ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WACH, AP) -- A company that makes houses that can be put together in about two days is building a plant in Orangeburg County that will bring 300 jobs and an investment of about $10 million to the area over the next five years.
South Carolina Commerce Department officials said Tuesday that the Toronto-based Innovative Composites International Inc. plant will be housed in an existing building and should begin making the houses by early next year.
The plant will operate under the name EcoScapes Composites LLC and make 880-square foot houses. The Toronto company says the homes are earthquake and hurricane resistant and a good housing solution after major disasters or for temporary locations like mining camps.
“South Carolina has provided us with an excellent location for our new operations. We are pleased to move forward with plans to locate our new operations in Orangeburg County. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Bryce Clark, vice president of Manufacturing for Innovative Composites International Inc.
Orangeburg County had South Carolina's fourth highest unemployment rate in July of 17.7 percent.
"One of the things that we're trying to do is make sure we recruit the types of businesses that will employ the people with the skill sets we have readily available," said State Senator Brad Hutto.
"We have a great technical college here and I know they are going to be involved in training the folks."
The company plans to begin operating and hiring early next year. It will be located at the Orangeburg County and City Industrial Park.
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(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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