FedEx Ground celebrates the construction of new Ft. Mill distribution facility

Securing a new facility these days is like striking gold for any city. Bringing new jobs into the area and ensuring the growth of the region is the breath of fresh air that the city of Fort Mill, S.C., is fully embracing because of the construction of a new FedEx Ground facility.

On Tuesday, May 5, several local officials and contributors to the building of this project joined Stephen Johnston, managing director for the Carolina region for an official groundbreaking ceremony for the new FedEx Ground facility being built in York County. Included were officials from Fort Mill, York County and the state of South Carolina. All were ecstatic to welcome the FedEx Ground project to the area.

"The company's decision to locate a new distribution facility in York County speaks volumes to the momentum in this area and the quality infrastructure and convenient access to markets," Joe Taylor, secretary of commerce, the South Carolina Department of Commerce said.

The nearly 113,000-square-foot building is scheduled to open in the fall. It is officially a spinoff of the Charlotte Local terminal and will serve the southern Charlotte and upper South Carolina areas.

"Thanks to the team effort by state and local officials, York County will benefit from this investment now and in the future," Taylor added.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – September 15, 2008 – Glenn McCloskey was honored as Ambassadors for Economic Development by Gov. Mark Sanford and the Department of Commerce as part of South Carolina’s 18th Annual Industry Appreciation Week. The ceremony took place in Columbia on Monday, September 15 at the Governor’s Mansion Complex and highlighted 49 individuals from 46 counties for their exceptional efforts to bolster community and economic development activities in South Carolina.

“From day one, we have been committed to bettering the business environment to encourage economic growth among existing business and attract new investments to South Carolina. Fundamental reforms like workers’ comp reform, tort reform and income tax relief have increased our state’s competitive edge and provided fertile ground for businesses to grow, invest and create jobs here. Our state’s successes could not be achieved without the help and efforts of community and business leaders in every corner of the state and today we say thank to these ambassadors for economic development for their efforts to create jobs and economic opportunity in South Carolina,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.

Glenn McCloskey serves as the plant manager for North Safety Products. Mr. McCloskey and his team helped in the modernization and expansion of the former North Safety Products plant in Clover. The plant was constructed in 1963 and has been in continuous production of rubber gloves since that time. The plant capacity was doubled utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Six Sigma methods, together with more than $1 million in capital equipment investment. The operation was awarded a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense in March 2008 to produce chemical protective butyl gloves. The plant has added 46 new employees, largely former textile workers, for the manufacturing operation. The company was acquired by Honeywell International in May 2008.

“Businesses small and large have contributed greatly to South Carolina’s economy with investments, job creation and community involvement. This is a week to recognize the contributions of businesses, industries and community leaders for their continued commitment to growing economic opportunity in South Carolina. These ambassador’s have given their energy above and beyond to enhance our communities and make South Carolina a better place to live and work,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

Each year the Department of Commerce joins local communities to thank business and industry for its vital contributions to South Carolina’s economy. The Department of Commerce kicks off Industry Appreciation Week each year by recognizing Ambassadors for Economic Development. These individuals include local leaders from the private sector representing a variety of businesses and economic development organizations committed to securing new jobs and investment in their communities.

EBARA plans $3.2 million expansion in Rock Hill By Adam O'Daniel - The Rock Hill Herald Published 07/06/08 The folks at EBARA Fluid Handling must have missed the memo on the supposedly bad economy. The water pump manufacturer, located in Rock Hill's Waterford Business Park, plans to expand its current facility with a $3.2 million, 36,000-square-foot expansion that will double the size of its current plant. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the site, 1651 Cedar Line Drive in Waterford.   The new space, which will take about eight months to complete, will help the company execute its plans to begin building bigger pumps in Rock Hill. When complete, the facility will house an 81,000-gallon testing area. The expansion could create the need for a few new jobs in the future, too, company officials said. William E. Bruce of Charlotte was the architect for the project, and the construction will be managed by J.M. Cope Construction in Rock Hill.

Clover Company to Mark Sale of 1,000th Machine By Christy Mullins - The Rock Hill Herald Published 06/18/08  CLOVER -- A global manufacturing company in Clover, SC will celebrate the sale of its 1,000th machine on Thursday. S.E. Huffman, located at 1050 Huffman Way, has been in business since 1961 and specializes in machinery that makes everything from brain surgery to rocket science happen, company President Roger Hayes said.   The 1,000th sale is a milestone, Hayes said.  "(It's) like celebrating your 100th birthday," Hayes said.   The 1,000th machine will go to Solar Turbines, a San Diego division of Caterpillar, the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.   Representatives from Solar Turbines will fly in from California to receive the Huffman HS-225, which is used to manufacture vanes, vane rings, nozzles, blades and shrouds for gas turbines and other applications, according to the Huffman Web site's product description. The machine is valued at $600,000.   Solar Turbines will use the Huffman machine to manufacture jet engines that produce energy during peak loads or instances when surges of electricity happen all at once.   Huffman has sold its machinery to automobile manufacturers in Hong Kong and Japan, knee replacement manufacturers in the United Kingdom and more than 20 other countries that use the parts for surgical instruments and jet engine parts, among other devices. Huffman will ship two HP115 Laser Cladder machines to General Electric this month.   The corporation also is celebrating a 5,000-square-foot extension to its al- ready 15,000-square-foot main assembly hall.   Huffman is one of Clover's top industries in the town, according to Town Councilman Wes Spurrier, who will attend Thursday's celebration along with other town leaders.