw kaolin ore mined at the Scott/Garrett mine, located seven miles from the processing plant, is brought in by truck to be dried and milled in the processing facility.

The Aiken plant has been repeatedly recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor for good mining and land reclamation practices.

Graniteville Specialty Fabrics

511 Leitner St., Graniteville, SC 29829, 663-2646 Graniteville Specialty Fabrics has been a recognized manufacturer of coated fabrics for more than 60 years. The company has roots in the original Graniteville Company started by William Gregg, which was sold to Avondale Mills in 1996. Though none of the Avondale plants survived the catastrophic train crash and chlorine spill in 2005, Woodhead, LLC partners were able to purchase the Woodhead plant, which then became Graniteville Specialty Fabrics. The company, which enjoyed the distinction of being named the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer of the Year in 2013, specializes in custom-coated marine fabrics, military and commercial tents, awnings, specialty technical fabrics and consumer fabrics. The facility has over 177,00 square feet of manufacturing space and employs about 65 people.

Halocarbon Products Corp.

1100 Dittman Ct., North Augusta, SC 29841, 278-3500 Halocarbon Products Corp., is a world-leading producer of specialty fluorochemicals. Headquartered in New Jersey, the local manufacturing facility sits on 100 acres in North Augusta and employs 160 people. The company’s products include aliphatic fluorochemicals for pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical manufacturing, inhalation anesthetics for the human and veterinary markets, inert lubricants and other specialty products. They are a major exporter and ship throughout the world.

Halocarbon is known for a series of firsts in the world of chemical production. They were the first U.S. producer of operating-room safe fluorinated anesthetics, the world’s first large-scale producer of trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroethanol, used to make pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals, the first U.S. company to produce generic halothane, and the producers of the first commercial quantities of the CFC substitutes HFC-134a and HFC-32 (developed as chlorofluorocarbon replacements in the 1990s.)

In addition to being a company committed to innovation, Halocarbon is also dedicated to community involvement. Ken McDowell, regulatory affairs director, spoke highly of the the company’s relationship with the community. “We’ve been in North Augusta since the early 80s,” he said. “Continuing to now we try to use as many local suppliers and contractors as possible.” He noted that the company contributes substantially to the tax base, both through county and state taxes. “I pay very good wages,” he said, adding that higher wages contribute additional increases in the quality of life here.

Hubbell Power Systems

1850 Richland Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, 648-8386 Hubbell Power Systems (HPS) manufactures a wide variety of transmission, distribution, substation, OEM and telecommunications products used by utilities. The Aiken plant makes products in the Ohio Brass brand line that include polymer insulators and arresters. Designs include suspension, station and line post designs, as well as polymer insulator and arrester combinations for lightning protection. OB arresters protect against over voltages caused by lightning or switching. The Aiken plant employs about 360 local workers.

Imerys North America Ceramics Langley, South Carolina

Imerys operates the Kentucky-Tennessee Clays - Minerals for Ceramics production facility in Langley, SC. Imerys is the world leader in mineral-based solutions for industry, and has used the local mine as a case study in sustainable development. Since 2007, in the light of a collaborative project with Aiken County, five of the furnaces work on biogas. In exchange for KT Clay’s investment in the necessary extraction and delivery systems, the county sells its biogas at a lower price. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions and reducing operating costs, the project also presents two main advantages to the local population: it reduces unpleasant smells from landfills and it improves safety by avoiding the risk of gas leaks.The Langley facility employs 30 people.

Sunday, March 29, 2015 Jarrett Rifles

383 Brown Road, Jackson, SC 29831, 803-471-3616 Jarrett Rifles have been handmade in Jackson, SC, since 1979. The locallyowned family company produces extremely accurate hand-made custom rifles.

Jarrett rifles are known for their proprietary receiver, barrel, and stocks, which are designed, produced and fitted by Kenny Jarrett and his skilled craftsmen.

The attention to detail results in absolute reliability coupled with phenomenal accuracy. The company produces eight signature rifles, as well as specifically crafted custom rifles.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

246 Old Jackson Hwy., Beech Island, SC 29842 Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s Beech Island location is the company’s largest manufacturing facility in the U.S. The 3.2 million square foot complex sits on 1200 acres and produces such popular brands as KLEENEX®, COTTONELLE®, SCOTT®, HUGGIES® and PULL-UPS®, as well as COTTONELLE® flushable cleansing cloths. One of the larger employers in the area, Kimberly-Clark has 1200 company employees and 800 contractors working on-site.

Mill manager, John Pownall, acknowledged the advantages of the Aiken County location. He said, “We’ve been here since 1968 and this area offers a great quality of life. We have good distribution advantages to be near Atlanta and the Interstate system.” He also noted that local employees are exceptional. “We have very talented team members that allow us to deliver on our business requirements,” he remarked. Pownall also suggested that young people should look into manufacturing as a potential career choice.

He said that technological advancements have made the work much better. “Factory jobs are really good,” he said, “a lot of workers don’t realize what good jobs or a good career this is.”

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MTU America, Inc.

660 Bettis Academy Road, Graniteville, SC 29829, 761-6300 MTU “Proud to be a Member of the Aiken County community.”

The relationship a company has with its surrounding community is just as vital as its initial capital investment in an area. MTU America, an engine manufacturing facility located in the Sage Valley Industrial Park, is an outstanding example of an industry leader dedicated to the education and training of our local workforce.

MTU America was the recipient of the small/medium manufacturer of the year award by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce in 2014. The prestigious award is a direct reflection of the commitment the company has to the local community. They also won an award from the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce.

Joerg Klisch, vice president of North American operations, MTU America, said, “Aiken County provides us with all of the tools that are necessary for us to deliver excellence to our customers.” He stated that the location is perfect for the company’s logistical needs, and that there is a talented workforce here. He also said that Aiken County is an ideal environment in which to develop a true company-community partnership.

Klisch noted the example of the newly implemented high school apprentice program. He said the program “brings new opportunities to Aiken County students.” The company works closely with the Aiken County School District and Aiken Technical College and models its apprenticeship program after the German system.

Located in Aiken County since 2010, MTU America has a 398,172-squarefoot facility situated on 100 acres of land. Employing 300 local workers, the facility produces high horsepower diesel engines for off-highway applications such as mining equipment, oil and gas exploration equipment and emergency generator sets.

In 2013, MTU America opened a new 19,300-square-foot engine research and development center at its Aiken plant that tests new engines under a variety of strenuous conditions. The goal of this facility is to develop cleaner, more efficient and more reliable engines for MTU customers around the world.

Linde, LLC

Newman Technology

The Linde Group is a world leading gases and engineering company with almost 48,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The Aiken plant, in operation for 26 years, produces 485 tons each day of oxygen, nitrogen and argon and employs 30 local workers. After production, the gases are driven in trucks to users in the chemical, food processing, steel, healthcare, paper and metal fabrication industries.

In 2010, the Aiken plant received certification under the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care program.

Newman Technology, Inc., is the North American division of Sankei Giken Kogyo Co., Ltd. The Aiken location, one of three North American production facilities, makes exhaust and frame parts for ATV, SxS and power equipment. With such notable customers as Honda, Acura and Subaru, the company is dedicated to providing quality parts.

The company attributes its success to its employees stating on its website, “The spirited dedication of our associates and the pioneering vision of our leadership has been the cornerstone of our growth and will continue to guide us as we expand our operations here in North America.” The Aiken facility has 150 employees.

Menardi-Filtex

National Wild Turkey Federation

85 Airco Blvd., Aiken, SC 29801, 803-649-5126

1 Maxwell Dr., Trenton, SC 29847, 800-321-3218 Founded in 1913 in Augusta, GA, Menardi-Filtex, originally the Southern Press Cloth Manufacturing Co., was one of the first filter mat producers.Today, Menardi is continually working to be the innovative leader in the development of new and improved filtration products. Strategically, they concentrate on product quality, customer service, and value added products through their commitment to research and development.

Minardi-Filtex is the only fabric filter producer with the capability to apply finish to fiberglass before it is processed into filter bags, a process so refined that it is now being copied by other suppliers.

The Trenton facility employs 100 people.

Milliken & Co.

75 Calhoun Street, Johnston, SC 29832, 803-275-2516 Milliken is an innovation leader in specialty chemicals, performance materials and floor coverings. The company’s Johnston Plant employs 200 people and is a model of the Milliken Performance System and Milliken Safety Way™, two systematic improvement systems that make Milliken’s manufacturing processes safer and more competitive in the marketplace. The plant also received the American Manufacturing Excellence Award in 2011, which signifies high levels of excellence achieved and sustained throughout the past year. All award recipients recognized by AME maintain global competitiveness and continually position their organizations as leaders.

450 AB Miles Drive, Aiken, SC 29805, 803-502-1250

770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, SC 29824, 803-637-3106 The NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of hunting heritage. Founded in 1973, the NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., and has local chapters in every state.

Through vital partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF has helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America — from a mere 30,000 in the entire United States to more than 7 million across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

At the 2014 NWTF Convention in Nashville, Tenn., the group announced plans for a NWTF Hunting Heritage Center and Palmetto Shooting Complex.

According to Earl Kennamer, chief conservation officer for the Edgefield chapter, the current center encompasses about 130 acres. The expansion will begin with a world-class shooting complex with future plans for camping capabilities, fishing, mentor hunts and team building. Plans for the facility also include enough space to accommodate about 200 people for industry meetings.

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Sunday, March 29, 2015 Owens Corning

2648 Wagener Rd.. Aiken, SC 29801, 643-2660 Owens Corning is a leading global producer of building materials and glass-fiber reinforcements for composite systems. In business in Aiken since 1979, the company has undergone several expansions, including a recent addition of a 175,000 square foot warehouse space. In 2010, they invested $36 million which added a production line for non-woven glass fiber mat.

A Fortune® 500 Company for 59 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability by delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives.

In business for more than 75 years, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology with sales of $5.3 billion in 2013 and about 15,000 employees in 27 countries. The company employs 180 local workers.

PACTIV

578 Old Jackson Hwy., Jackson, SC 29831, 827-5205 Pactiv, LLC is a maker of foodservice and food packaging handling products.

Their facility in Beech Island expanded operations in 2012 with a $5.5 million investment.

Pactiv LLC is a leader in the consumer and foodservice/food packaging markets it serves. Pactiv foodservice/food packaging offers one of the broadest lines in the industry, providing food packaging for the supermarket, packer/ processor, institutional, foodservice and restaurant industries.

Parkdale America #20

450 Rabbit Trail , Edgefield, SC 29824 The Parkdale America Plant #20 in Edgefield, was purchased from Delta Apparel, Inc. in 2005. The Edgefield plant produces spun yarn and employs 100 people. The plant uses modern equipment to produce high-quality yarn that is later sold to apparel manufacturers.

Recleim

118 Hard Street, Graniteville, SC 29829 In Graniteville, the effort to maintain the momentum of major capital investment continues. The latest major company to invest in the area is Recleim, LLC, an appliance, refrigerator and electronic waste recycling plant. The company, founded in 2012, uses exclusive closed-loop green technology to safely de-manufacture old appliances. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Gov. Nikki Haley, was held in February.

Recleim is not simply recycling refrigerators, however.

The company renovated the historic Hickman mill in Graniteville, one of the faciities owned by Avondale Mills.

Recleim General Manager Doug Huffer said he is enthusiastic about the company’s budding relationship with the surrounding community. He noted Recleim is coming into an area that was devastated by the train wreck and departure of Avondale mills, and building something new.

“We had a variety of reasons to come into Aiken County: infrastructure, the tremendous support from the Aiken County delegation, government, the Economic Development Partnership and the state. It’s a great transportation hub and a great logistics center,” Huffer said.

Recleim’s process of recycling and air purification uses exclusive European technology to safely recover about 95 percent of the components serviced. Many old appliances, computers and electronics contain toxins which, if improperly discarded, can enter local ecosystems and harm the soil and groundwater. Recleim is able to safely remove the dangerous substances and reduce the remainder of the appliances to small pellets.

The company currently employs about 65 people, with the intent of expanding to a total workforce of 200 by the end of the year. There will be a variety of skilled and non-skilled positions listed on the company website at www.recleim.com.

Parkdale America #40

Riegel Consumer Products

Parkdale America #40, formerly Avondale Mill’s Townsend plant, produces high-quality spun yarn. The facility was purchased by Parkdale in 2006. The parent company, Parkdale, Inc., is one of the largest providers of spun yarns in the world, and produces over 8000 tons per week at facilities in the U.S., Central America, Mexico and South America. Through its subsidiaries, it processes 60 percent of the U.S. annual cotton consumption.

Riegel Consumer Products, a division of Mount Vernon Mills, Inc., has operated its Johnston, SC plant since 1999. This state-of-the-art facility has cut-and-sew production, as well as storage for the finished product. The dual capability in production allows for flexibility when working with custom size requests. Riegel produces textiles such as tablecloths, sheets, terry and surgical towels and infant bedding. Customers include the linen supply market, as well as hotel chains such as Mariott, Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood, the Fairmont and Four Seasons brands. Riegel employs about 110 people in Johnston.

Progress Rail Services

South Carolina Metal Products

418 Ascauga Lake Rd, Graniteville, SC 29829, 663-0697

168 Fischer Rd., Jackson, SC 29831, 471-9005 Progress Rail Services Corporation, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., makes wheels and wheelsets in its Jackson facility, where it employs 58 people. Progress Rail is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services in North America. Their broad range of facilities includes locomotive upgrade and repair, railcar remanufacturing, rail welding, rail repair and replacement, signal design and installation, maintenance of way equipment, parts reclamation and recycling. Currently the company operates over 110 facilities in the United States, 28 in Mexico, and one in South America.

Rest Master Bedding

16 Rest Master Lane, North Augusta, SC, 803.-279-7588 Rest Master Bedding Co., is a mattress manufacturing company that was established in Augusta in 1982. In 1998, the family-owned and run company built a modern, 67,000 square foot facility in North Augusta. The company produces some of the finest mattresses on the market, and focuses on timely production and quick delivery. Started by Emerson and Herbia Thompson, the company is dedicated to using American-made materials in their products and employs about 20 people.

51 Riegel Road, Johnston, SC 29832, 800-845-2232

555 A.B. Miles Dr., Aiken, SC 29805, 644-2900 SC Metal Products, a 2005 addition to the McGregor Metalworking Companies, manufactures metal stampings, split steep pulleys and welded assemblies in a 72,000 square foot facility in Aiken. These products have applications in agriculture, automotive, lawn and garden and recreational vehicles.

SCANA Energy

2231 S. Centennial Ave.,Aiken, SC 29803, 803-649-2394 SCANA, a $12 billion, Fortune 500 company operates a customer service call center in Aiken. SCANA is an energybased holding company that provides regulated electric and natural gas utility operations through its subsidiaries, such as SCE&G.

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Sunday, March 29, 2015 SCE&G

Trantech Radiator Products

South Carolina Electric & Gas Company is a regulated public utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 675,000 customers throughout the state. They have 52,000 customers in Aiken County. The company also provides natural gas service to approximately 325,000 customers throughout South Carolina. SCANA and SCE&G employ 376 local workers.

Trantech is the largest manufacturer of transformer radiators in North America. They specialize in radiators and other products used to cool liquidfilled transformers in the electric industry. The company was founded in 1932 in Lansing, Mich., but relocated to a 120,000 square foot facility in Edgefield in 1970. Trantech specializes in serving the utility market by providing replacement radiators to retrofit any size of panel style radiators, tube assemblies, electric coolers and water coolers. Their highly skilled staff is capable of designing a custom solution to any manufacturing need. They employ 135 people.

Shaw Industries

TTX

108 Barnwell St. NW, Aiken, SC 29801, 643-5916

136 E. Frontage Rd., Aiken, SC 29805, 641-7083

#1 Tranter Drive, P.O. Box 570, Edgefield, SC 29824, 803-637-3166

1 Hamburg Rd., North Augusta, SC 29841

Shaw Industries is a global provider of carpet, rugs, hardwood, laminate, tile and stone. Employing over 25,000 worldwide, the Aiken facility has 600 workers. Shaw was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Dalton, Ga. The company’s total annual revenue is over $4 billion. Shaw continues to be recognized for being a Top 125 Training Company by Training Magazine and has also been named one of the 50 Best Companies to Sell for by Selling Power Magazine. Shaw is committed to creating the most beautiful and sustainable flooring in the world. Their associates are dedicated to their communities and are proud of their status as an industry leader.

TTX Company is a leading provider of railcars and related freight car management services to the North American rail industry. The North Augusta location is a heavy repair plant that employs 338 local workers.

TTX has been a pioneer in the railroad industry, providing customers with well-maintained railcars in an efficient manner. The company’s maintenance operation terminals help care for the varied fleet repair needs and enable TTX to offer over 220,000 railcars to various rail carriers.

Shinsho American Corporation

UPS Customhouse Brokerage

Shinsho American Corporation is an owned subsidiary of Shinsho Corporation, the trading company member of the Kobe Steel Group. The Aiken facility produces bearing-quality cold drawn wire, which has applications in precision parts, bolts, screws, springs and bearings. They have 13 local workers.

UPS Customhouse Brokerage, employs about 490 people in Aiken.

The 51,250 square foot facility was established in 2001, and is responsible for processing shipments being imported into the U.S. through the UPS transportation network. Though no packages are handled at this location, employees are able to use high-tech methods to classify goods, assess and collect customs duties and ensure that shipments meet U.S. Customs Service requirements.

UPS is the world’s largest express carrier and package delivery company,

Southeastern Tool

Urban Outfitters

75 Windham Blvd., Aiken, SC 29805, 803.641-6091

3231 Wagener Rd., Aiken, SC 29801, 803.649-4127 Southeastern Tool is a locally owned custom machine company offering a wide array of products from jigs, fixtures and gages, to die design, repair and sharpening. They offer cylindrical and surface grinding, machine repair and rebuild, welding and fabrication services.

Founded in 1960, Southeastern Tool has grown into a thriving, state-of-the-art facility with 20 employees. The large machine shop on Wagener Road has conventional mills and lathes, as well as Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) turning centers. CNC centers maximize efficiency and accuracy while minimizing consumer costs. Highly skilled employees are able to service many types of machines, including repairing and rebuilding existing equipment or designing new machines.

Southeastern Tool’s partner company, Southeastern Systems, Inc. (SES) offers mechanical and electrical design of sophisticated machinery and custom control panels. The business is completely self-contained. All design, fabrication and programming are completed on-site to ensure the product is made in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

While the people of Southeastern Tool are dedicated to providing customers with precision-crafted products, they also know that success is directly proportional to the amount of community involvement. Lee Cheeks, company supervisor, said, “We donate monetarily and physically to numerous nonprofit organizations in Aiken.” He mentioned the Cheeks family commitment to the American Red Cross, where Don Cheeks is the Executive Board Director, the Savannah River Cancer Foundation, St Jude, MCG – Miracle Network, local schools and veteran organizations. The combination of good business practices and community engagement clearly works. Southeastern Tool was voted the 2011 Small Business of the year by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and won Best of Aiken by the US Commerce Association in 2011 and 2012.

Southern Felt Co.

1695 Edgefield Rd., Aiken, SC 29860, 803-663-6693 Founded in 1987 in North Augusta, South Carolina, the Southern Felt facility encompasses over 250,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space on 12 acres of land. Southern Felt pursues a policy of continuous investment and the plant utilizes state of the art production equipment specifically designed and engineered for the industrial dust filtration, automotive, laundry, and technical felt markets.

Servicing a range of industries from power generation, automotive, asphalt, chemical, steel and pharmaceutical to waste incineration. The company has a highly motivated team of expert textile technologists, engineers and manufacturing specialists dedicated to providing solutions and innovative products in an ever-changing marketplace. The plant has 150 employees.

2031 S. Centennial Ave., Aiken, SC 29803, 803-502-6892

30 Industrial Park, Trenton, SC 29847, 803-275-0937 Urban Outfitters, Inc. is a niche market retailer offering a variety of clothing and lifestyle items through Urban retail stores, Anthropologie stores, Free People, the company’s wholesale division, and three different catalogs and websites. Based out of Pennsylvania, the company established a major distribution center in Trenton in 2005. The facility is 459,000 square feet and ships wholesale merchandise and fulfills direct-to-consumer orders. It has 400 employees.

U.S. Fibers - Trenton Plant

30 Pinehouse Road, Trenton, SC 29847, 803-275-5023 U.S. Fibers, a recycler of PET post-industrial and post-consumer material, has undergone several expansions at its plant in Trenton. The most recent project, a $5.5 million investment in 2012 generated about 50 new jobs. The plant has been in operation for 12 years.

US Fibers, a division of the Pac Tell Group Inc., is one of the first companies in the United States to recycle all forms of PET Post Industrial and Post Consumer material and then convert it into a high quality, regenerated staple fiber. The company supplies material to a wide range of markets, including: non-woven, automotive, filtration and construction industries, and the home furnishings market.The Trenton plant employs about 150 people.

Valmet

25 Beloit Street, Aiken, SC 29805, 649-1541 A global company created from the demerger of Metso Paper USA, Inc., Valmet Corporation is a leading global developer and supplier of services and technologies for the pulp, paper and energy industries. Employing over 11,000 professionals worldwide, and 80 here in Aiken, the company began production of thermal sprayed roll covers in Aiken in 1995. The facility was completely rebuilt and upgraded in 2001 in order to start offering ceramic covers for press rolls, carbide covers for calendar rolls, and other covers such as GuideMate for paper carrying rolls and Trac Mate for reel and winder drums.

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Aiken Regional Medical Centers Business and Industry Health 440 Society Hill Drive, Suite 204, Aiken, SC 29803 803-648-2885

One major concern of any manufacturing facility is the health, safety, and well-being of its workers. Aiken County businesses and industries, as well as those located nearby in Edgefield and Barnwell counties, are fortunate to have a designated Business and Industry Health Occupational Clinic operated by Aiken Regional Medical Centers (ARMC).

ARMC Business and Industry Health provide local employers an opportunity to design industry specific pre-employment assessments and interventions as well as Workplace Wellness programs.

These services include but are not lim-

ited to: Pre-employment, annual, return to work or fitness for duty physicals.

Pre and post hire drug screenings, Biometric health and cardiac screenings.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data have shown that four out of 10 of the most expensive employee health conditions are related to heart disease and stroke (high blood pressure, heart attacks, diabetes and chest pain).

ARMC Business and Industry Health address many of these common, acute, and chronic issues with company specific on-site employee evaluations, lunch-n-learns and medical nutrition therapy. These include but are not limited to recommendations for diabetes self-management, hyper-lipids, hypertension, and weight management.

Research has been found that health promotion programs in the workplace can reduce healthcare costs by up to 25 percent.

In addition to Workplace Wellness programs, Business and Industry Health also contracts Occupational Health Registered Nurses, provides workers’ compensation services, first aid, CPR, and AED training, as well as assisting employees of companies and

businesses obtain primary care providers if needed.

ARMC Business and Industry Health, an established workplace partner meeting industry and employee needs for the past decade.

Veracity Payment Solutions, Inc.

1690 Richland Avenue W, Aiken, SC 29801, 866-944-0055 Veracity Payment Solutions is one of the fastest growing acquirers in North America. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., with customer operations and sales services in Aiken, Veracity serves the trade associations, affinity partners, community banks, large corporations and merchants by offering full service payment technology and solutions. Employing about 10 people in Aiken, the company believes that continued growth and success is dependent on employee training, development and teamwork.

WHECO Corporation, Aiken Service Center

3280 Charleston Hwy., Aiken, SC 29801, 803.643-1006 WHECO Corporation is the leading global provider of complex heavy equipment restoration and repair. Employing 15 local workers, WHECO has a 44,000 square foot building situated on 30 acres off of Charleston Highway. The shop has two 30-ton bridge cranes and includes a railspur. WHECO expanded their operations into South Carolina in 2006. John Willis, division manager, asserts that the company has greatly benefitted from the addition of the Aiken facility. He said, “The community, as well as the State of South Carolina, has been very cooperative and gracious. It is a pleasure doing business here and exposing our customers … to the Southern charm and hospitality of Aiken.”

Zeus Industrial Products, Inc.

2370 Levels Church Rd. Aiken, SC 29801 Zeus Industrial Products is a leader in the field of advanced polymer science and development of high-performance polymer tubing. The company employs more than 1,200 people worldwide with South Carolina facilities in Orangeburg, Gaston and Aiken. The Aiken operation, an 83,000 square foot facility, was established in 1999 and employs 116 people. Their products are used in medical, automotive, electrical, fluid handling, aerospace and mechanical markets.

ASCO has been a part of the Aiken for over 125 years, employing over 350 people. ASCO makes products that support your everyday needs from gas dispensers to medical equipment.

ASCO also believes in helping our community by donating to local charities and organizations that make an impact in the everyday lives of our family and friends.

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

Supporting our Communities

Investing in our Future

Honoring Our Veterans

The Aiken County Off Road Tire Plant

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Industry in Saluda County In July 2014, the Economic Development Partnership expanded to include neighboring Saluda County.

According to EDP President and CEO Will Williams, the inclusion makes strategic sense as many of Saluda’s industrial sites border Aiken County and many people live in one county while working in another.

Amick Farms produces a diverse line of fresh and frozen chicken products to meet the needs of foodservice, industrial, and retail customers. Amick Farms has been owned by OSI Group since 2006 and is now part of the 11th largest meat manufacturing company in the

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world. The company has a hatchery in Monetta and a processing facility in Batesburg. The company employs 1,800 people.

Valley Proteins collects and recycles inedible animal by-products from the food industry that would otherwise lead to environmental contamination. The company provides disposal services to restaurants, supermarkets and poultry processing facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic, eastern and southwestern United States.

Clean and efficient conversion plants recycle these by-products into high-energy feed fat and protein-

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rich meal products. These valueadded ingredients provide the nutrients feed producers need to create superior animal feeds. The company employs 1,600 people.

Roya Foods produces convenience foods in the form of pre-packaged instant meals. Roya Foods’ markets products that are authentic, tasty and convenient for their customers. Roya has 25 local employees.

Gentry’s Poultry is a family owned poultry processing business. Located off Highway 39 near Ridge Spring, they process approximately 30,000 birds each day. The company has 135 employees.

EDP, from page 4

educational information. The information gathered is unique to each company and can involve many hours of research.

There are many factors that draw businesses to the Aiken area, Williams noted. Among them are the location on Interstate 20, abundant water and sewer capacity, a readily available workforce, central location to the ports of Savannah and Charleston and shovel-ready industrial parks. Most importantly it is the hard work that the 3 County Councils put into maintaining a business friendly environment that makes each county attractive to new investment.

The EDP celebrated its 30th anniversary in October. When asked about the greatest successes of the partnership, Williams nodded to a commemorative plaque on the boardroom wall. “That’s our greatest achievement,” he said.

The plaque states that between 1984 and 2014 EDP assisted their counties with capital investments totaling $9,954,212,000 and 22,263 new jobs created.

Looking forward, the EDP is focused on bringing more businesses to the area, developing a new speculative

building at Sage Mill Industrial Park and encouraging the growth of existing industries in the three-county region.

Partnerships among the University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken Technical College and local companies are also helping to attract more young people to manufacturing careers. The Industrial Mechanic Basic Apprenticeship in partnership with MTU and the Technical Scholars program at ATC are two examples of industry education initiatives that will help expand the skilled labor market.

Higher education leaders are also working with the local school district to expose middle and high school guidance counselors to the needs of area manufacturers. Williams encourages young people to think about working in industry, as the average annual pay in Aiken County for a manufacturing career is $59,000.

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