Welded Tube-Berkeley Announces Expansion; Create 30 New Jobs

Welded Tube-Berkeley Announces Expansion in Berkeley County Investment expected to bring up to 30 new jobs to the area The South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and Berkeley County announced that Welded Tube-Berkeley will expand its operations in Berkeley County. The company plans to expand its product line and expects to create up to 30 new jobs over the next nine months. According to Maryann Wagner, president of Welded Tube-Berkeley, the technical capabilities of current employees and the help of the state’s workforce development program were important factors contributing to the decision to expand here. “The greater Charleston area has always provided us with a positive business environment and an excellent labor force,” she said. She also noted that Welded Tube operates in a highly competitive commodity market, and being a domestic manufacturer has been advantageous. Using a collaborative model, the company sources raw material from neighboring Nucor Steel, has the material processed by nearby JM Tull Metals Company and Feralloy Corporation, and then transferred to Welded Tube-Berkeley. She cited this tight supply chain as being critical to the company’s success. As part of the expansion, Welded Tube-Berkeley will bring new welding technology and hydrotesting to the company’s facility. The expansion will help the company increase productivity and expand its product line into a higher performance pipe product used in the transmission of basic utilities (air, water, gas and steam) and in the energy sector for well-water removal. “Welded Tube-Berkeley is an industry leader in the manufacturing of structural tubing and specialized pipes. The company’s decision to expand its operations in South Carolina is a strong testament that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to grow existing businesses and attract investment. Welded Tube-Berkeley’s relationship with Nucor Steel also serves as an excellent example of how companies can remain strong in challenging economic times by doing business together. Thanks to the team efforts of state and local leaders, Berkeley County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman Jim Bryan said this expansion demonstrates the competitive business opportunities present in the local marketplace. “By collaborating with other strong local companies, Welded Tube-Berkeley is growing its employee base and its product line, which in turn helps strengthen our local economy. This is just the sort of synergy our regional alliance works to create.” Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis lauded the company for its decision to expand here. “We know that Welded Tube also has operations in the Northeast and that location was a contender for this project. We applaud the company’s decision to expand here in Berkeley County, where our infrastructure stands ready to serve the needs of growing businesses.” Those interested in applying for the new positions at Welded Tube-Berkeley are asked to apply through readySC online at www.sctechjobs.com. Welded Tube-Berkeley, located in Huger, South Carolina, is a subsidiary of Welded Tube of Canada and is a leading manufacturer of ERW tubular products. Welded Tube-Berkeley’s close proximity to Nucor Steel assures a steady supply of consistent high quality carbon steel. The company manufactures fire protection sprinkler pipe and light-walled mechanical and structural tubing. For more information, please visit www.weldedtube.com. About S.C. Department of Commerce As South Carolina’s leading economic development agent, the Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new businesses and jobs and help existing businesses grow. In 2008 Commerce recruited a record 18,993 new jobs and $4.17 billion in capital investment. Many well-known names and world-class companies chose to invest in South Carolina during 2008, some of which include: Target Corp., Home Depot, Heinz, Monster, American Titanium Works, BMW, Michelin and URS Corp. Commerce also assists companies in locating buildings and sites in which to operate, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.