GE Appliances Expanding Kershaw County Operations with New Manufacturing Center of Excellence

September 12, 2019

Alex Clark, CMP
Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

For Immediate Release

September 12, 2019

COLUMBIA, S.C. – GE Appliances (GEA), a Haier company, today announced the creation of a new Manufacturing Center of Excellence for production of water heaters at its Kershaw County plant. The company is investing $60 million in the project.  

GE Appliances is renovating and retooling the existing plant, which currently produces refrigerators, into a state-of-the-art, high-volume water heater production facility with capacity for future growth.

Through GE Appliances’ expansion, current employees will have the opportunity to assist in creating the new water heater production line – and will resume work in similar positions when the new line begins.

Operations are expected to be online in the fourth quarter of 2020.

QUOTE

“Today, GE Appliances is taking the latest step on our journey to become the leading major appliance business in the U.S. Using the latest, innovative manufacturing technology and processes, our new Water Heater Manufacturing Center of Excellence will enhance our U.S. production footprint and enable us to continue expanding our portfolio of Made in America products.” –GE Appliances CEO Kevin Nolan

“The Kershaw County community has a long-standing relationship with GE Appliances, and we welcome the company’s new Manufacturing Center of Excellence. Manufacturing innovation is integral to economic progress, and I am delighted that South Carolina will provide the infrastructure and skilled workforce that enables GE Appliances’ continued success.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“Today’s announcement is the latest welcome addition to investments that innovative businesses like GE Appliances are making in South Carolina. This manufacturing team has been a strong partner to the Kershaw County community for 20 years, and we are excited that the company is continuing to thrive in South Carolina’s pro-business environment.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“GE Appliances/Haier is a longtime pillar of the Kershaw County business community, and we thank them for this significant investment and symbol of their continued commitment. Kershaw County is proud to continue attracting advanced manufacturing investments. This investment is a testament to the thriving business environment we’re creating to promote jobs and economic growth.” –Kershaw County Council Chair Julian Burns

FIVE FAST FACTS

GE Appliances, a Haier company, is creating a new Manufacturing Center of Excellence for production of water heaters at its Kershaw County plant.
The company is investing $60 million into the expansion.
GE Appliances is renovating and retooling the existing plant, which currently produces refrigerators, into a state-of-the-art, high-volume water heater production facility with capacity for future growth.
Current employees will have the opportunity to assist in creating the new water heater production line – and will resume work in similar positions when the new line begins.
Operations are expected to be online in the fourth quarter of 2020.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State ranked No. 1 in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis in 2018 -- extending its streak of top three finishes since 2011. Additionally, the state has won the Gold or Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine every year since 2011; and, in 2017, the state was recognized as Business Facilities' State of the Year. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.