Growing lumber industry requirements in US South drive US$1.8M expansion at BID Group's Comact facility in South Carolina; expansion generating 60 jobs will accommodate line to produce log, timber-handling equipment for sawmills

Wendy Lisney

COLUMBIA, South Carolina , May 21, 2014 (press release) – $1.8 million investment more than doubling current employment

Less than a year after establishing local operations, The BID Group of Companies, a British Columbia-based equipment manufacturer for the forest industry, will expand its Comact Equipment U.S. Inc. manufacturing facility in Dorchester County. The capital investment, totaling $1.8 million, is expected to generate approximately 60 new jobs - more than doubling the facility's current employment.

Comact, located at 176 Academy Road in St. George, will add more than 3,500 square feet to its existing 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space to accommodate another line that will produce log and timber-handling equipment primarily used for sawmills. The company began production in St. George during the fall of 2013.

QUOTES

"We are proud to announce this expansion to assist with the growing forest industry requirements in the South. Our decision to relocate some of our manufacturing to South Carolina in 2013 is paying off for us and our customers and we look forward to growing our business in Dorchester County and specifically the great community of St. George."-BID Group CEO Brian Fehr

"In 2013 the BID Group chose to locate in our state and less than a year later they are ready to expand - a clear indication that South Carolina has the workforce and business environment companies need in order to succeed in the global market. We celebrate BID Group's decision to invest $1.8 million into Comact and create 60 new jobs." - Gov. Nikki Haley

"The BID Group's investment in Comact adds to the success of our ever-growing manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. Every job created at Comact has an impact in Dorchester County and the state as a whole." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

"It is impressive that in less than a year since locating in Dorchester County, Comact is already expanding their St. George facility. We welcome their growth and look forward to our continued partnership with Comact." -Dorchester County Council Chairman Bill Hearn

FIVE FAST FACTS

• The BID Group of Companies will expand Comact Equipment U.S. Inc. in Dorchester County.
• The capital investment, totaling $1.8 million, is expected to generate approximately 60 new jobs - more than doubling the facility's current employment.
• Comact, located at 176 Academy Road in St. George, will add more than 3,500 square feet to its existing 40,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
• Expansion will accommodate another line producing log and timber handling equipment primarily used for sawmills.

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