Goose Creek aluminum manufacturer plans $255 million investment connected to expansion

Source: Berkeley Independent 

June 11, 2018 – A Berkeley County manufacturer of flat-rolled aluminum products announced Monday it has plans to invest $255 million connected to an expansion project that will create 50 new jobs.

“It’s an exciting new chapter in JW Aluminum’s story and a considerable progression in our strategic journey,” said CEO Lee McCarter in a press release from the Office of the Governor. “As a domestic supplier, we’ve prevailed in an extremely challenging competitive environment. The outcome of this endeavor will empower us to produce superior product for our customers, provide increased value to our stakeholders and serve as a preferred supplier and employer for decades to come.”

JW Aluminum will construct a 220,000-square-foot facility with eco-friendly, start-of-the art technology, according to the release.

JW Aluminum has started the expansion of its Mount Holly flat rolled aluminum plant in Goose Creek, South Carolina. This project will greatly enhance JW Aluminum’s capabilities to serve its primary end markets. Photo Credit: Business Wire

Goose Creek Mayor Greg Habib is also celebrating the news, calling it the largest economic development endeavor in the city’s history.

“Their commitment to Goose Creek and Berkeley County will keep more than 300 good jobs right here in our community,” he said in the release. “We are proud and thankful for our ongoing partnership with JW Aluminum.”

In the release, County Supervisor Bill Peagler praises the expansion as “a testament” to the company’s “great history” in the county and said the large investment will keep taxes low for residents in the county and Goose Creek.

“We congratulate JW Aluminum on their expansion and look forward to continued success with them,” Peagler said.

The company has been in the county since 1979, starting at 435 Old Mount Holly Road and growing over the years to now boast four different aluminum mills throughout the nation, the release said. The company specifically makes building and distributor sheets, fin stock, cable wrap and honeycomb foil, among other products.

JW Aluminum is seeking skilled operators, industrial and electrical technicians and engineers to work at the new plant. For more information visit the company’s career page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development is contributing a $500,000 set aside grant to aid with infrastructure improvements related to the expansion project, the county said. The council has also approved job development credits connected to the project.

Summary:

• Construction is underway and is expected to be complete in early 2020.
• Construction includes a new 220,000 square foot building and the installation of proven, state-of-the-art equipment utilizing green technology, ultimately resulting in 175 million pounds of new capacity.
• As part of the expansion, JW Aluminum is adding 50 new jobs to its workforce and is currently recruiting skilled operators, industrial and electrical technicians, maintenance mechanics and engineers.
• There will be no interruption to current Mount Holly production during the construction period.
• The project represents the most significant capital investment in domestic continuous cast technologies and capabilities since 2001.
• The project is being financed through the recent notes offering completed by JW Aluminum Continuous Cast Company, the parent of JW Aluminum.

“This expansion has been years in the making and its undertaking would not be possible without the team’s depth of experience, a highly engaged workforce, local and national government support and our stakeholders’ commitment to our industry,” said Stan Brant, Chief Operating Officer.

Read more here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180611005630/en/