The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Berkeley County, the City of Charleston and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance today announced that Gildan Activewear has started the previously announced relocation of retail management and administrative functions to Berkeley County.
“As announced in May at the inauguration of our distribution centre, Gildan’s facility in Charleston will serve as the office location for our operations servicing the retail market. The area has provided us with an excellent business environment and we are pleased to grow our operations in South Carolina. We look forward to our continued growth here and appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Paul Parker, vice president of Operations of Gildan Activewear in Charleston.
In February, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Berkeley County, the City of Charleston and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance announced that Gildan would locate its new retail distribution center facility in Berkeley County and create 250 new jobs over the next four years. The company commenced hiring and held an official ribbon cutting ceremony in May. Today’s announcement confirms that Gildan is consolidating retail management and administrative functions in Berkeley County, which is expected to generate 87 additional new jobs. The hiring process is currently underway and the majority of the new jobs are expected to be filled by the end of this year.
“It’s great news any time a first-rate company comes to South Carolina,” Gov. Mark Sanford said, “and Gildan’s decision to put down roots in rural South Carolina serves as a reminder that we're making strides even in these challenging economic times. Over the last 26 years Gildan Activewear has gone from being a family business to a major multinational company known for high-quality clothing, and South Carolina is incredibly proud to be part of that ongoing story.”
“Just over six months ago, we celebrated the opening of Gildan’s Berkeley County retail distribution center,” said Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis. “We are very excited that Gildan chose to locate its retail office and distribution operations into Berkeley County. We foster a pro-business climate which continues to attract high quality companies. We welcome Gildan into our community and look forward to offering whatever support we are able to provide to ensure Gildan’s continued success.”
City of Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley added, “On behalf of the City of Charleston, we are excited that Gildan Activewear has decided to locate its retail sales division at its distribution center on Clements Ferry Road. I have no doubt that Gildan will find Charleston as conducive to corporate operations as it is convenient for distribution. We welcome the new jobs and increased investment in our City, and we look forward to even closer engagement with Gildan and its employees.”
“Gildan’s decision to locate its retail office and distribution operations in Charleston is an exciting indication that our region is an attractive location for multinational companies, and that we can support businesses in creating sustainable success,” said CRDA Board Chairman Sean Bennett.
For more information on Gildan Activewear Inc., please visit www.gildan.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has been recognized for its success in the areas of job creation and economic impact by Area Development and Business Facilities magazines. The S.C. Department of Commerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations to receive Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award in 2009 and Commerce received the 2009 Deal of the Year award from Business Facilities magazine. Southern Business & Development also awarded the S.C. Department of Commerce the “Deal of the Year” for the 2010 SB&D 100. Commerce received the recognitions for Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant to support the 787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services and offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
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