Streit USA Armoring Announces Expansion in Charleston County

Investment expected to create more than 50 new jobs
 
CHARLESTON, SC – November 17, 2011 – Streit USA Armoring, a maker ofarmored vehicles, today announced plans to expand current operations inCharleston County. The $5.8 million investment is expected to generatemore than 50 new jobs over the next three years.
 
“Demand for our products has grown, so we needed to grow in order tokeep up. We are pleased to have the opportunity to grow here. Charlestonand South Carolina have provided an excellent business climate and agreat location for our business, and we look forward to expanding here.We’d also like to thank our builder, Frampton and Associates, who hashelped us move this project forward,” said Eric Carlson, vicepresident/partner of Streit USA Armoring.
 
Streit USA Armoring will establish a new facility to be built byFrampton and Associates in the Palmetto Commerce Park, moving itsexisting operations from a leased building. The move will allow thecompany to add four new production lines, greatly increase its outputand more than double the manufacturing space to 75,000 square feet.
 
“We are always excited when one of our existing businesses chooses toincrease its footprint in South Carolina. We celebrate Streit USAArmoring’s decision to expand and create more than 50 new well-payingjobs in Charleston County,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
 
“Today’s announcement shows that South Carolina provides a growthenvironment for business. Streit USA Armoring’s decision to expand inCharleston also strengthens our state’s manufacturing sector,” saidBobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.

Thisyear, Commerce has been involved in the recruitment of more than $3.3billion in capital investment and more than 11,000 jobs in themanufacturing sector. There are over 2,000 firms, like Streit USAArmoring, in South Carolina that furnish goods and services throughDepartment of Defense contracts.  In fiscal year 2010, more than $4.3billion in Department of Defense contracts were obligated to SouthCarolina establishments.

“Congratulations to Streit USA Armoring on this exciting expansionnews,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor. “Thisdynamic company occupies a very unique security market niche, and we aregratified to have them expand their operations in North Charlestonduring such trying economic times. I am confident that our skilledworkforce, superior logistics and positive business climate will be arecipe for profitability as Streit continues to grow. As they do, theywill always have a steadfast partner in Charleston County.”

“The expansion of Streit USA Armoring to Palmetto Commerce Park gives usconfidence that North Charleston and the greater Charleston regionremain ripe environments for businesses to flourish,” said NorthCharleston Mayor Keith Summey. “We applaud Streit’s success and arethankful for the capital investment and job creation in our community.” 

“It’s wonderful to see the automotive industry strengthening and growingin our community,” said Charleston Regional Development AllianceChairman R.M. Singletary. “Streit USA Armoring’s expansion is good newsfor us all, particularly the Port of Charleston, another key driver ofour regional economy. This partnership will continue to drive economicprosperity throughout the three-county region for years to come.”
 
Proximity to the Port of Charleston was an important factor when thecompany initially decided to locate operations in the area. The companywill continue to import parts and export finished products through theport.
 
“We appreciate Streit USA Armoring’s trust in our port, the region andour state,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South CarolinaPorts Authority.  “The Port of Charleston has the quality facilities,skilled labor and support industry to handle any international shippingneed.”
 
The company will begin hiring for the new positions next summer, and will be using ReadySC to assist with the hiring process.
 
For more information about the company, please visit www.armored-cars.com/streit/.
 
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Departmentof Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businessesgrow. This year, Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Deal ofYear Award from Area Development magazine. Commerce has been part ofrecruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing,Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and GoogleInc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, ruraldevelopment initiatives and offers grants for community development. Formore information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.