Glass products maker Guardian Industries Corp. plans to spend $45 million to expand its Richburg plant, a move expected to create 50 new jobs.
“Chester County has provided us with an excellent business environment and strong workforce, and we are excited about increasing our presence here,” said Tom Wunderlich, plant manager for Guardian’s Richburg plant.
“Demand for our company’s products is on the rise. Our Chester County plant plays an important role in our overall operations.”
Guardian will install an advanced-technology coating machine that will allow the float-glass plant – at 610 L&C Railway Distribution Park – to produce highly energy-efficient glass for residential and commercial buildings, Wunderlich said.
The company sells the glass under the name ClimaGuard for homes and SunGuard for commercial uses.
“Manufacturing companies continue to have a large role in our state’s economy,” said state Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt. “So it is always gratifying to see one expand its presence in South Carolina.
“Guardian Industries’ decision to build on its current operations in Chester County is another sign our state provides a strong foundation for success and helps businesses prosper.”
County officials applauded Guardian’s re-investment in Richburg.
“We thank Guardian for their vote of confidence by choosing to expand here in Chester County and create jobs to put our citizens back to work,” county Supervisor Carlisle Roddey said. “It is a fine example of how Chester County continues to create a pro-business atmosphere that is attractive to our existing industrial partners that may be considering an expansion here.”
“It is especially gratifying when the new jobs and capital investment are from an existing industrial partner,” said Karlisa Parker, the county’s economic development director.
Guardian also has facilities in Winnsboro and Greer.
From staff reports, The Herald
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