$3.1 million investment expected to create 27 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – October 18, 2013 – WasteZero, the leading provider of municipal solid waste reduction programs in the U.S., announced today that it will expand its existing operations in Williamsburg County. The $3.1 million investment is expected to generate 27 new jobs.
“We are excited about the opportunity to expand our operations at our Hemingway plant,” said Mark Dancy, president of WasteZero. “South Carolina’s pro-business environment and skilled and dependable workforce has enabled us to grow.”
WasteZero plans to add 10,000 square feet of manufacturing space at its Hemingway facility, which serves as the company’s sole manufacturing plant to serve its more than 800 municipal customers across the nation. The company expects to complete the expansion by the end of the first quarter of 2014.
“Today’s announcement is another win for one of our state’s rural areas,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We celebrate WasteZero’s decision to invest $3.1 million and create 27 new jobs in Hemingway. It is always great to see one of our existing businesses grow and succeed in our state.”
The company, which is based in Raleigh, N.C., helps local governments around the United States save money by cutting municipal solid waste and by increasing recycling. WasteZero partner municipalities have consistently seen an average 44 percent decrease in municipal solid waste deposited into landfills or incinerators and a doubling or sometimes tripling of recycling rates, according to the company.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $850 million in capital investment and more than 2,200 jobs in the recycling-related sector.
“South Carolina is the perfect place to go green and to make green,” said Secretary Bobby Hitt. “With business-friendly resources and an excellent workforce, our state is well-positioned to serve the growth of companies in the recycling and waste management sector.”
The North Eastern Strategic Alliance’s (NESA) Executive Committee Chairman, Senator Yancey McGill, said WasteZero’s expansion in Hemingway is evidence of the region’s continued strength in terms of economic development.
“Today’s WasteZero expansion announcement signifies a great strengthening of the ties between our region and the businesses that reside with it,” Sen. McGill said. “I’d like to thank WasteZero, Williamsburg County, NESA and the South Carolina Department of Commerce for their resolve to get this project done for the both the betterment of our region and WasteZero. It says a lot about Hemingway when a company locates, continues doing business and expands.”
“We are extremely pleased that WasteZero has chosen to expand in the Hemingway area of Williamsburg County for the fourth time,” said Williamsburg County Supervisor Stanley S. Pasley. “Their $3.1 million investment and great potential for continued growth is welcomed by our community. The creation of these 27 new jobs for our citizens is very much appreciated. We look forward to an extended relationship that will be mutually beneficial and contribute to the overall prosperity of Williamsburg County. Their new recycling line reflects the company’s desire to be eco-friendly citizens in Williamsburg County. This type of company meets the desires of our strategic plan in multiple ways.”
The company will begin hiring for the new positions next spring. Those interested in job opportunities with the company should visit the company’s career page at http://wastezero.com/about/careers/.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant of $125,000 for the project.
About WasteZero
WasteZero is the leading provider of municipal solid waste reduction programs in the U.S. The company is on a mission to cut residential trash in half across the nation. WasteZero partners with more than 800 municipalities throughout the United States to reduce the amount of waste that is landfilled or burned, to increase recycling, and to generate savings. It helps municipalities design, launch, and manage next-generation pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) systems, known as WasteZero Trash Metering™ programs. Under these programs, municipalities often eliminate or reduce fixed residential fees for trash collection, and they require residents to dispose of trash only in official, pre-paid bags. These programs consistently cut residential solid waste volume to 46% below the national average or better. They also help to double and sometimes triple recycling rates.
WasteZero manufactures customized plastic trash bags for its programs-and for other customers-in the U.S. from recycled content. A certified B Corporation, the company is committed to keeping and creating jobs in the U.S. and to solving the nation's solid waste crisis. WasteZero is based in Raleigh, NC, has a manufacturing plant in Hemingway, SC, and maintains regional offices around the country.
For more information, visit www.wastezero.com.