Horsehead Corporation Announces New Facility in Barnwell County
September 24, 2008
$87 million investment expected to bring up to 65 new jobs to the area
COLUMBIA, S.C. – September 24, 2008 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Barnwell County Economic Development Corporation, the SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance and the Town of Snelling today announced that Horsehead Corporation will locate its new facility in Barnwell County. Horsehead Corporation is North America’s largest recycler of zinc-bearing materials, including electric arc furnace (EAF) dust generated by steel mills during the melting of recycled steel scrap. The company’s $87 million investment is expected to generate up to 65 new jobs.
“We are pleased to announce plans for a new facility in Barnwell County. This investment presents a great opportunity for Horsehead to provide services in a more cost-effective manner to existing customers and to reach out to new customers in the region. Barnwell County offers us a business-friendly environment, strong workforce and the solid infrastructure support that we need. We appreciate all the help we’ve received from state and local officials to make this announcement possible,” said Jim Hensler, Horsehead’s President & CEO.
The facility is the first greenfield project for Horsehead Corporation. The company has a long-term contract in place with Nucor Steel to recycle their EAF dust, a byproduct of steel production, from Nucor’s three facilities in the Carolinas. Horsehead Corporation also serves existing South Carolina customers, selling zinc oxide to Michelin and Bridgestone and zinc metal to Trinity Industries.
“Today’s announcement is another sign that our efforts to improve the state’s economic soil conditions are working to attract investment and jobs throughout South Carolina including smaller communities in our state. As well, Horsehead’s decision to locate and make a significant investment in Barnwell County is an incredible compliment to the area’s workforce. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to create an environment that will promote economic growth, job creation and opportunity for more South Carolinians,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.
“Horsehead Corporation is North America’s largest recycler of zinc-bearing materials. The company and its predecessors have been an industry leader and innovator for over 150 years. Horsehead Corporation’s decision to locate here is a strong testament to South Carolina’s skilled workforce and business-friendly climate. Thanks to the team efforts of state and local officials, Barnwell County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“We welcome Horsehead Corporation, a leading manufacturer in their field and an asset to our industrial community. We are excited about the job creation and capital investment they’re making in this project, which will benefit the people of our entire region. We are grateful to those at the state and local level who worked hand in hand with us to bring this company to the S.C. Advanced Technology Park,” said Danny Black, president, SouthernCarolina Alliance.
“Horsehead Corporation’s announcement today to locate their recycling facility in Barnwell County is another example of how successful the combined efforts of the Barnwell County Economic Development Corporation and the SouthernCarolina Alliance can be in bringing significant capital investment and job creation to not only Barnwell County, but the entire SouthernCarolina region. We are tremendously pleased they have chosen this area for their latest expansion as this represents one of the most significant capital investments in Barnwell County in recent years. We are proud to welcome Horsehead to our corporate community, where they will join many other nationally and internationally recognized companies that call Barnwell County home,” said Marty Martin, executive director, Barnwell County Economic Development Corporation.
“Successful economic development recruiting involves the combined efforts of many. Playing important roles in landing this project were representatives from the Town of Snelling, Barnwell County Council, SouthernCarolina Alliance, the Department of Commerce and the Barnwell County Economic Development Corporation. A special thank you also goes out to Barnwell County’s 2008 Ambassador for Economic Development, John Boyd, President of Augusta Fiberglass Coatings Inc. for his assistance in making this announcement possible. We enthusiastically welcome a company of Horsehead’s caliber to Barnwell County and the region,” said Pete Grady, chairman, Barnwell County Economic Development Corporation.
“We are pleased that Horsehead Corporation has chosen Barnwell County as the location for its newest facility and appreciate the efforts of all of those involved in making this happen,” said Lowell Jowers, chairman, Barnwell County Council.
“The Town of Snelling welcomes Horsehead Corporation and looks forward to the capital investment and jobs they will bring to this area,” said Snelling Mayor Tim Moore.
Horsehead Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Horsehead Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: ZINC), is a leading U.S. producer of specialty zinc and zinc-based products and among the world’s largest recyclers of zinc-bearing materials. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Horsehead employs over 1,000 people and operates six facilities throughout the U.S.
Visit www.horsehead.net for more information.
Individuals interested in pursuing job opportunities with Horsehead Corporation can contact the Barnwell County Career One-Stop Center (248 Wall Street, Barnwell 29812, 803-259-7116).
