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Southern Wall Products: $23 million investment, 28 new jobs, here’s what you need to know

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7 months ago

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Southern Wall Products: million investment, 28 new jobs, here’s what you need to know

Manufacturing is the biggest employer in Anderson County, with more than 16,000 jobs, and it continues to grow.

According to an updated report from the S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce, Anderson’s manufacturing project employment will reach more than 27,000 by 2030.

Several manufacturing companies from neighboring states have ventured to Anderson to expand their businesses.

Georgia-based Southern Wall Products, a drywall manufacturing company, has chosen Anderson County to establish its first operation in South Carolina.

The company will be located at 1632 Pearman Dairy Road.

The $23 million investment will create 28 new jobs, and operations will commence in June 2025.

“Southern Wall Products has been constructing communities since 1981,” said Chris Winkler, President of Southern Wall Products. “We are thrilled about this next chapter for our company, our employees, and their families and to call Anderson the home of our new South Carolina facility.”

Drywall finishing products

Southern Wall Products manufactures and sells finishing and decorating materials, such as ready-mix joint compounds, ceiling textures, setting compounds, and primers for the building industry under brand name Ruco.

The company’s services are available in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Delaware.

With its presence in 14 states across the Southeast region, Southern Wall Products has established a substantial market reach that extends beyond South Carolina.

“Southern Wall Products’ new operation and the jobs it creates are together a great win for Anderson County, and we look forward to the company’s success in our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III in a press release.

Anderson’s skilled workforce

Anderson County’s skilled local workforce provides several advantages for companies like Southern Wall Products.

According to an updated report from the S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce, the county’s skilled labor force has led to growth in the job market.

Industrial engineers, technologists, laborers, supervisors, machinists, and technicians are among the top 20 occupational openings in Anderson County.

The average annual wage for employees in the manufacturing industry is $61,048.

“We are pleased that Southern Wall Products has chosen to join Anderson County’s growing family of industries,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “We are committed to recruiting well-paying jobs representing multiple industry sectors, and Southern Wall Products will be a great fit for our community.”

Low unemployment rates in Anderson

Low unemployment rates mean the economy is strong, and most workers can find jobs.

According to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, the state’s unemployment rate increased to 3.2 percent in April.

Anderson’s unemployment rate of 2.7 percent is significantly lower than the state’s average of 3.2 percent, indicating a healthy job market in the county.

“Southern Wall Products’ investment in Anderson County is further proof that manufacturing companies of all types recognize the benefits of doing business in South Carolina,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in a press release.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

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