Marion County Receives Much-Needed Economic Boost

In January's unemployment report from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, Marion County had the highest rate of people out of work among all of the state's 46 counties with a rate of 19.2.

On Wednesday, Essex Holdings announced it will be putting a dent in that number. The Miami-based global resources company will be investing $54.4 million into a new facility that will create 215 new jobs.

The new manufacturing plant will support the expansion of the company’s food division. IT is expected to be completed and operational by the middle of this year.

“We are excited about the opportunity to establish our new manufacturing facility in Marion County.This new facility will increase our operational capacity and hence represents an important step for our company’s growth. South Carolina has a great business environment, and we strongly believe that this integration will be a bona fide step to further give added value to our food division’s operations. We look forward to starting our operations there and appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Dr. Navin Xavier, president and CEO for Essex Holdings.

“More and more companies are seeing South Carolina as the ‘it’ state for doing business, and today’s announcement by Essex Holdings is another sign of that. The company’s decision to set up operations in Marion is also a big win for one of our state’s rural areas. We celebrate Essex Holdings’ commitment to invest in Marion,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“Essex Holdings’ investment in Marion is another sign that South Carolina continues to be just right for business. Every one of these jobs will have an impact in Marion and will help keep the community sustainable for years to come,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Marion County Council, administration and economic development couldn’t be more pleased that Essex Holdings has chosen Marion County to be the site for their new plant. Their announcement to the region confirms that Marion County is ‘Just Right’ for their business. Marion County Council thanks Dr. Xavier and appreciates Essex Holdings’ confidence in us and our work force, and we certainly appreciate their investment in our community. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Essex for many years to come,” said Elista Smith, chairwoman of Marion County Council.

“I feel positive and energized about this endeavor. The revitalization of this site will be a turning point for Marion County. Upon entering Marion, visitors will once again see a thriving and viable plant. Essex Holdings Inc. is a global leader with demonstrated successes, commitment to the environment and the local communities in which they invest. It is a testament to the quality of our available workforce in Marion County that their expansion into South Carolina is starting in our hometown,” said state Sen. Kent Williams.

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in May. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit www.essexholdings.com/available-positions.