Drew Industries Inc. Announces New Facility in Chester County
April 7, 2010
Investment expected to generate 125 new jobs
CHESTER COUNTY, SC – April 7, 2010 – The South Carolina Department of Commerceand Chester County today announced that Kinro Inc., a subsidiary ofDrew Industries Incorporated (NYSE: DW) will locate its newmanufacturing plant in Chester County. The $978,300 investment isexpected to create 125 new jobs.
“We are thrilled to move forward with our new facility in ChesterCounty. Our market share has increased, and this new plant will help usmeet growing demand from our customers. Chester County has provided uswith an excellent pre-existing facility, and the positive businessenvironment and available labor force make the area a great fit for us.We appreciate the support we have received from state and localofficials,” said Jason Lippert, Kinro’s president and CEO.
The company will manufacture entry doors and windows for manufacturedhomes and other industries. Kinro is locating its new operation in theformer Philips Products plant in Chester.
“As businesses prepare for the economic recovery, many companiescontinue to see the many benefits of investing in South Carolina. Infact, Drew Industries’ decision to locate its new plant in ChesterCounty is another indication that our business-friendly climate andskilled workforce are working to attract new investment and createopportunities for South Carolinians in both our rural and urbancommunities. We welcome Drew Industries to our state’s businesscommunity and wish them success in their endeavors here,” said JoeTaylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“We wish to thank Drew Industries for their vote of confidence inChester County with the location of their door and window manufacturingoperation here. We are confident that Drew Industries has found anexcellent environment for growth here and a workforce that is ready,able and willing to go to work to make them successful! We continue tobe focused on creating new and better paying job opportunities for thecitizens of Chester County,” said County Supervisor R. Carlisle Roddey.
“Drew Industries’ commitment to create 125 new jobs in Chester County isjust what the doctor ordered. Chester has a wonderful team working tobring industry to the county and I feel this is the tip of the iceberg. Ihope, and I believe, more is to come,” said state Sen. CreightonColeman.
The company expects to begin hiring for the positions now and continuehiring over the next 12 months. Anyone interested in job opportunitieswith the company should contact the Chester Workforce Center at803-377-8147.
About Drew
Drew, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kinro and LippertComponents, supplies a broad array of components for RVs andmanufactured homes, including windows, doors, chassis, chassis parts,bath and shower units, axles and upholstered furniture. In addition,Drew manufactures slide-out mechanisms for RVs and trailers primarilyfor hauling boats. Currently, from 24 factories located throughout theUnited States, Drew serves most major national manufacturers of RVs andmanufactured homes in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Additionalinformation about Drew and its products can be found at www.drewindustries.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic developmentprofessionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investmentsand help existing businesses grow. Commerce has been recognized for itssuccess in the areas of job creation and economic impact by AreaDevelopment and Business Facilities magazines. The S.C. Department ofCommerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations toreceive Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award in 2009 and Commercereceived the 2009 Deal of the Year award from Business Facilitiesmagazine. Commerce received the top prize for Boeing’s selection ofNorth Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant for the787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment,the agency provides a range of business support services, offers grantsfor community development and infrastructure improvements, and providestools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visitwww.SCcommerce.com.
