News | July 31 2018
Another moment of progress happened as a group celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for a “spec” building in Williamsburg County. Williamsburg County Development Corporation Executive Director Jim Moore welcomed industry leaders, key allies such as the S.C. Department of Commerce, Santee Electric Cooperative, NESA, and the South Carolina Power Team as well as other funding partners who have been instrumental in making the building become a reality.
Williamsburg County Supervisor Stanley Pasley thanked everyone involved.
“Team work makes the dream work,” said Pasley. “As a result of the partnerships and collaborations that have happened, this project today and other things that have gone on in this county over the several years have created jobs and opportunities.”
The county has a good track record for filling spec, or speculative buildings. Two spec buildings are filled: one being Starcyl Cylinders Corp. in Hemingway and textile company, Louis Hornick, in Kingstree. Another large industrial property, the former Firestone building, was sold to UPI. “If we’re going to continue attracting companies to the area, then we need to be able to have that lure to draw them and that’s what this building will be,” said Moore.
The property, which was purchased by the Development Corporation about 10 years ago, is located in the Williamsburg Cooperative Commerce Center South on Highway 52 north of Kingstree. Moore said the site was a perfect fit. “Once the other two properties went, we started thinking about where’s the best place and this makes so much more sense, because it will be very visible from the highway and ties in with the new substation Santee Electric is putting in place,” said Moore. “I think it’s going to be a great front door - if you will - to the community as far as seeing progress, seeing new things.”
Santee Electric Vice President of Engineering Robert Higbe said the substation would be viewed as an enhancement to industry looking to settle here. “When they’re coming in here with prospects, and they start asking about power requirements, well, we got substations sitting on the lot next to you, you can’t get any better than that,” said Higbe. “That’s a big investment but we think it’s worth it and it should help us land a very good industry in this location.” Another spec building is being considered on a property near the intersection of Highways 52 and 521, 10 miles south of Kingstree.
*Orginial story can be seen here*