Coastal Biodiesel Group Inc. Announces New Facility in Horry County
March 27, 2009
Investment expected to bring 50 new jobs to the area
COLUMBIA, SC – March 24, 2009 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Horry County today announced that Coastal Biodiesel Group Inc. will open a new facility in Horry County. The $4.5 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs.
“We are pleased to begin operations in South Carolina with our Conway facility. Horry County provides us with a positive business environment and excellent labor pool, as well as giving us excellent market access. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Mark L. Hefner, president of Coastal Biodiesel Group.
Coastal Biodiesel will take used cooking oils from restaurants and commercial cooking firms to produce biodiesel. The company has purchased a 28,000 square foot facility in Conway, and estimates it could produce up to 4 million gallons of biodiesel annually.
“Coastal Biodiesel Group is an innovative start-up company that recycles used cooking oils and grease trap waste to produce biodiesel. The company’s decision to establish its operations in South Carolina is a strong testament that our state’s business-friendly climate, strong workforce and growing alternative energy sector are working to attract new investment. We welcome Coastal Biodiesel Group to South Carolina’s business community and wish them success in their new venture. Thanks to the team effort by state and local officials, Horry County will benefit from this investment with new jobs,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“We are proud that Coastal Biodiesel Group Inc. will be headquartered in Horry County. It confirms the strength of our regional assets during these challenging economic times,” said Jimmy Yahnis, Chairman of the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee.
The company plans to begin the oil collection and refinement process this week, and hopes to start biodiesel production in the next two to three months.
Coastal Biodiesel Group is a Southeastern-based company dedicated to providing high-grade biodiesel. The biodiesel will meet the highest quality ASTM fuel grade standards. The company will also offer waste grease capture services as well as core maintenance services to the restaurant and commercial cooking industries. For more information about the company, please visit www.coastalbiodiesel.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agent, the Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new businesses and jobs and help existing businesses grow. In 2008 Commerce recruited a record 18,993 new jobs and $4.17 billion in capital investment. Many well-known names and world-class companies chose to invest in South Carolina during 2008, some of which include: Target Corp., Home Depot, Heinz, Monster, American Titanium Works, BMW, Michelin and URS Corp. Commerce also assists companies in locating buildings and sites in which to operate, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
