Year-round, regional swimming facility opening in North Charleston

The Danny Jones swim facility is now fully enclosed and heated for year-round access. In addition, the benefits of the improvements will be passed along to the North Charleston community, providing an endless swimming season.

The improvements to the Danny Jones Complex are the culmination of a regional effort of individuals in the local swim community, led by Dr. Marco Cavazzoni through the Logan Rutledge Children's Foundation. Last year, the group approached the City of North Charleston to address the Lowcountry's lack of a swim facility to accommodate year-round, indoor training for competitive swimmers, education in water safety, swim lessons, and senior aquatic activities. The group's Lowcountry Aquatic Project Swimming (LAPS) Program seeks to provide lifelong aquatics opportunities for Lowcountry residents - with a special emphasis on teaching children in underprivileged Lowcountry areas to swim, in order to prevent accidental drownings and promoting youth wellness to fight childhood obesity and diabetes.

The group raised $350,000 in private funds and in-kind donations from community members, businesses, and institutions for the swim facility project. In addition to the private fundraising, the Town of Mount Pleasant and the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission each committed $100,000, totaling $200,000.

The City of North Charleston conducted the $1,800,000 improvements to the facility. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department will manage daily operations.

Schedule of pool activities and hours of operation

Morgan Olson establishing new facility in North Charleston, $1 million investment with 119 new jobs

Morgan Olson LLC, a maker of walk-in van bodies, today announced that it will establish its new plant in North Charleston. The $1 million investment is expected to generate 119 new jobs.

“We are excited about locating our new facility in Charleston County. South Carolina offers a business-friendly environment and the skilled workforce we need for our operations. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Dave Halladay, vice president of Operations at Morgan Olson.

Morgan Olson’s Charleston facility will strip and retrofit truck chassis built by Mercedes in North Charleston, as well as upfit cargo vans with modular interiors for Fed Ex, Ryder and other customers.

“More and more companies are learning the benefits of doing business in South Carolina and putting down roots here. We celebrate Morgan Olson’s decision to invest $1 million and create 119 new jobs here in Charleston County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Morgan Olson will locate its new 100,000-square-foot plant at 7555 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston. The facility is expected to be online by October 1 and producing vehicles by October 22.

“The automotive industry continues to be a real driver in our state’s economy and in our manufacturing sector. When companies like Morgan Olson choose to locate here, it not only creates jobs and wealth for South Carolinians, but also increases our reputation in the automotive club,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $4.4 billion in capital investment and more than 6,800 jobs in the automotive-related sector.

“Congratulations to Morgan Olson on this exciting relocation news,” said Teddie Pryor, chairman of Charleston County Council. “Our automotive sector has led the way out of the recession among area manufacturers, and we are elated to be adding a company of the caliber of Morgan Olson to our corporate family. Their reputation for innovation and quality has preceded them here, and with the ever growing market for the Daimler Sprinter, we believe this facility will become central to their corporate strategy in the years to come. Our world-class Port and our unrivaled workforce will help create the fertile soil conditions for this success, and Morgan Olson can count on Charleston County as its pro-business partner for years to come.”

“The City of North Charleston commits to remain business friendly to support Morgan Olson and the expanding automotive sector of our regional economy,” said Keith Summey, mayor of North Charleston. “Morgan Olson is providing a welcomed capital investment and increased opportunities for high quality new jobs that will further strengthen our community.”

“We are proud to welcome Morgan Olson to our community,” said Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman Wayne Hall. “This expansion proves just how competitive we have become. Our three counties offer an incredible combination of assets for global manufacturers, including an established automotive cluster, a skilled workforce and the world-class training programs of readySC. By choosing to locate in the Charleston region, Morgan Olson sends a powerful message to automotive companies around the world.”

The company has completed its first hiring phase and information on additional hiring will be released at a later date.

Morgan Olson is the leading walk-in van body manufacturer in North America. Its portfolio of customers serves a multitude of industries and delivery applications, from baking and snack foods to newspaper, textile rental, vending and parcel delivery. For more information about Morgan Olson, please visit www.morganolson.com.