COLUMBIA, S.C. — Crown Casting Industries, a modern iron and bronze foundry, today announced plans to open a plant in Greenwood County. The $16 million investment is expected to create 50 new jobs.
“We are excited about our decision to create jobs and invest in Greenwood County, South Carolina,” said George Bowyer, vice president at Crown Casting Industries. “Other states and countries were considered, however, based on all factors Greenwood County provided the best location for Crown Castings to grow in a highly competitive world market. Keeping jobs in the U.S. made company officials especially proud.”
The company will be located in the Corporate Park Industrial Building in Hodges, S.C., and is slated to begin operations during the second quarter of 2012.
“South Carolina continues to show that it’s a globally-competitive location for companies to set up shop. We celebrate Crown Casting’s decision to locate in the Palmetto State and create 50 new jobs here. We will continue to build on our state’s economic development successes,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
In the past year, South Carolina has recruited more than $3.9 billion in investment and more than 12,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“Our state’s manufacturing sector continues to grow and create new jobs. Crown Casting’s choice to make South Carolina its new home is another sign that our state’s business-friendly climate and skilled workforce remain the key in attracting new investments like this one,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
Crown Casting Industries will serve broad commercial markets as well as specialty niche markets, like glass mold equipment. The foundry uses a modern process which is cost effective and designed to reduce waste and comply with all environmental regulations. This new plant will allow Crown Castings to vie with foreign competitors in its aggressive effort to gain market share.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to have a modern, progressive company such as Crown Castings locate here in Greenwood County and especially in the heart of my council district,” said Bob Jennings, vice chairman of Greenwood County Council. “Their commitment will provide much needed jobs to the Hodges area and an economic boost to the economy. We look forward to working with Crown Castings for many years.”
Mark Warner, CEO of Greenwood Partnership Alliance added, “Crown Castings locating their operation here is further evidence that Greenwood County can compete on a national and global scale. We are especially thankful to all of our partners who helped in this effort, including the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Duke Energy and AdvanceSC, Greenwood County, Piedmont Technical College, Upper Savannah Workforce Investment Board, and the investors of the Greenwood Partnership Alliance. We welcome Crown Castings to the community and look forward to providing support as they ramp up production.”
Hal Johnson, Upstate SC Alliance president and CEO, stated that “the efforts of Greenwood County are to be applauded as the announcement of Crown Casting is great for the entire Upstate region, as all 10 counties will benefit from these jobs coming to our community.”
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved the company for a $100,000 grant for a building up-fit and also job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
Interested applicants should check the Index Journal and GwdToday for listings of Crown Casting job openings starting in February. Hiring for the bulk of the employees is expected to start in the second quarter of 2012. Applications will not be taken at the plant.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. This year, Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Deal of Year Award from Area Development magazine. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
