Eastern Engineered Wood Products, a construction company that designs and distributes structural floor and roof systems for professional contractors, has selected Anderson County as the site for its first operation in South Carolina.
The company has distribution centers in Emporia and Keysville, Virginia.
The $18.7 million investment in Anderson is expected to create 31 new jobs in the area.
The company will be located at 110 Milliken Drive in Belton.
Operations are expected to start later this year, with full project completion in early 2026.
"It is an exciting next step in our growth and expansion strategy," said Todd Lindsey, president of Eastern Engineered Wood Products.
Lindsey said that Eastern Engineered Wood Products has long recognized the need for its products and services in the Southeast.
"We found that the Upstate of South Carolina is the ideal area to support that need," Lindsey said.
Gov. Henry McMaster said Eastern Engineered Wood Products' decision to settle in South Carolina is a "win for our people, the community, and the entire state.
"We congratulate the company on this new distribution operation," McMaster said.
Here is what you should know about Eastern Wood Products' support from state and local authorities.
Eastern Engineered Wood Products: Gain support from state and local authorities
Eastern Engineered Wood Products received significant support from state and local authorities to facilitate its expansion into South Carolina.
A $100,000 set-aside grant from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development to Anderson County will assist with site preparation and building construction.
"We look forward to working together as we grow our operation," Lindsey said.
Mayor Eleanor Dorn said the new facility will positively impact the local economy and community development.
"We are thankful for the opportunities and resources Eastern will bring to our city and look forward to being a part of Eastern’s prosperous future," Dorn said.
Here are some things you should know about Eastern Engineered Wood Products.
What to know about Eastern Engineered Wood Products
Eastern Engineered Wood Products (EEWP) offerings include expert design assistance, precise cutting services, efficient delivery logistics, and comprehensive technical support to ensure successful project completion with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
Eastern Engineered Wood Products offersits employees a comprehensive benefits package. This package includes competitive wages, paid time off, holiday pay, and health, vision, and dental insurance.
Employees also have access to disability and life insurance, a 401(K) plan with employer match, profit sharing, and many more de minimis fringe benefits.
Individuals interested in joining the Eastern team should visit the company’s careers page.
Anderson County Councilman Greg Elgin expressed excitement about Eastern Engineered Wood Products' investment in the area.
"Anderson County is committed to a strong partnership with our industries and will do what we can to help them succeed," Elgin said.
Anderson: A manufacturing workforce hotspot
According to an updated report from the S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce, manufacturing is the biggest employer in Anderson County, with more than 15,697 jobs.
Anderson County's manufacturing industry is projected to grow steadily, with estimated employment numbers rising from 25,610 in 2020 to 27,017 by 2030.
The average annual wage for manufacturing jobs in Anderson County stands at $65,104.
Below is a quick overview of what you should know about the companies with established facilities in Anderson County.
Six companies, $99.5 million, $37.1 million annual payroll, 511 jobs
Several manufacturing companies from neighboring states have ventured to Anderson to expand their businesses.
Six companies announced significant projects in late 2023 and 2024 in Anderson County, which are expected to spur economic growth in the Upstate in 2025 and beyond.
Structural Systems, Vertiv, Michelin, Halton MEI, Harbor Freight, and HS Buildco pledged capital investments of $99.5 million and $37.1 million in annual payroll.
These projects are anticipated to create 511 jobs in the area.
Industrial engineers, technologists, laborers, supervisors, machinists, and technicians are among the Top 20 occupational openings in Anderson County.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].