S. C. Employment Commission
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Fairfield County Industries
The proximity of Fairfield County to Columbia, center of State Government and
home of the University of South Carolina, and Charlotte, NC, home of
manufacturing, banking, the Carolina Panthers and the Carolina Bobcats, is a lure to industry and
business. In addition to long established firms, new ones have opened or begun
construction in the past year. Fairfield County is also developing a strong
international flavor with companies from Germany, Italy, Japan, and France.
The following is an update from several of the largest employers.
Ben Arnold-Sunbelt Beverage Company of South Carolina
The Ben Arnold-Sunbelt Beverage Company was started during the late 1930's
after the end of prhibition. They distribute wine and spirts all throughout the
entire state of South Carolina. They are the largest alcoholic beverage
distributor in South Carolina. They have 365 employees working out of our
headquarters in Ridgeway, our warehouse in Charleston, and sales offices in
Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Greenville.
Isola USA
Isola USA chose Fairfield County for the location of the company's second plant
in the United States, the second German-based industry to locate in the Walter
B. Brown Industrial Park. the company broke ground in 1995 and Phase I of the
operation began in October of 1996. Some key personnel relocated to the local
plant from Isola's California plant, but the company diligently hires local
people when possible. Many of those hired receive training in California or
Germany. In June 1997, 100 people were employed, and about 70 more were
expected to be hired for training by the end of the year. Phase II of the
operation is expected to begin in March 1998. Isola manufactures precision
electronics laminates and prepares for the print circuit industry. Gividi, and
Italian company, is a primary supplier for Isola and has a facility near Isola
in the industrial park.
Lang-Mekra of North America
Lang
- Mekra North America has thrived in the soil of South Carolina since
its founding in 1994, breaking ground for their 100,000 square foot
facility at the Walter Brown Industrial Park in 1996. With a sister
company in Germany and a joint venture in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Lang-Mekra
North America continues to put roots down in South Carolina through
planned facility and staffing development. The company’s
current force of 135 fill-time employees deign and produce the
rear-vision systems that enhance safety on commercial vehicles around
the country and the world. That workforce, also known as the Lang-Mekra
family, benefits from the abilities of many talented local employees as
well as representatives from Germany, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom and
China. Recognizing the benefits that Lang-Mekra gains from their
community, the company-sponsored Palmetto Montessori School in 1999,
and has welcomed children of both employees and the community to join
them as they work for Fairfield County’s future.
- Lang-Mekra North America was awarded South Carolina’s Manufacturer of the Year Award in 1999.
- ISO 9000, QS 9001 and ISO 14001 certified
- The Palmetto Montessori School of Ridgeway is offered as a company -
subsidized benefit for employees and at comparably low tuition to the
community, and offers excellent education for children from the ages of
6 weeks to 6 years. The school itself employs approximately 15 staff
members.
Perry Ellis
Perry
Ellis shirt company is a national firm producing and distribution of
men’s shirts and other lines of clothing. Perry Ellis is
located on US Hwy. 321 By-Pass in Winnsboro.
Plastech Engineered Products
The Winnsboro Division of Plastech Engineered Products produces an array of
exterior polymer based extruded and injected molded products for the automotive
industry. With a recently increased capacity from the addition of a second
building on SC 34 south of Winnsboro, more product lines will be added. As a
strong employer who is sensitive to community needs, Plastech Engineered Products
has been
an important asset in Fairfield County since 1978.
InVista
InVista
is a leading, global producer of commodity and specialty polyester
fibers, polymers, and intermediates. The company employs
approximately 6,000 people worldwide.
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