Boeing Plans North Charleston Expansion Activities

New paint hangar and additional land purchase confirm Boeing's long-term commitment to South Carolina

Boeing announced Friday, December 13, 2013 that it will begin construction in the second half of 2014 on a new paint facility on its main campus in North Charleston, S.C. The company expects to begin painting fully assembled 787 Dreamliners in South Carolina in mid-2016.

The approximately 230,000 square-foot (21,368 m2) facility will be used to apply customer liveries to Boeing South Carolina (BSC)-built 787s. Today all BSC-built 787s are flown to Fort Worth, Texas, for final paint and then flown back to South Carolina for customer delivery.

"Painting our airplanes in South Carolina supports our Lean manufacturing and production optimization initiatives," said Jack Jones, vice president and general manager, Boeing South Carolina. "We can make our delivery process even more efficient by painting airplanes here in South Carolina, creating more value and convenience for our customers."

The company also announced today that it acquired access to a total of 468 acres (189 hectares) in North Charleston, S.C., to protect for potential future growth in South Carolina through a long-term lease with Palmetto Railways, a division of the S.C. Department of Commerce. In addition to the 267 acres (108 hectares) sold by the Charleston County Aviation Authority, another 201 acres (81 hectares) of land in North Charleston were purchased with state bond funds allocated to Boeing. Owned by Palmetto Railways, the land will be leased to Boeing under a long- term lease. The company has an option to purchase all of the 468 acres (189 hectares) at the end of the initial lease term at the end of 2027.

"This expansion makes future growth in North Charleston possible. While we expect to begin the permitting process immediately for this property, we have no specific plans for the land other than where we will locate the new paint facility," said Jones.

As part of the site expansion, beginning in January 2014, Boeing will construct a new 10,000 square-foot (929.03 m2) fully equipped fire station at its main campus, which is expected to be operational by late 2014. The company will add a second autoclave in 2016 to support aftbody composite fabrication for previously announced 787 program rate increases.

"We've been busy here in South Carolina this year," said Jones. "Our BSC teammates have not only been ramping to rate in component and airplane production, but they're doing it in the middle of construction zones. Our commitment to South Carolina is visibly demonstrated every day as our growth and expansion continues. I don't expect that ending anytime soon."

Since late 2012, Boeing has been expanding its main South Carolina site to create more efficiencies and capabilities in production to meet committed 787 build rates. Under previously announced expansion plans, the company is adding 391,000 square feet (36,325 m2) to its aftbody fabrication and assembly building; 42,000 square feet (3,901.9 m2) to its aft and midbody component paint facility; 67,000 square feet (6,224.5 m2) in office and meeting space to its final assembly building; and a new 94,000 square-foot (8,732.9 m2) Dreamlifter Operations Center, to be completed in the first quarter of 2014. The midbody component assembly facility is undergoing construction to add additional capacity and efficiency on the production floor.

In 2013, Boeing announced plans to establish IT Centers of Excellence and an Engineering Design Center, along with plans to build a new Propulsion facility in South Carolina. In November, Boeing broke ground on the new 220,000 square-foot (2,0439 m2) facility located in Palmetto Commerce Park in North Charleston (Ladson area) that will house its new 737-MAX propulsion assembly work, scheduled to begin in mid-2015.

Cummins Turbo Technologies expanding in North Charleston, $19.5 million investment expected to create 76 new jobs

Cummins Inc. is expanding its Turbo Technologies operations in North Charleston with a $19.5 million investment that is expected to generate 76 jobs.

Cummins Turbo Technologies, which designs and manufactures turbochargers for diesel engines, is adding a new building and expanding its office space at its campus in the Palmetto Commercial Park in North Charleston. As part of the expansion, Cummins is building a 125,000-square-foot warehouse. Another 10,000 square feet of new office space will be added to the existing building and 10,000 square feet of existing space will be renovated.

“We are excited about the chance to expand in Charleston County. South Carolina has provided an excellent environment in which to do business, and this expansion will help us to better serve our customers. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Cummins Turbo Technologies Plant Manager Willis Pugh.

“It’s another great day in South Carolina when a company like Cummins Turbo Technologies chooses to expand here. We celebrate the company’s $19.5 million investment and the 76 new jobs they will create in North Charleston. South Carolina’s business-friendly climate continues to attract job-creating investments like this one,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Cummins Turbo Technologies opened its first Charleston area manufacturing plant in 1989, operating under the name Holset Engineering until 2006. The company previously announced an expansion at the plant in July 2008. The current expansion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter.

“Cummins has had a presence in the Lowcountry for a number of years and it’s exciting to see them grow in Charleston. We continue to see manufacturers across the state expand and create new jobs. Today’s announcement builds on that trend,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

Since January, South Carolina recruited more than $2 billion in investment and more than 3,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Our heartiest congratulations go out today to Cummins on this fabulous expansion project,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie E. Pryor. “Cummins and Charleston County have written three decades of great business history together, and we welcome this expansion of the Turbo Technologies campus, which we know will create great synergies and keep the North Charleston operation globally competitive. Our hats are off to the Cummins management and workforce today, and you will always find a partner in Charleston County.”

“The expansion of Cummins Turbo Technologies in Palmetto Commerce Park gives us confidence that the City of North Charleston and the greater Charleston region remains a ripe environment for businesses to flourish. We applaud Cummins’ success as an industry leader and are thankful for the sizable capital investment and new jobs that our community will receive,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey.

Hiring for the new positions will be handled by Malace International. Anyone interested in applying for a job should e-mail Bryan Stewart at bryan@malacehr.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $150,000.

About Cummins
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, (USA) Cummins employs approximately 44,000 people worldwide and serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of more than 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and approximately 6,500 dealer locations. Cummins earned $1.85 billion on sales of $18.0 billion in 2011. Press releases can be found on the Web at www.cummins.com.

TWL Precision Announces Expansion in North Charleston

TWL Precision, a worldwide supplier of precision automotive components, announced plans to expand its current operations in Charleston County. The $5 million investment is expected to generate 35 new jobs.

“We are pleased to move forward with plans to expand our operations here,” said Jeff Teague, general manager for TWL Precision. “This expansion will really help our company expand its footprint in the U.S. and help us better serve our customers in the area. Charleston County has provided a great home for our operations.

TWL Precision will expand its current facility in the Palmetto Commerce Park. The expansion will double the company’s current manufacturing space and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2012.

The company first started operations in the area in November 2007. The expansion will bring the number of employees at the company’s plant to 90.

“The expansion of TWL Precision gives us confidence that the City of North Charleston and the greater Charleston region remains a ripe environment for businesses to flourish,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “We applaud TWL Precision’s success and are thankful for the capital investment and job creation that our community will receive.”

“Manufacturing is continuing its upswing in South Carolina, especially in the automotive-related sector. TWL Precision’s expansion is another sign our state’s business-friendly climate is helping companies prosper,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.

Since the beginning of the year, South Carolina has recruited more than $3.9 billion in investment and more than 12,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Congratulations are in order for TWL Precision Inc. as they announce this great expansion project,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor.  “TWL Precision Inc. is an international automotive leader and represents the cream of the crop in highly skilled manufacturing in Charleston County. As the company writes this new chapter of its success story in North Charleston, we at Charleston County are glad to be their partners.  We will remain fully engaged to assist the company well into the future, and also to safeguard and further improve the area business climate we believe will be instrumental to continued success.”

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in the second half of 2012. TWL Precision Inc. contracts with local staffing agencies that will recruit using local advertising and media outlets.

About TWL Precision
TWL Precision is a VTL Group Company. VTL Group is a progressive international company specializing in the development and manufacture of complex precision parts and assemblies for automotive powertrain applications. The Group is present in Europe, North America, India and Japan employing over 450 people with combined revenues totaling $110 million. For more information, please visit www.vtl-group.com.

Cummins Inc. announces expansion of test facilities

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Cummins Inc. announced today an investment of $24 million over three years to expand the research and development capabilities at its technical center in North Charleston, S.C.

The Cummins Technical Center will be capable of running a variety of engines and test a wide range of fuels. Plans call for hiring 31 new engineers, mechanical technicians and electrical technicians immediately with more potential hires in the future.

"The expansion nearly doubles capacity at this site with state-of-the-art facilities to enable testing on diesel, pipe line natural gas and non standard gas engines and help the Company in its drive to be the innovation leader in the industry," said Jim Trueblood, Vice President -- High Horsepower Engineering. "We are excited to be able to partner with the State of South Carolina and expand our testing facilities right here in North Charleston."

"A package put together by state and local officials, access to a skilled workforce and community amenities capable of drawing skilled workers in the future all played an important role in our decision," said Gary Johnson, Operations Manager, Cummins Technical Center, "Having a company facility that could be renovated was an important factor as well."

Representatives of Charleston County and the City of North Charleston participated in today's announcement. "As one of Charleston County's most long-standing corporate citizens, Cummins has been a major employer in our community for the past 30 years," said Teddie Pryor, Chairman of Charleston County Council.

"This exciting news concerning the growth of the Technical Center in North Charleston is a gratifying testimonial to the company's faith in our workforce," Pryor added.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said: "We thank Cummins Technical Center for their continued commitment to doing business in North Charleston. Cummins' research and development facility is a catalyst to our advancing high tech economy."

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance hosted the event. "Smart companies like Cummins are using innovation as a key driver of economic growth and we're pleased to celebrate their continued investment in our community," said CRDA Chairman R.M. Singletary.

Cummins is proud to be a valued employer and partner in the Charleston area and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the City of North Charleston, Charleston County and the State of South Carolina.

About Cummins

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, (USA) Cummins employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide and serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of more than 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and approximately 6,000 dealer locations. Cummins earned $1.0 billion on sales of $13.2 billion in 2010. Press releases can be found on the Web at http://cummins.com .

Agilex Opening Office in Lowcountry Innovation Center on former Navy Yard

Recently Named Government Contractor of the Year Expands to Charleston to Support SPAWAR and Other Strategic Clients

In a statement released this morning, the Lowcountry Innovation Center announced that Agilex Technologies, Inc., a Chantilly, VA-based company, will be opening a new office at the center. The company is an employee-owned provider of mission and technology solutions to the national security, healthcare and public sectors.

Agilex’ North Charleston presence will support the company’s growing relationship, as a SeaPort-e contract holder, with the U.S. Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). The office will provide management and support for large systems engineering projects and will offer dedicated expertise in the use of agile software development methodologies within major government organizations.

Founded in 2007, Agilex has witnessed explosive growth with an impressive client list of federal, state and local governments. Recently, the company was named a 2011 Greater Washington Government Contractor of the Year. In 2010, the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) also honored Agilex as the organization’s “Hottest Emerging Government Contractor”. The Washington Business Journal has ranked the company “# 1” (2010) and “# 12” (2011) on its annual list of the Washington region’s fastest growing companies. As part of CRN’s Fast Growth 100 List, Agilex was also named the 19th fastest growing solution provider in North America for 2011.

“Agilex is a stellar addition to North Charleston’s growing list of technology-based companies,” says Mayor R. Keith Summey of North Charleston. “Their track record with providing innovative technology solutions to critical federal missions is very impressive. Bringing companies like Agilex to the area is a big part of our long-term strategy to create a nationally-focused tech corridor at the Navy Yard.”

Rick Davis, Agilex Director of Strategic Program Delivery, believes that the Lowcountry Innovation Center will be an asset for the company. “The LIC is a great facility for technology companies,” he says. “With diverse and highly qualified technical partners available throughout the center, it will strengthen our ability to meet our client’s unique requirements. It is also a flexible facility, which suits the highly collaborative approach that we champion.”

About the Lowcountry Innovation Center

The Lowcountry Innovation Center is located at the Navy Yard in North Charleston, South Carolina, at the site of the former Charleston Naval Base. The LIC serves as a incubator for creative and technology-driven companies in the Lowcountry. With tenants like Geocent, Deloitte Service, LLP, SGA Architecture, Advanced Core Technologies, and Miller Wilson Consulting, the center has become a major focal point for generating jobs for technology workers in Charleston metro area, now fully leased since its opening in 2009.

Immedion expands operations, bringing data center to North Charleston

Immedion LLC, a South Carolina-based dedicated data center and managed services provider, is building its third data center in North Charleston, SC with plans to open in late spring. The third site further expands Immedion’s data center redundancy and disaster recovery offerings and allows Immedion to better serve the managed hosting needs of the southeast region. The new facility is expected to bring 20 new jobs and $6 million in capital investment.

Located in the Palmetto Commerce Park, the North Charleston facility will be specially constructed to withstand high winds and other special conditions normally associated with coastal regions.  “Our customer base is any size business with critical information technology assets located nearby,” added Immedion CEO, Frank Mobley, “This facility will provide an ideal location for companies who want to keep these assets close by, but are in a high risk area, or have outgrown their internal capacity.”

“Information technology is a rapidly growing sector of our economy and is a key target industry in the Opportunity Next economic development strategy,” said CRDA Board Chairman R.M. Singletary. “We’re glad to see Immedion expand its footprint in the state and bring additional high quality, high paying jobs to the Charleston region.”

"We welcome Immedion to Charleston County," said Teddie E. Pryor, Sr., Chairman of Charleston County Council.  "The entry of this great company into our region strengthens Charleston’s 'knowledge economy' and is further proof this is a great market for business.”

“With its dual power infrastructure and fiber optics, Palmetto Commerce Park is quickly becoming known as a hub for innovative companies and data centers, and we’re thrilled to see Immedion locate to such a thriving area, said City of North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “North Charleston is the right choice for technology companies looking to locate, grow their business and be confident their information will be protected.”