MARION, SC (WBTW) – In a county that’s fought a high unemployment rate for several years, the fight to bring industry to Marion County is ongoing.
The county built a spec building back in 2012, hoping to bring industry to the area, and it’s sat empty for several years. Now, that’s about to change as a new company moves into the building, promising over 140 jobs.
Senator Kent Williams says as the new company moves in, it’s an exciting time for the people around the Pee Dee.
“When the county made the decision to do the spec building, they got a lot of pushback from the community, ‘it’s a waste of money’ or whatever but you’ve got to have product,” said Williams.
That product is finally coming now that Precision Southeast, Inc. has purchased the building and started to move their supplies inside, and Senator Williams says there is already talk of expanding.
Founded in 1980, Precision Southeast, Inc. produces sporting goods, agricultural/industrial, assembled, automotive, decorated, insert molded and power tool parts. In addition to manufacturing, the firm also offers assembly and packaging services.
The manufacturer is headquartered in Myrtle Beach, and they invested $16.6 million to expand its Marion County manufacturing operations. Senator Williams says the county doesn’t plan to stop there.
“Now they’re already thinking about the next spec building and that’s the way you’ve got to think and that’s the way you’ve got to align yourself in order to be able to attract industry in your community,” said Williams.
According to Senator Williams, the county has already started putting aside money to start construction on a second spec building.
In 2009, the unemployment rate in Marion County peaked at 21.1%. Now, six years later, it’s nearly half that, and the county says that’s because more jobs are finally coming to the Pee Dee.
The new jobs created by Precision Southeast, Inc.will span the entire spectrum from entry level to very highly skilled technical molding and machining positions, in addition to sales, management, finance, procurement, and information technology.
Those interested in applying should contact hr@precisionsoutheast.com.
