On The Move
Outokumpu Stainless Bar expanding operations with new facility in Chester County
Mar 20, 2013
$18 million investment expected to create 20 new jobs
CHESTER, SC - March 20, 2013 - Outokumpu Stainless Bar, a metal
fabrication company, will expand its operations in Chester County with
the construction of a new plant. The $18 million investment is expected
to generate 20 new jobs.
“We look forward to expanding our operations in Chester County. The new
facility represents a major step for our company and will allow us to
expand our market presence. South Carolina has provided us with an
excellent business environment and a talented workforce to suit our
needs. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local
officials, and we look forward to growing here,” said Lou Kern, senior
vice president and general manager of Outokumpu Stainless Bar.
Outokumpu will be constructing a new building with about 60,000 square
feet of space in the Colonel’s Point Industrial Park, which is about two
miles east of the company’s current plant. The new facility will allow
the company to expand capacity to better serve our distributors who
supply stainless bar for transportation, aerospace and oil and gas
customers.
“It’s exciting to see another one of our state’s manufacturing
businesses expand here. Today’s announcement is another win for one of
South Carolina’s rural areas and we celebrate Outokumpu’s investment of
$18 million and the creation of 20 new jobs in Richburg,” said Gov.
Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in
capital investment and more than 20,000 jobs in the manufacturing
sector.
“Our state’s manufacturing sector continues to grow and create jobs, and
today’s announcement by Outokumpu is another sign of that. We
appreciate the company’s decision to grow here and further strengthen
the sustainability of the communities in Chester County,” said Secretary
of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
The company expects to begin construction of the new facility within a couple months and have it finished by the fall.
“The news that Outokumpu Stainless Inc. is investing in Chester County
for a second time is a solid testament to Chester County’s pro-business
climate. Our team remains dedicated to excellence and the continued
growth in Chester County,” said Mike Enoch, chairman of the Chester
Development Association.
“There is no better way to kick off 2013 than by announcing that
Outokumpu Stainless is investing $18 million and creating 20 jobs,” said
Chester County Supervisor R. Carlisle Roddey. “This is another
demonstration of Chester County’s business-friendly environment.
Outokumpu Stainless has been a part of the industrial fabric of Chester
County since 1998. They have put down roots in our community and have
been instrumental in encouraging others to do so. We are truly proud for
Outokumpu Stainless and celebrate their success.”
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in June. Anyone
interested in job opportunities with the company should contact
Staffmark in Rock Hill at 803-324-2424 at that time.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant for $150,000 for site work.
Outokumpu is the global leader in stainless steel and high
performance alloys. The company operates in over 40 countries and its
state-of-the-art sites produce a wide range of stainless steel products,
including hot and cold rolled, precision strip, tubular and long
products as well as quarto plate. For more information about the
company, please visit www.outokumpu.com.
