News Summary
Zilmet USA has officially relocated its headquarters from Rhode Island to a new facility in Georgetown County, South Carolina. This move is expected to save the company over one million dollars annually in energy costs while bolstering local job creation. The state’s favorable tax environment and proximity to key suppliers were significant factors in this decision. Construction of the state-of-the-art facility, which spans 150,000 square feet, will be completed by late 2024, with production set to begin in 2025.
South Carolina
Zilmet USA has announced the relocation of its headquarters from Rhode Island to South Carolina, driven by the quest for cost savings and enhanced growth opportunities in the region. The company has invested in a new state-of-the-art facility in Georgetown County, which spans 150,000 square feet, aimed at bolstering its manufacturing capabilities.
The move is projected to yield substantial economic benefits for Zilmet USA, including an annual savings of over one million dollars in electricity and natural gas costs when compared to its previous location. This financial advantage is complemented by the company’s strategic decision to relocate closer to its largest supplier, Nucor Steel, which enhances its operational efficiency and logistics.
In addition to cost savings, Zilmet USA is capitalizing on South Carolina’s favorable tax environment as a right-to-work state, factors that were instrumental in the decision to make the move. The new facility is equipped with advanced automation technology, which not only increases production efficiency but also proposes new opportunities for skilled maintenance jobs as the manufacturing process continues to evolve.
The transition marks a significant opportunity for local job creation, as Zilmet USA anticipates adding between 40 to 50 new jobs in the area. This development follows the closure of International Paper in Georgetown County, a move that had previously led to substantial employment losses in the region. The arrival of Zilmet USA is seen as a positive response to the local economic climate, providing hope for job recovery in the community.
Recognizing the impact of Zilmet USA’s move on the local economy, the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development has stepped in to support the project. They have approved job development credits to assist in the establishment of manufacturing operations, alongside granting a $500,000 allocation to cover site preparation and construction costs.
The construction of the new facility is slated for completion by late 2024, with production expected to commence in 2025. Zilmet USA also has plans for future expansions, potentially adding another 100,000 square feet to their manufacturing space as demand and operational needs grow. This long-term investment underscores the company’s commitment to establishing a significant foothold in South Carolina’s manufacturing landscape.
Overall, Zilmet USA’s relocation is part of a broader trend of companies seeking strategically advantageous operational bases that support growth while providing cost efficiencies. The decision to move to South Carolina not only aligns with these corporate goals but also serves to invigorate the local economy by creating new job opportunities and fostering industry development in the area.
The decision by Zilmet USA highlights the increasingly competitive nature of regional economies, where incentives and operational costs play crucial roles in business relocation and expansion efforts. As the company embarks on this new chapter in South Carolina, its impact is expected to be felt by both its employees and the broader community in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- PBN: Zilmet Departure Highlights R.I. Commerce’s Tricky Balancing Act
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- PBN: Zilmet USA Moves Headquarters from R.I. to South Carolina
- Google Search: Zilmet USA
- Live 5 News: Zilmet USA Opens Manufacturing Company in Georgetown County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Business Facilities: Zilmet Picks South Carolina for First U.S. Manufacturing Plant
- Google News: Zilmet USA South Carolina Manufacturing
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
