$72 million investment expected to create 410 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. –Haier America has announced plans to expand its Kershaw County refrigerator manufacturing operations, which will support Haier’s continued growth and help the company deliver on its commitment to providewhole-home solutions for modern living in the U.S.A subsidiary of Haier Group, the world’s leading appliance brand, Haier America will contribute $72 million more to its existing $40-million facility, creating 410 new jobsin Camden, South Carolina,within the next five years.
Haier broke ground on the Kershaw County Haier Industrial Park in April 1999, marking the first Chinese company to establish manufacturing operationsin the U.S.Located at 50 Haier Boulevard, thefacilityopened its doors in March 2000 and today boasts an annual production capacity of more than 400,000 units. As a part of the expansion, Haier will invest heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and tooling, as well as construct a 250,000-square-foot addition to the existing 365,000square-foot facility, allowing the company to increase its annual production by approximately 50 percent.
The expansion of the Camden facility demonstrates Haier’s continued investment in the U.S. market, highlighting Haier’s continued commitment to meeting the needs of American consumers and the importance of the U.S. in the company’s international expansion. The additional square footage will initially support the production and assembly of Haier refrigerators but will accommodate a greater collection of whole-home solutions, including laundry and cooking appliances, in the future.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in the 2ndquarter of 2018 with hiring for the 410 new positions expected to begin in the summer of 2016. Those interested in joining the Haier America team should visit the company’s careers page online. For more information on Haier Group, visit www.haier.com.
QUOTES
“South Carolina has been a tremendous partner since Haier established manufacturing here in 2000. As we continue to grow in the U.S., it gives us great pleasure to expand our operations in Camden and give back to the area hundreds of new job opportunities.”–Haier America President and CEO Adrian Micu
“It’s a great day in South Carolina as we celebrate Haier’s latest decision to expand in Kershaw County. We couldn’t be prouder of the partnership our state has with Haier, and this $72 million investment and the 410 jobs it will create is a huge win the company and for the citizens of South Carolina.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“Foreign direct investment continues to be a critical component of our economic development success. With more than 100,000 South Carolinian’s employed by international companies, it’s clear that the reputation we’ve earned for our workforce and business-friendly environment has made its way around the world. Today, we celebrate Haier’s decision to expand its already robust South Carolina operations and look forward to continuing this extraordinary partnership for many years to come.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“Today's announcement is a true celebration of the confidence Haier has in our people and our community. We are proud they chose to expand their Kershaw County operation and create over 400 new jobs. This is further proof that Kershaw County is open for business.”–Kershaw County Council Chair Julian Burns
“A true testament to a region’s business climate is when an industry commits dollars to expand in place. Haier America has been a valued corporate citizen in Kershaw County for 15 years now, and we congratulate them on the decision to add over 400 jobs and $72 million in capital investment to their operation here in the Midlands.” –Central S.C. Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan
