Republic National Distributing Company Announces Expansion in Lexington County

COLUMBIA, S.C. – March 8, 2010 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Lexington County and the Central SC Alliance today announced that Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) will expand its operations with a new facility in Lexington County.  The company expects to invest more than $11.8 million in its new facility over the next five years.

“Our company continues to grow and gain market share, and this new facility will give us the room we need to remain competitive.  The new site in Lexington County is perfect for our needs and we are pleased to continue doing business in the Midlands.  We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Peter Fawcett, CEO of RNDC.

RNDC will locate its new facility in the Lexington County Industrial Park, located just off U.S. 321.  The company will build a 200,000-square-foot facility there, and expects to occupy the building by September.  All employees from the company’s current location will be transferred there.

“An important element of success in economic development is producing top-notch buildings and sites strategically located for companies needing to move products efficiently.  RNDC’s decision to locate in the Lexington County Industrial Park is an indication that the county’s work in this area is paying dividends.  Today’s announcement is also a positive sign that our state’s strong market access and business-friendly climate are a winning combination working to attract new investments and helping our existing industries grow.  We appreciate Peter Fawcett’s and RNDC’s decision to further invest in South Carolina and look forward to their continued success in our state,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“As we examined corridor development in Lexington County, distribution was one of the four sectors identified for the Cayce-West Columbia region. We are extremely pleased that one of our long standing existing industries decided to develop its next generation facility here in Lexington County. The company’s expansion validates the workforce, its work ethic, our geographic location and our commitment to assist existing industry,” said Lexington County Council Chairman James E. Kinard Jr.

Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple said, “RNDC’s announcement today further demonstrates the exceptional transportation and logistics network that exists here in the Central SC Region. More and more companies that have a need of moving product expeditiously to customers have discovered that our access to four interstate highways, the Port of Charleston and the UPS air hub located at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the perfect cost-effective location for growth oriented companies.”

RNDC is the second largest distributor of premium wine and spirits in the United States with operations in Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.  RNDC employs more than 6,000 individuals nationwide.  For more information about the company, please visit www.rndc-usa.com.

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