COLUMBIA, S.C. – April 5, 2011 – Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Oconee County today announced that CollinsCraft Corporation, a fiberglass and composites manufacturer, will expand its operations in Oconee County. Assuming market conditions continue to support growth, this multimillion-dollar investment is expected to generate about 20 new jobs over the next five years.
“We are moving forward on a new facility in Westminster. This facility represents a big step for our company. Oconee County offers us an excellent business environment and a ready and available workforce. The employees I have show an excellent work ethic, caring for each other and their needs, both spiritually and physically. We have been in Oconee County for over 30 years and are pleased to continue doing business in South Carolina’s Upstate. CollinsCraft Corporation was founded on the same Biblical principals our nation was founded on and I believe in strong work ethics and going the extra mile to provide superior products, strong customer support, and a safe employee work environment,” said Ken Collins, owner of CollinsCraft Corporation. “I have received great support from Senator Thomas Alexander, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Oconee County Council and numerous other folks in this community,” Collins continued.
CollinsCraft is expanding their fiberglass and composite manufacturing operations in Oconee County with the construction of a new 66,000 square foot facility that is expected to be completed by mid to late summer. Ken Collins states that “few people are aware of the huge costs associated with expansion of a small business. Not only do you have the facility construction costs, but the investment in creating new jobs is tremendous. Just one job created in this type industry involves in excess of one million dollars in that job creation if all costs are considered.”
“CollinsCraft’s multimillion-dollar investment, expansion and job growth is another South Carolina success story that we're going to celebrate,” said Gov. Haley. “We’re working everyday to make our state the most competitive in the country for business development, and we're excited to see CollinsCraft choose to expand and create jobs in our state.”
“Small businesses continue to serve as the backbone of South Carolina’s economy. And CollinsCraft’s growth is another example that our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce continue to attract investment and foster growth among existing small businesses. We wish CollinsCraft Corporation continued success in their endeavors,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
“I am very familiar with Mr. Collins and all that he has done for our County by providing excellent jobs for our citizens for many years and I know he has supported the community in many ways,” said state Senator Thomas Alexander. He continued “Ken Collins is a great example of the small businessman making good things happen.”
Oconee County Council Chairman Joel Thrift added “There is no doubt that Mr. Collins will make this new operation successful. He cares about his customers, his employees and the citizens of this state. We thank him for what he is doing in Oconee County.”
For more information about CollinsCraft Corporation, please visit www.cofab.com.