Recognized for “tremendous contributions to Greenville County economic development” with $2.8 billion invested, 16,500 jobs created during tenure

Greenville Area Development Corporation President & CEO Jerry Howard, who has led the GADC’s record-setting economic development initiatives since its founding in July 2001,        is stepping down to pursue personal interests.  Kevin Landmesser, the GADC’s second-ranked executive who joined the organization in July 2001, will succeed Howard as interim President & CEO.

Under Howard’s direction, the GADC has announced in excess of 16,500 new jobs and $2.8 billion in capital investment in the county for projects they have managed.  County revenues generated by GADC-assisted companies have produced a 7:1 return on investment for public dollars invested in the organization since the GADC’s inception.

The Greenville Area Development Corporation was created by County Council in 2001 and tasked with promoting and enhancing quality of life in Greenville County by facilitating job growth and investment for the benefit of Greenville County and its citizens.  Howard joined the GADC as its inaugural President and CEO from Anderson County’s Office of Economic Development of which he was director at the time.

Among the numerous economic development accomplishments during his leadership have been more than 200 announcements across Greenville County, including such notable announcements as TD Bank’s regional hub in Greenville; GE Aviation; Bosch Rexroth; SAATI; Sage Automotive; JTEKT; Magna; Servosity and Scio Diamond.

In addition, Howard and the GADC have played pivotal roles in such critical initiatives as the attraction of Southwest Airlines to service the Greenville-Spartanburg market, the development and launch of Greenville Works and the Greenville Regional Workforce Collaborative program, supporting public policy initiatives with the Upstate Chambers and the South Carolina Economic Development Association, and partnering with the City of Greenville on headquarters development initiatives.  In mid-April, the organization announced its third best year ever for job creation and honored South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley with its top economic development award.

“Throughout his tenure as President and CEO, Jerry Howard has gone above and beyond the call of duty in helping ensure that positive economic growth – and the thousands of good jobs and billions of dollars in economic contribution and taxes that go with them – are situated right here in Greenville County,” said GADC Board Member and former County Council Chairman H.G. “Butch” Kirven, Jr.  “Jerry Howard has done an exceptional job of leading this organization to its current position as one of the most respected economic development organizations in America.”

Under Howard’s leadership, the GADC has built a diverse, talented and experienced team of economic development veterans, Kirven noted.  “The caliber of the GADC is recognized coast-to-coast as one of the most experienced and capable economic development groups anywhere.  With an average of over 15 years of professional experience each in economic development, Jerry and Kevin have built a team of professionals who ensure that Greenville County will not miss a beat.”

The GADC has also obtained record numbers of private sector supporters, counting more than 140 investor organizations whose annual investments go directly to GADC marketing efforts to create better jobs and a brighter future for the community, noted Kirven.

A graduate of Clemson University with a B.S. degree in Economics, Howard is also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.  He began his professional career with the Greenville County Planning Commission before joining the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, first as Industrial Manager and later as its Vice President for Economic Development.  He joined Anderson County in 1997, before returning to Greenville County and helping to launch the GADC in 2001.

Howard is a member of numerous economic development associations, while also serving on Greenville County’s Workforce Investment Board and on the Greenville Chamber’s Board of Governors.  Howard is married with two daughters.

While Howard will continue transitional duties on several projects already in the works, long-standing GADC Vice President Kevin Landmesser, who joined the GADC in 2001 as Howard’s second-in-command, assumes the role of interim President and CEO.

A South Carolina Certified Economic Developer, Landmesser is a past co-chairman and current member of the Legislative Affairs Committee of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association, a member of the International Economic Development Council, and member of the Japan America Association of South Carolina.

Following graduation from Clemson University where he earned a B.A. in Economics, Landmesser served in the United States military before going on to earn a Masters in Economic Geography from the University of South Carolina.  He then joined Fluor Corporation’s Global Location Strategies site selection team and later served as an economic developer at the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce prior to joining the GADC in 2001.

“This transition has been in discussion for some time, and Kevin’s willingness to serve as our top executive ensures that this will be a seamless transition,” said Kirven.  “No individual knows the strengths, strategies and opportunities facing Greenville County from an economic development standpoint better than Kevin, and his abilities and skills will safeguard the interests of Greenville County and prepare us to enter a new and exciting era in economic development in the County.”

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Contec Inc., a maker of cleaning contamination control products for critical environments, will expand its existing operations in Spartanburg County. The $6.25 million investment is expected to generate 60 new jobs over the next five years.

“Contec has had wonderful success over the years because of our ability to innovate based on customer needs, and to offer great service to customers,” said Jack McBride, CEO of Contec Inc. “We are excited to open this new facility which will provide additional manufacturing and distribution opportunities. We anticipate manufacturing new innovative product lines currently in development while at the same time giving our customers the same great service they’ve come to expect from Contec.”

“Contec has been based in Spartanburg for 25 years,” says Avi Lawrence, president of Contec Inc. “As we approach our 25-year anniversary this fall, we remain committed to our community and look forward to creating more job opportunities in the future.”

Contec Inc. has moved all its warehousing and distribution operations to a new facility in Spartanburg, located in Wingo Park. The new facility offers an additional approximately 170,000 square feet for manufacturing, research and development and distribution operations. The new facility is closer to the company’s Spartanburg corporate office.

“While we work hard to bring new businesses to South Carolina, it’s always exciting to see one of our existing businesses grow its footprint here. We celebrate Contec’s decision to invest $6.25 million and create 60 new jobs in Spartanburg. Today’s announcement is another indication that the Palmetto State provides companies with the things they need in order to do well,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $9 billion in capital investment and more than 23,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Contec has been part of South Carolina’s business community for years, and we congratulate the company on its success. This expansion shows once again that South Carolina’s manufacturing renaissance is underway and creating wealth. Every one of these new jobs will have an impact in Spartanburg,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

The new building at Wingo Park is currently being used as a distribution center. However, Contec plans to expand its manufacturing and production capabilities in this space. The company’s goal is to develop products for new and existing markets that will provide unique solutions.

“Spartanburg County is extremely pleased that this locally grown company is expanding their existing operation that has been established in our community since 1998. We have a great team of local economic development allies who helped guide this project, and we look forward to an even brighter future with Contec,” said David Britt, Chairman of the Economic Recruitment and Development Committee of Spartanburg County and member of the Economic Futures Group Board.

The company is in the process of hiring for the new positions. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit www.mau.com or call (864) 272-3110.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a Governor’s Closing Fund grant of $150,000 for building improvements.

The new facility will offer managed hosting, colocation and disaster recovery supported by highly available power, cooling and internet connectivity.

Richard Ellison, CEO of Technology Solutions, has been doing business in Oconee County for almost two decades. He offered insight into why he chose to remain within the county, “The combination of a business friendly climate and recent addition of high-speed internet access made Oconee a clear choice in which locate our new data center.”

“This is great news for Oconee County, Upstate South Carolina and Technology Solutions,” said Richard K. Blackwell, executive director of the Oconee County Economic Development Commission. “This proves Oconee can compete for all types of economic development projects and this is a real testament to Oconee’s new five-year economic development strategy and the progressive business climate in our area.”

New operations expected to create 10 new jobs

ACS, a global supplier which specializes in the integration of engine and vehicle test operations into clients’ production and development facilities, will establish a regional office in Greenville, generating 10 new jobs.

“Our goal is to provide a single source for complete project responsibility that customers the world over turn to and count on when undertaking complex projects,” said Lee Cockrum, managing director of ACS Southeast, who will head the new office. “We are a company who values long term relationships and commitment, both to our clients and our communities, and we appreciate the support of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and all who assisted in making this advancement a reality.”

The company serves such industry leaders as Cummins, Caterpillar, Daimler, Harley Davidson, GE, John Deere, Navistar and Tognum, and specializes in the comprehensive design, construction, integration, and commissioning of complex industrial, R&D and manufacturing facilities.

“It’s exciting to see another global firm choose to put down roots in the Palmetto State. We celebrate ACS’s decision to locate its new office in Greenville and create 10 new jobs. Our state is on the move because we understand what companies need in order to do well. More and more companies see South Carolina as the new ‘it’ state for business,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Headquartered in Madison, Wis. ACS has offices in China and England, in addition to its presence in South Carolina. The company will locate operations in approximately 4,000 square feet at 55 East Camperdown Way in Greenville, upfitting the space to accommodate its engineering, planning, sales, marketing and administrative operations.

“ACS has developed a strong expertise in engine and vehicle research facilities design and construction,” said Cockrum. “By combining that with our knowledge of industry regulations, testing technology and applications, and the ability to fully integrate facility and test systems, we believe that Greenville’s central location in the Southeastern automotive corridor and its strong base of automotive manufacturers and suppliers will create great synergy and opportunity for our firm.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $5 billion in capital investment and more than 8,000 jobs in the automotive-related sector.

“The choice by ACS to locate in Greenville is another indication that South Carolina’s reputation in the automotive club remains strong. Our state’s automotive sector continues to be a source of wealth creation and jobs for communities across our state. For more than two decades now, automotive companies have seen the Palmetto State as just right for business,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“ACS Southeast is a wonderful example of a company that deploys world-class technology, performance-based processes and a mix of local and national talent to grow and expand its business, and we welcome them to Greenville County,” said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “Their engineering expertise and track record of community involvement will be a great asset to the Upstate.”

ACS is recruiting both locally and nationally for positions in the areas of facilities project engineering, project management, and controls engineering. Anyone interested in being considered for positions should submit resumes via the company’s career openings page at www.acscm.com/careers.

A.L. Solutions Inc., a distributor of filtration products for the automotive aftermarket, will locate its new manufacturing facility, A.L. Industries Inc., in Spartanburg County. The $3.6 million investment is expected to generate 80 new jobs. Both A.L. Solutions and A.L. Industries are part of the A.L. Group, which is headquartered in Israel.

“We are excited to move forward with plans for our new location in Spartanburg County. This new facility will allow us to manufacture in the United States and help us enter new markets to expand our business. South Carolina offers us a fantastic business environment and a talented workforce. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials as we’ve moved forward with this facility,” said Doug Buffington, president of A.L. Solutions.

A.L. Industries will locate its new manufacturing facility in Spartanburg County. The new facility will produce aftermarket automotive filters and heavy-duty filters for the truck market. The new facility is expected to begin operations in May.

“More and more companies are finding that South Carolina is the right place to do business. We celebrate A.L. Solutions’ decision to invest $3.6 million and create 80 new jobs in Spartanburg, and we look forward to seeing them grow here. South Carolina is on the move because we understand what businesses need in order to prosper,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $8 billion in capital investment and more than 21,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Today’s announcement by A.L. Solutions provides another boost to South Carolina’s growing manufacturing renaissance. Our state’s manufacturing sector continues to create wealth and jobs. We welcome A.L. Solutions to the Palmetto State’s business community,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“We are pleased that A.L. Solutions is locating in Spartanburg County and welcome this international company, supplying the automotive and other transportation-related industry, and wish them much success. Our economic development team, led by the Spartanburg Economic Futures Group, along with Spartanburg County and Spartanburg Community College’s Tyger River Campus soft-landing facility was instrumental in securing this project,” said David Britt, chairman of the Economic Recruitment Committee of Spartanburg County and member of the Economic Futures Group Board.

The company has begun hiring for the new positions. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Bob Schulmeister, general manager of A.L. Industries, at 864-592-6316.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits.

For more information about the company, please visit www.alsolutionsus.com.

“Certainly we are honored to be recognized in this way,” said Johnson, “But it is really the work that the local economic developers, economic development volunteers and the elected officials in the ten-county Upstate area do that deserves the recognition. We find projects, but they close the deals and win the business.”

“We have a very effective partnership,” said Reno Deaton the city of Greer’s economic developer and co-chair of the local economic developers who meet in the Upstate SC Alliance offices every other month and help shape the Alliance’s work program. Deaton says the Alliance does a great job of marketing the Upstate to the rest of the world. “By leveraging our resources this way, we are more efficient.  We promote the Upstate as one region with one identity and we are able to get included on more searches that each of us would ever accomplish individually because we have more to offer. Then when the company gets here and looks around they can usually find the right fit.”

Johnson says it is up to his group to listen and figure out new ways of adding value to the program.  In 2012, the region’s local economic developers expressed an urgent need for updated labor market information for the region. In response, the Upstate SC Alliance has used grants and sponsorships to purchase a subscription to Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) for more accurate and customizable labor market data.

In closing, Rogers writes, “We believe your solid regional strategy and the cooperative partnerships you have established are prerequisites for success in today’s ultra-competitive economic development. We are confident the Upstate SC Alliance has met this challenge and is putting in place the foundation for future growth and prosperity throughout your region.”

See the full listing on the Business Facilities website.

$19.9 million investment expected to create 57 new jobs

Alupress AG, an aluminum casting company based in Italy, today announced that it will establish its new production facility in Laurens County. The $19.9 million investment is expected to generate 57 new jobs.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to move forward with plans to locate our new production facility in Laurens County. The new plant will give us close proximity to our customers. South Carolina provides us with an excellent business environment and the sort of workforce talent we need. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Wolfgang Knollseisen, chief financial officer of Alupress AG.

Alupress recently purchased Koerber LLC, now named Alupress LLC, in Laurens, and the company will open a new 30,000-square-foot aluminum castings plant. The plant will manufacture products for automotive industry clients. The new facility is expected to begin operations in 2014.

“It’s always exciting to see another international company choose to set up shop in the Palmetto State. This announcement is also another win for one of our state’s rural areas. We celebrate Alupress’ decision to invest $19.9 million and create 57 new jobs in Laurens County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $5 billion in capital investment and more than 8,000 jobs in the automotive-related sector.

“South Carolina’s automotive sector continues to be a strong contributor to our economy and a force in our state’s manufacturing renaissance. When companies like Alupress AG locate operations here, it not only creates new jobs but also increases our reputation in the automotive club,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“We are extremely pleased to see our existing industry grow. Alupress is another example of industry realizing success in a rural county,” said Laurens County Council Jim Coleman.

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in January 2014. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should e-mail personnel@alupress.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits.

For more information about the company, please visit www.alupress.net/en/.

$5.8 million investment expected to create 146 new jobs

SMF Inc., a full-service metal fabrication company, today announced that it will establish its new production facility in Anderson County. The $5.8 million investment is expected to generate 146 new jobs over the next five years.
“Our company continues to expand and we look forward to beginning our operations at our new site in Anderson County. South Carolina provides an excellent location for us, a great business environment and the workforce talent we need. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials as we’ve moved forward with our plans,” said Brian Brown, president of SMF Inc.

SMF Inc. will locate a new manufacturing plant in an existing building at 131 Harvester Court in Anderson County. The company will provide a range of metal fabrication services, including torch and laser cutting, sawing, forming, machining, welding, painting and assembly. The plant is expected to begin operations in early July.

“It’s exciting to see more companies like SMF Inc. decide to put roots down in South Carolina. We understand what businesses need in order to do well, and more companies are choosing to bring job-creating investments to the Palmetto State. We celebrate SMF’s decision to invest $5.8 million and create 146 new jobs in Anderson County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $8 billion in capital investment and more than 21,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing continues to be a key part of our economy. South Carolinians know how to make things, and make them well. When a manufacturer like SMF Inc. decides to call the Palmetto State home, it adds to our manufacturing renaissance and creates jobs that help make the surrounding communities sustainable,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“SMF’s choice to join the Anderson County business community is proof of our growing success to attract a quality company; one which garners 95 percent of its business as a Tier One supplier to original equipment manufacturers – Fortune 500 clients. We are proud to welcome SMF to our community and pledge our continuing efforts toward a successful future for both SMF and Anderson County,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Francis Crowder.

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in June. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact SC Works Anderson office at that time.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits.

For more information about SMF Inc., please visit the company’s website at www.smf-inc.com.

First Caterpillar supplier to locate in S.C. will invest $22 million, create 250 new jobs

McLaughlin Body Company, a manufacturer of operator protection systems, will locate a new manufacturing facility in Anderson County. The $22 million investment is expected to generate 250 new jobs over the next five years.

“The search for a new location was extensive and we felt South Carolina and Anderson County was the best choice for us,” said John Mann, president of McLaughlin Body Company. “Our new location provides our company an excellent opportunity for business development in this region of the country. South Carolina also provides a great business environment and with the excellent training resources provided by the state, we are confident of being able to access the required skilled workforce that we need for our products. We sincerely appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials.”

McLaughlin Body Company, based in Moline, Ill. since 1902, will locate their new subsidiary operation in the industrial park at 5121 Old Pearman Dairy Road, pending final approval by the Anderson County Council on April 15. The facility will manufacture operator stations and complex metal componentry. This location is strategically located to supply heavy-equipment manufacturers located in the southern and eastern regions of the U.S. The manufacturing facility will be the company’s first operation outside of its home state. Additionally, the company is the first supplier of the new Caterpillar facility in Georgia to locate in South Carolina.

“We understand what businesses need in order to do well, and that’s why more firms like McLaughlin Body Company are choosing to establish operations in our state. We celebrate the company’s decision to invest $22 million and create 250 new jobs in Anderson,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “Today’s announcement is the result of Team South Carolina’s efforts.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $8 billion in capital investment and more than 21,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing continues to be a creator of wealth and jobs for South Carolina. McLaughlin Body Company’s decision to locate new operations here provides another boost to our state’s manufacturing renaissance and is another sign that firms see the Palmetto State as just right for business and just right to find success,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

The expected date to have the facility fully operational is the first quarter of 2014. The new operation will create employment opportunities for a variety of skilled manufacturing and technical positions including engineering, robotic weld programming and welding.

“We are very pleased to welcome the McLaughlin Body Company to Anderson County,” said Anderson County Councilman Tommy Dunn. “After looking at several states in the Southeast, the company chose Anderson County as the home for their new facility. Attracting a company of this caliber and reputation to our county was a team effort with many partners, all of whom worked together to make this day a reality.”

The company will phase in hiring for the new positions as it ramps up to full production with various product introductions over the next several years. The initial hiring will commence in the third and fourth quarters of 2013, and the company will partner with readySC for recruitment and training for the new operation.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a Governor’s Closing Fund grant for $4 million for building acquisition and approved job development credits.

McLaughlin Body Company is a manufacturer of operator protection systems, including cab enclosures and metal components for construction, military, agriculture and other heavy-duty vehicles. For more information about the company, please visit www.mclbody.com.