The South Carolina Department of Commerce and SouthernCarolina Alliance announced that Rockland Industries Inc. will consolidate operations to its facility in Bamberg County. The company plans to invest $800,000 and create 30 new jobs.
“We are pleased to move forward with plans to grow our operations in South Carolina. Bamberg County has been an excellent fit for Rockland Industries, offering a positive business environment that has lead to the success of our operations in Bamberg. We also appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Mark R. Berman, Chairman and CEO of Rockland Industries. “We have worked with them for several years to make this happen. The decision about whether to consolidate Rockland’s operations in Baltimore or Bamberg was a close one. People like Danny Black and Secretary Taylor’s staff deserve a lot of credit for tipping the balance in favor of Bamberg.”
Rockland Industries Inc. produces both consumer and commercial textiles, providing fabrics to several nation-wide retailers such as JC Penny and Wal-Mart, and major hotel chains including Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, as well as selling its fabrics in 90 foreign countries. The company plans to add a new division to its Bamberg facility.
“Rockland Industries is the world's largest manufacturer of drapery and blackout linings and fabrics. The company has been an important part of the Bamberg County business community for more than 40 years. The company’s decision to bring more of its operations to South Carolina is a strong indication that our business-friendly climate and excellent workforce are helping existing businesses grow and attracting new investment. Thanks to the team efforts by state and local officials, Bamberg County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“Rockland Industries has been a vital part of the regional economy for many years, and their expansion represents an investment in the people of our area,” said Danny Black, president and CEO of SouthernCarolina Alliance. “We will continue to support the Roc Lon team in any way that we can.”
“Rockland Industries’ growth is good news for Bamberg County,” said County Administrator Rose Elliott. “Their expansion will benefit thirty families, the local retail community, and the entire regional economy.”
“Every job created has a greater impact in a rural community like ours and we are both proud and grateful that Rockland Industries chose Bamberg for this expansion,” said Bamberg Mayor Alton McCollum
Following an initial construction phase expected to last about three months, Rockland will be adding factory and warehouse workers. Karon Boatwright, Rockand’s Director of Human Resources, can be reached at 803-245-2486 ext. 243 or kboatwright@roc-lon.com.
Rockland Industries is the creator of the Roc-lon® branded line of fine textiles. The company is the world's largest manufacturer of drapery, blackout linings, blackout drapery and window covering fabrics, and a leading supplier of tickings, muslins, digital printing and craft fabrics in the United States. The company has done extensive research and development to create innovative, functional and unique products for residential and commercial use. For more information, please visit www.roc-lon.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.
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