CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – Worksman Cycles, a New York-based manufacturer of bicycles and commercial industrial tricycles has announced their decision to expand their operations to Horry County. The $2.5 million investment will create approximately 50 new jobs, paying an average of $15 per hour.
Worksman chose Horry County following a comprehensive two-year search in which the company’s executives visited over twenty proposed sites in seven states.
“The choice of Horry County was easy, as it stood head and shoulders above every other location we visited,” stated Wayne Sosin, President of Worksman Cycles. “It was the friendly business environment of South Carolina with its great access to sea, rail and highway transportation as well as low-cost energy, and the climate which will ease the strain that Northeast winters placed on our operation”, Sosin added. “And finally the quality of life for our workers with affordable housing options, low cost of living and good schools.”
Worksman Cycles will move into an existing 100,000 square foot facility in Conway, where operations are expected to be underway in early 2016. This expansion marks the first time Worksman has added a new manufacturing facility outside of New York City.
“It’s a great day in South Carolina as we celebrate Worksman Cycles’ decision to invest in South Carolina and her people. This $2.5 million investment, will create approximately 50 new jobs in Conway is a real reason to celebrate in Horry County and throughout the entire state,” said Governor Nikki Haley.
Another factor that contributed to the company’s decision to move to Horry County was the close proximity to many of its key customers, which include: Walmart, Michelin, Ford, Exxon, GE, Home Depot, Boeing and DuPont.
“Worksman Cycles will be a great addition to the manufacturing industry in the community, and we are proud that they have selected Horry County to expand their business,” said Mark Lazarus, Horry County Council Chairman.
Worksman executives are projecting that the company will be able to process and ship orders nearly 50% faster from the new, state-of-the-art Conway facility; which will translate to increased efficiency and greater value for its customers.
“The final factor was the efforts by Sandy Davis and her team from the Myrtle Beach Economic Development Office,” said Jeff Mishkin, Worksman’s CEO. “We are a fourth-generation family-owned business and they treated us like family throughout the process. They have been an invaluable resource way beyond the selection process but through every step of the way – making introductions, opening doors, and generously giving advice. They made the difference.”
“It’s companies like Worksman Cycles that are helping us change and diversify industry in Horry County. Fifty manufacturing jobs will have a big impact in our community, especially when they are full-time, well-paying jobs that offer benefits,” said Fred Richardson, MBREDC Chairman.
