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Colgate-Palmolive To Hire 300 At New S.C. Plant

Colgate-Palmolive Co. is investing nearly $200 million to establish a new production facility in Greenwood County that will employ 300 workers.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Colgate-Palmolive Co. is investing nearly $200 million to establish a new production facility in Greenwood County that will employ 300 workers.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and business leaders Monday praised the company's decision.

"Colgate-Palmolive is a household name and world-class business, and we are proud to have them join South Carolina's business community," Haley said.

Colgate-Palmolive will establish a new production facility in an existing 525,000-square-foot building. The plant is expected to begin operations in 2014, and will produce liquid hand soap for Colgate-Palmolive's Softsoap brand as well as deodorant for its Mennen Speed Stick brand for both domestic and global markets.

"We're pleased with the opportunity to locate our new operations in South Carolina," said Mike Corbo, vice president for Colgate-Palmolive's global supply chain. "Greenwood County had a building that was a perfect fit for our needs, offers us a talented workforce and excellent market access."

This is Colgate-Palmolive's first plant in South Carolina.

State officials say South Carolina's workforce, infrastructure, proximity to markets and access to the state's seaport facilities were all key factors in the decision.

"Manufacturing continues to be a real wealth creator in our state, and today's announcement provides another boost to South Carolina's manufacturing sector," said Bobby Hitt, the state's Secretary of Commerce. "The jobs created by Colgate-Palmolive's new facility will help communities in Greenwood County remain sustainable for years to come."

Colgate-Palmolive will begin design work immediately, with retrofit of the building starting before the end of the year.

The company is a leading global consumer products company, selling its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen and Softsoap.

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