Staff Report
Published Dec. 31, 2009

Spencer Industries Inc. is expanding operations at its Hampton County facility to increase production capacity and capture a larger market share in the thermoforming plastics industry, the company said Wednesday.

The expansion represents a capital investment of $1.2 million by the plastic components manufacturer and will create a total of 12 jobs at the Hampton location, plant manager Todd Warren said.

“We are pleased to announce that we have already hired two new employees and plan to hire 10 more over the next 18 months,” Warren said. “We are bringing in more advanced production equipment to improve our production capabilities, and we are upgrading our facility.”

Hampton County Economic Development Commission Chairman DeThane Johnson said businesses like Spencer Industries are the backbone of the local economy.

“Spencer Industries has demonstrated their commitment to our local work force through job creation and capital investment, which is the best way to improve the quality of life for our citizens,” Johnson said.

Hampton County Economic Development Commission Director Sandy Fowler said Spencer Industries worked closely with the S.C. Department of Commerce, the Technical College of the Lowcountry, and the regional and local economic development teams to bring the production line to Hampton County.

“A dozen jobs created in a small town like Hampton has a greater impact than it may have in larger communities,” Hampton Mayor John Rhoden said. “We will do everything we can to foster a business-friendly environment to enable companies like Spencer Industries to flourish in our area.”