Watson Engineering Inc., a supplier of construction, agriculture and automotive components, announced that it will expand its existing operations in Anderson County. The $6.37 million investment is expected to generate 85 new jobs.
“Demand has increased for our company’s products and services, and we are pleased to be able to grow our operations in Anderson County. South Carolina has provided us with an excellent business environment and a skilled workforce. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Chris Douglas, chief financial officer for Watson Engineering.
Watson Engineering will purchase a new building, located in Piedmont, Anderson County, and move part of its current operations into the new building. The move will allow the company to free up additional manufacturing space for new operations. The expansion is expected to be complete by the end of October.
“It is a great day in South Carolina when another one of our existing firms decides to increase its footprint here. We celebrate Watson Engineering’s decision to invest $6.37 million and create 85 new jobs in Anderson County. [This] announcement shows that our state’s business-friendly climate and workforce talent continue to help companies prosper and grow,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $7 billion in capital investment and more than 17,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
“[This] announcement by Watson Engineering strengthens our state’s manufacturing sector. We know how to build things in South Carolina, and manufacturing remains a driver of economic growth in the Palmetto State’s economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“In June of 2007, Piedmont, S.C. welcomed Watson Engineering as they brought 50 jobs and a $7.5 million initial investment into our community,” said Anderson County Councilman Ken Waters. “Just five short years later, their overwhelming success as a multi-million dollar global ISO certified industry called for expansion and we are pleased that they chose Anderson County as their expansion site. We applaud Watson Engineering and welcome 85 new jobs and $6.37 million new investment into our community.”
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in November. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Laura Carden at [email protected].
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
Founded in 1981, Watson Engineering has become a tier one industry supplier offering a wide range of services from the simplest of vehicle builds to volume production runs of complex components. The Company’s many capabilities include laser and turret cutting, robotic welding, CNC machining, tube bending, press brake, stampings and powder coat painting. For more information about Watson Engineering, please visit www.watsoneng.com.
(Image provided by Watson Engineering, Inc..)
Looking for more happenings in the area? Check out spartanburg.com’s comprehensive visitor center.