Staff report
Published June 25, 2009

Welded Tube-Berkeley announced plans Thursday morning to expand its local operation and add 20 to 30 jobs during the next nine months.

The company, a subsidiary of Welded Tube of Canada, manufacturers sprinkler pipe products for use in fire protection systems, and mechanical and light structural tubing for original equipment manufacturer applications such as racking, handrail and other manufactured products.

Welded Tube was established in Huger in 2004.

Company officials said they plan to make a significant investment to expand their product line into a higher performance pipe product used in the transmission of basic utilities — air, water, gas and steam — and in the energy sector for well-water removal.

The technical capabilities of current employees and the help of the state’s work force development program were important factors contributing to the decision to expand here, Maryann Wagner, president of Welded Tube-Berkeley, said in a statement released by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Local and state officials gathered today in Berkeley County to celebrate the company’s decision.

“The greater Charleston area has always provided us with a positive business environment and an excellent labor force,” Wagner said.

Welded Tube operates in a highly competitive commodity market, she said, and being a domestic manufacturer has been advantageous. Using a collaborative model, the company sources raw material from neighboring Nucor Steel, which is then further processed by nearby JM Tull Metals Co. and Feralloy Corp. before being transferred to Welded Tube-Berkeley. Wagner cited this tight supply chain as being critical to the company’s success.

CRDA Board Chairman Jim Bryan said this expansion demonstrates the competitive business opportunities present in the local marketplace.

Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis lauded the company for its decision to expand here.

“We know that Welded Tube also has operations in the Northeast and that location was a contender for this project. We applaud the company’s decision to expand here in Berkeley County, where our infrastructure stands ready to serve the needs of growing businesses,” he said.

Those interested in applying for the new positions at Welded Tube-Berkeley are asked to apply through ReadySC online at www.sctechjobs.com.