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ON-SITE 150 FOOT TEST TOWER
We look forward to continuing our partnership with the community. -BRAD SELLECK
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story by Heather Page As professionals, we tend to find ourselves on the go from one appointment to the next. Often times, running late and circling the parking lot a few times and then finally walking into the building to find out the meeting is on the fourth floor. Luckily for us, more time than not, there’s an Otis Elevator offering us swift, safe travel to get us there in a timely manner and providing a few seconds of solitude to gain our thoughts on our way up. Otis Elevator was founded more than 160 years ago by the inventor of the safety elevator, Elisha Graves Otis. Otis is now the world’s largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products including elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. In 2013, Otis made Florence one of two locations in the states with a Test Tower, planting an easily accessible 423,000 square-foot facility directly off of the interstate. To date, Otis is proud to have almost doubled the number of employees at the Florence location as well as increasing the facility’s footprint to nearly 440,000 square feet. “Otis is excited to bring more economic opportunities to the City of Florence,” said Brad Selleck, Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Otis Americas. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the community.” VIP was honored to visit the Florence facility with Vice President Brad Selleck, which included a tour of the exquisite factory and chance to experience the very impressive 150-foot test tower. Brad started with the company nearly 20 years ago as an engineer intern. He continued with the company after graduating the intern program and has relocated to several states within the company including Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, and Indiana. He and his family followed the company to Florence three years ago to help continue the growth of Otis Elevator. Brad loves that Otis is truly a diverse company; with employees from 14 countries, you can hear 11 languages spoken throughout the building. The company continues to offer summer internships, the Florence facility currently employs 16 interns from across the country.
began its relationship with the state of South Carolina 160 years ago when the company sold a hoist machine for $350 to the F.W. Claussen Flour in Charleston in February 1856. A century and a half later, Hotel Florence received the first elevator manufactured at the Florence facility to be installed in a Florence business.
In addition to serving in the communities economic development, Otis Elevator contributes great support to local organizations. This year they have donated to the American Heart Associations’ Annual Gala and will be donating to the SC Governor’s School for Science and Math. They also have ties to USC School of Engineering, Francis Marion University, Florence Darlington Technical College, Clemson School of Engineering, Wilson High School, First Robotics, Mayo School, Florence Literacy Council, First Lego, Florence Little Theatre, Florence Museum, Clemson Pee Dee Research and Education Center, American Cancer Society, Harvest Hope, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, City of Florence Parks and Rec, Pee Dee Coalition, and the Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity. The Florence facility unites Otis’ manufacturing, engineering, contract logistics, and field support expertise; a first time in a single U.S. location, allowing Otis to enhance customer support and product development efforts. Florence is privileged to be home of a business with such a unique product and great business model. MANUFACTURING FACILITY
Upon entering the facility, you are greeted by their industry changing Gen2 Elevator and a gleaming showroom that proudly displays the rich history of Otis. Through old documents, order books and images, the historical showroom showcases some of Otis’ iconic projects, including the Empire State Building. Otis
August 2016 | VIP Magazine
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