SC: Blue Sky Processing LLC Launching Beaufort County Operations

Blue Sky Processing LLC, a processer of hemp fiber for a variety of applications, today announced plans to locate new operations in Beaufort County. The company's $2.5 million investment is projected to create 16 new jobs.

Blue Sky Processing is pioneering large-scale extraction of cannabidiol (CBD) and other hemp cannabinoids. Focused on legal and non-psychoactive cannabinoid nutritional supplements, the company will be participating in the S.C. Department of Agriculture's Hemp Pilot Program and will be renovating an existing property in Beaufort County. Once completed, the facility will be outfitted with processing and analytical equipment, coming online in the first quarter of 2019.

Hiring for the new positions is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2019 as well, and those interested in joining the Blue Sky Processing team should contact info@madebybluesky.com for more information.

QUOTES

"We are thrilled to have the support from the S.C. Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture's Hemp Pilot Program. The future looks very optimistic for hemp cultivators and manufacturers throughout the state." -Blue Sky Processing President Jennifer Pfuhl

"With an announcement like today's from Blue Sky Processing, it's clear that agribusiness is as important to South Carolina's present and future as it has been to our past. I'm proud to welcome this great company to our robust business community and look forward to seeing how it will continue to grow and thrive in the Lowcountry." -Gov. Henry McMaster

"South Carolina has a rich history in the agribusiness sector, and today's announcement by Blue Sky Processing shows that this industry continues to flourish in the Palmetto State. We congratulate this innovative company on their new operations and look forward to all they'll be able achieve in Beaufort County." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

"We are grateful that Blue Sky Processing has chosen Beaufort County to locate its operations. Their investment in Beaufort is evidence that the work of the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation is resonating with investors. Beaufort County is a great place for business and industry. We are appreciative of the good jobs Blue Sky will be bringing to northern Beaufort County." -Beaufort County Councilman Gerald Dawson, District One

"Blue Sky Processing's announcement is great news! The Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation is working hard to meet the needs of existing industry and attract new industry. This project was identified through our existing industry visits. By working closely with the business community and partnering with the S.C. Department of Commerce as well as the S.C. Department of Agriculture, we've been able to connect investors with great South Carolina programs to fuel growth and job creation." -Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation Chairman Stephen Murray

"We are proud to welcome Blue Sky Processing to Beaufort County. As industrial hemp proves to be an additional crop for our farmers, establishing a processing network is paramount to our growers' success. And, as we continue to expand upon these opportunities, we look forward to South Carolina becoming the industry leader." -S.C. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Blue Sky Processing is launching new operations in Beaufort County.
• $2.5 million investment to create 16 new jobs.
• Blue Sky Processing is a processer of hemp, focusing on extraction of CBD oil for cannabinoid nutritional supplements.
• The company's new facility is projected to come online in the first quarter of 2019.

Those interested in joining the Blue Sky Processing team should contact info@madebybluesky.com for more information

About S.C. Department of Commerce: As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State ranked No. 1 in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis in 2018 -- extending its streak of top three finishes since 2011. Additionally, in five of seven years, the state has won the Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine; and, in 2017, the state was recognized as Business Facilities' State of the Year. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.