Millard Refrigerated Adding Jobs, New Facility

By 2014 Millard Refrigerated Services plans to be operating a new state of the art cold storage distribution center in North Charleston.

The new facility represents a $42 million investment and will mean as many as 87 new jobs in Charleston County, according to the company. Millard plans to begin construction in Spring 2013, with completion of the facility slated for sometime in 2014.

"The team at Millard is excited about the business opportunities with our new operation in Charleston County," CEO Lance Larsen said in an official announcement of the project. "The facility will give us access to the world-class port in Charleston and provide an efficient hub for our customers along the East Coast and throughout the Southeast. We look forward to getting our new facility up and running, and appreciate the support we’ve received from state and local officials."

The new distribution center will be constructed in the Palmetto Commerce Park at 7748 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, North Charleston. It will be used to freeze and store pork, poultry and beef products for export to foreign markets.

Millard purchased a 22-acre tract in the Commerce Park in November, but would not say at the time what its plans for the property were. The company also owns a facility in Gaffeny. Both properties are adjacent to Norfolk Southern rail lines.

State and local officials from Gov. Nikki Haley, to Charleston County Council Chair Teddy Pryor, to North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey to SC Ports Authority CEO Jim Newsome have issued statements supporting the Millard expansion.

"Our heartiest of congratulations go out today to Millard Refrigerated Services," Pryor said. "Millard fills a void in our region’s intermodal transportation offerings, and their capabilities will help our efforts to recruit many other industry sectors. We believe that our world-class port, excellent workforce, and pro-business environment will ensure that their new venture will be a highly successful and profitable one. We think the future here is very bright for both the company and our citizens."

"The port community welcomes Millard to the area, as their presence will mean increased activity through the Port of Charleston’s container facilities," Newsome added. "Exports of refrigerated cargo have continued to rise, and these heavy exports must find their way to ports with deep-water capabilities, like Charleston. We congratulate (S.C. Department of Commerce) Secretary (Bobby) Hitt and Commerce's partners for bringing Millard to South Carolina."

Exports shipped out of South Carolina increased 21 percent to $24.6 billion in goods to 198 countries last year, according to SCPA information. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant of $3.75 million to assist in the project.

Millard plans to being hiring for the new positions in mid-2013. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit the careers section of Millard website.