Haier America expands Kershaw County operations

$72 million investment expected to create 410 new jobs

COLUMBIA, SC – Haier America has announced plans to expand its Kershaw County refrigerator manufacturing operations, which will support Haier’s continued growth and help the company deliver on its commitment to provide whole-home solutions for modern living in the U.S. A subsidiary of Haier Group, the world’s leading appliance brand, Haier America will contribute $72 million more to its existing $40-million facility, creating 410 new jobs in Camden, South Carolina, within the next five years.

Haier broke ground on the Kershaw County Haier Industrial Park in April 1999, making it the first Chinese company to establish manufacturing operations in the U.S. Located at 50 Haier Boulevard; the facility opened its doors in March 2000. As a part of the expansion, Haier will invest heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and tooling, as well as construct a 250,000-square-foot addition to the existing 365,000 square-foot facility, allowing the company to increase its annual refrigeration production up to 500,000 units.

The expansion of the Camden facility demonstrates Haier’s continued investment in the U.S. market, highlighting Haier’s continued commitment to meeting the needs of American consumers and the importance of the U.S. in the company’s international expansion.

“South Carolina has been a tremendous partner since Haier first established manufacturing here in 2000. As we rededicate ourselves to the American consumer and continue our growth in the U.S., it gives us great pleasure to expand our operations in Camden and provide opportunities for the highly capable local talent,”said Haier America President and CEO Adrian Micu.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in the 2^nd quarter of 2018 with hiring for the 410 new positions expected to begin in the summer of 2016. Those interested in joining the Haier America team should visit the company’s careers page online. For more information on Haier Group, visit www.haier.com.

“Foreign direct investment continues to be a critical component of our economic development success. With more than 100,000 South Carolinian’s employed by international companies, it’s clear that the reputation we’ve earned for our workforce and business-friendly environment has made its way around the world, ” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

FIVE FAST FACTS 

• Haier America is expanding its Kershaw County operations.
• $72 million investment creating 410 new jobs over the next five years.
• Headquartered in Qingdao, China, Haier employs more than 60,000 people worldwide.
• Haier broke ground on the Kershaw County Haier Industrial Park in April 1999, marking the company’s entry into the U.S. market.
• Those interested in joining the Haier America team should visit the company’s careers page online.

About Haier America

Haier America, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a subsidiary of Haier Group, the world’s #1 major appliances brand by volume as ranked by Euromonitor International 2014 and a global leader in consumer electronics. Haier employs more than 60,000 people worldwide and distributes products in more than 100 countries and regions. Global revenues for Haier Group reached $32.6 billion in 2014. For more information, visit www.haier.com or connect at www.facebook.com/Haieramerica and Twitter @haieramerica.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Volvo Cars, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. Consistently, South Carolina has ranked as one of the top states in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment, according to IBM-Plant Location International and FDI Markets reports. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012, 2014 and 2015. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.