SC: Odfjell Announces New Operations in Charleston County

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The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Charleston County and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance recently announced that Odfjell Holdings (US) Inc. will establish new operations in Charleston County. The $37 million investment is expected to initially generate 12 new jobs over the next three years. The investment will also impact construction and support services employment.

“We are excited about the opportunity to start new operations in North Charleston. South Carolina offers us an excellent business environment in which to work and provides us with a talented workforce. The Charleston area also offers us a location near one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Albert M. Noggle, Vice President of Finance for Odfjell Holdings (US) Inc.

“The new terminal site in Charleston will consist of 40 tanks with deep draft marine, rail and truck accessibility. This will be a great supplement to our existing terminal in Houston and our worldwide tank terminal network. When combined with our shipping network this facility will provide additional distribution options for our customers delivering even more efficiency to their supply chains,” said David A. Ellis, President of Odfjell Holdings (US) Inc.

Odfjell, a Norwegian shipping company, will build a distribution facility with deep draft marine, rail and truck accessibility to be located along the Cooper River shipping channel. The company expects to have construction complete and the new facility operational by 2013.

“Odfjell is world-class company and a leader in providing specialized transportation and distribution services. The company’s decision to locate its new operations in South Carolina is another indication that our state’s business-friendly climate and strong workforce continue to attract investment from companies around the globe. This announcement also serves as a testament that the Port of Charleston plays a vital role in economic development for South Carolina. We appreciate Odfjell’s decision to invest here and look forward to the company’s success in North Charleston,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“Our heartiest congratulations go out to Odfjell as they join our Charleston County corporate family,” said Chairman of Charleston County Council Teddie Pryor. “Odfjell will fill a unique and interesting niche on our waterfront as they serve some of their major customers throughout the Southeast. The competitive advantages of our natural harbor, our intermodal transportation network, our productive workforce and our dedicated maritime community will help this world-class company excel quickly toward profitability with their new North Charleston operation. We at Charleston County have been privileged to assist in the recruitment of this fine company, and we pledge our steadfast partnership to Odfjell during the upcoming start-up phase and for many successful years to come.”      

“The Port of Charleston continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, not only here in the Charleston region, but throughout South Carolina,” said CRDA Board Chairman Sean Bennett. “Welcome, Odfjell; we applaud your decision to expand your international reach by investing here in greater Charleston."

Odfjell could begin hiring for positions as early as 2012. 

Odfjell is a leading company in the global market for transportation, storage and distribution of bulk liquid chemicals, acids, edible oils and other special products. Odfjell owns and operates tanker ships and port terminals around the world. For more information about the company, please visit www.odfjell.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.