Colgate-Palmolive Company Establishing New Facility In Upstate

Colgate-Palmolive Company is investing $196 million to establish a new production facility in an existing 525,000 square foot building in nearby Greenwood County. 

The plant is expected to begin operations in 2014 and will generate 300 new jobs. 

“Colgate Palmolive is a household name and world-class business, and we are proud to have them join South Carolina’s business community,” said Gov. Nikki Haley in a news release. “We celebrate their decision to invest $196 million and create 300 new jobs in Greenwood County.”

At the new facility, the company will produce liquid hand soap for its Softsoap brand for the North American market as well as deodorant for its Mennen Speed Stick brand for both domestic and global markets. The state’s workforce, infrastructure, proximity to markets and access to the state’s seaport facilities were all key factors in the decision.

“We’re pleased with the opportunity to locate our new operations in South Carolina,” said Mike Corbo, vice president, Global Supply Chain, for Colgate-Palmolive. “Greenwood County had a building that was a perfect fit for our needs, offers us a talented workforce and excellent market access. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from the state Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development, as well the Greenwood Partnership Alliance and Greenwood County. 

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $9 billion in capital investment and more than 26,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing continues to be a real wealth creator in our state, and today’s announcement provides another boost to South Carolina’s manufacturing sector,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “The jobs created by Colgate Palmolive’s new facility will help communities in Greenwood County remain sustainable for years to come.”

Colgate-Palmolive will begin design work immediately, with retrofit of the building starting before the end of the year. Applications for positions will be accepted beginning in March 2014, with hiring conducted in partnership with readySC.

The new facility, located at 5421 U.S. Hwy 25 North, in Hodges, will be the first one for Colgate-Palmolive in South Carolina, and represents the single largest first-phase investment in Greenwood County’s history.

“Today’s announcement is an exciting win for Greenwood County and a testament to our pro-business climate, skilled workforce and low cost of doing business,” said Mark Allison, chairman of Greenwood County Council. “On behalf of Greenwood County Council, we especially want to thank our many community partners that helped make this project a reality. We look forward to working with Colgate-Palmolive for many years to come.”

“We welcome Colgate-Palmolive to our community and look forward to having them involved in Greenwood County,” said Dan Martins, chairman of the Greenwood Partnership Alliance. “This announcement shows how critical existing buildings and qualified sites are in a community.  Without a suitable existing building the company would not have been able to be operational in the time needed to start production.”

The Upstate Alliance and the South Carolina Ports Authority also were involved in the company’s recruitment to the state.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a Governor's Closing Fund grant and job development credits.