Advanced technology company investing $3 million in Richland County operations
October 27, 2019
REI Automation, a Columbia, South Carolina-based company specializing in designing and building custom industrial robotic equipment for automotive, medical, nuclear, electronics industries and consumer goods is expanding its operations in Richland County.
The company’s $3 million investment is projected to create 35 new jobs and will grow its existing 8.5-acre campus by building a new headquarters and adding onto the existing assembly hall.
Founded in 1990, REI was named one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in 2018 and is part of a national trend of the continued growth in the emerging factory automation industry.
“This expansion reflects our continued commitment to the community and our confidence in Richland County’s workforce,” said Grant Phillips, President of REI Automation. “For almost 30 years, we have built elegant, robust systems in the Midlands region, because the people we hire from this community are smart, hardworking and dependable.”
“REI Automation’s expansion is indicative of how Richland County’s economy is adapting to the demands of an increasingly technology-oriented world,” said Paul Livingston, Chair of Richland County Council. “This expansion is a vote of confidence in our educated and capable workforce.”
In 2006, REI Automation built a new design and assembly facility at 1240 Veterans Road in Columbia. This expansion of that facility follows expansions in 2010, 2014 and 2015.
About the Richland County Economic Development Office
The Richland County Economic Development Office (RCEDO) was formed in 2012 with the mission of enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Richland County. The office has a staff of five economic development professionals with more than 85 years of combined experience. RCEDO accomplishes its mission by focusing on three proven economic development strategies: 1) business recruitment through active marketing of the County as a competitive location to do business, 2) supporting existing business and industry through its Existing Business Program, and 3) identifying and developing new business and industrial sites and buildings where companies can locate and grow. Learn more at http://richlandcountysc.com/.
