$10 million investment expected to create 20 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Chester Wood Products, a maker and distributor of wood products for the industrial and commercial construction markets, today announced expansion plans for its Chester County facility. The $10 million investment is expected to generate 20 new jobs.
“We are pleased to be a major presence in a business-friendly area. We strongly believe in our business and the people of the Upstate region and the Chester community,” said Dick Baldwin, vice president and general manager of Chester Wood Products.
Chester Wood Products, one of the largest manufacturing employers in Chester County, plans to upgrade the company’s hardwood plywood production operation, located at 1445 Lancaster Hwy. The expansion is expected to be completed by the middle of 2013.
“Today’s announcement is another win for one of South Carolina’s rural areas. We celebrate Chester Wood Products’ decision to invest $10 million and create 20 new jobs in Chester County. When our state’s existing businesses, like Chester Wood Products, increase their footprint here, we know we’re on the right track with our economic development efforts,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
The company also supplies softwood plywood and lumber products to the residential construction market. Timber for the company’s products comes from 11 Upstate counties.
“It’s great to see Chester Wood Products expand operations here in South Carolina. Our state’s manufacturing sector continues to grow and create new jobs. The Palmetto State’s manufacturing renaissance continues to gather steam,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $6.8 billion in capital investment and more than 16,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Chester Wood Products is our largest manufacturing employer in Chester County. We celebrate Chester Wood Products’ decision to invest and create new jobs in Chester County,” said Chester County Supervisor R. Carlisle Roddey.
“We applaud Chester Wood Products investment in modernizing and upgrading their facility in Chester County which will create new jobs. This announcement is just one more sign of Chester County’s business-friendly environment. Their commitment to Chester County, their employees and the surrounding area should be celebrated,” said Chester Development Association Chairman Mike Enoch.
“South Carolina’s economy continues benefiting greatly from the Agribusiness sector of farming and forestry. Chester Wood Products’ expansion announcement shows the growing impact the two are making in our state and its future,” said South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.
Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Excel Staffing Services at 803-985-9311 or Aerotek at 704-329-8180.