Comact Equipment U.S. Inc. To Expand Dorchester County Facility
May 21, 2014
1.8 Million Investment Expected To Create 60 New Jobs
DORCHESTER COUNTY, SC – Less than a year after establishing local operations, The BID Group of Companies, a British Columbia-based equipment manufacturer for the forest industry, will expand its Comact Equipment U.S. Inc. manufacturing facility in Dorchester County. The capital investment, totaling $1.8 million, is expected to generate approximately 60 new jobs – more than doubling the facility’s current employment.
Comact, located at 176 Academy Road in St. George, will add more than 3,500 square feet to its existing 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space to accommodate another line that will produce log and timber-handling equipment primarily used for sawmills. The company began production in St. George during the fall of 2013.
“We are proud to announce this expansion to assist with the growing forest industry requirements in the South. Our decision to relocate some of our manufacturing to South Carolina in 2013 is paying off for us and our customers and we look forward to growing our business in Dorchester County and specifically the great community of St. George.”-BID Group CEO Brian Fehr
“In 2013 the BID Group chose to locate in our state and less than a year later they are ready to expand – a clear indication that South Carolina has the workforce and business environment companies need in order to succeed in the global market. We celebrate BID Group’s decision to invest $1.8 million into Comact and create 60 new jobs.” – Gov. Nikki Hale
“The BID Group’s investment in Comact adds to the success of our ever-growing manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. Every job created at Comact has an impact in Dorchester County and the state as a whole.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“It is impressive that in less than a year since locating in Dorchester County, Comact is already expanding their St. George facility. We welcome their growth and look forward to our continued partnership with Comact.” -Dorchester County Council Chairman Bill Hearn
FAST FACTS
• The BID Group of Companies will expand Comact Equipment U.S. Inc. in Dorchester County.
• The capital investment, totaling $1.8 million, is expected to generate approximately 60 new jobs – more than doubling the facility’s current employment.
• Comact, located at 176 Academy Road in St. George, will add more than 3,500 square feet to its existing 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
• Expansion will accommodate another line producing log and timber handling equipment primarily used for sawmills.
About Comact
With more than 50 years of experience, Comact has established itself as a North American and International leader in the design, manufacture and installation of innovative equipment for the sawmill industry. Their comprehensive line of products include mechanical, digital vision optimization, and automation and control equipment. The company, owned by parent company The BID Group, employs more than 450 people in British Columbia, Quebec, and St. George, SC. For more information about the company, please visit www.comact.com.
About BID Group
With over 30 years of experience, the BID Group has established itself as a leader in a variety of value-added, turnkey solutions for the forest industry. Focusing on sawmills and planer mills, BID’s services include engineering and design, industrial fabrication, construction management and facilities maintenance, as well as green energy systems and lumber remanufacturing. Its 400+ employees are located in British Columbia, Canada. Together with Comact, the company is well positioned to provide an end-to-end solution for their customers’ needs. For more information about the company, please visit www.bidgroup.ca.
