- Haier Announces Expansion of Camden Facility
- New Product Launch Drives Expansion
- Release Date:
- Thursday, March 08, 2007
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Contact:
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Kara Borie, SC Dept. of Commerce
803.737.1998
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Press Release:
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Columbia, S.C. - Haier America today announced an expansion at its Camden, South Carolina facility with the launch of a new product to be manufactured at the plant. Haier has developed a first of its kind 25 cubic foot 3-drawer refrigerator /freezer that offers a flexible storage drawer. This drawer has an internal volume of 4.6 cubic feet and can easily convert from refrigerator to freezer at the touch of a button.
In order to accommodate the new product line, Haier is investing $6 million in equipment at their facility in Steeplechase Industrial Park. The company will also hire an additional 128 workers to staff the new product line. Hiring is expected to begin in March 2007. This expansion represents the first phase of the $100 million 1,000 job long range plans announced by Haier last year during Vice Premier Wu Yi’s visit to Camden.
“The launch of this new high end product is the first for the American market,” according to David Parks, president of the Haier America Refrigerator Company. “We have several patented designs on this product and received very strong interest when it was recently unveiled at the International Home Builders Show in Orlando earlier this month. We have also begun a national advertising campaign as a part of Haier’s official partnership with the NBA. This agreement was also signed in Camden last year. The ceremony was attended by executives from Haier, representatives of the US and Chinese government, and the Commissioner of the NBA.”
“This announcement is further evidence that our efforts to improve the economic soil conditions for business are paying dividends in terms of job creation and capital investment. It is also particularly significant to note that these efforts are clearly enhancing our ability to compete in an ever-growing global economy,” said Gov. Mark Sanford. “We remain committed to continuing our work to improve the business climate in South Carolina to further economic growth and job creation.”
“South Carolina’s relationship with China continues to grow and produce opportunities for our state. China is purchasing more goods from South Carolina than ever before and Haier is another example of our mutually beneficial relationship,” said Joe Taylor, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce. “Today’s announcement demonstrates Haier’s long-term commitment to our state. Our quality workforce, business-friendly climate, and access to markets make the Palmetto state a great place to live and work.”
“From the very beginning, Haier has been a valued corporate citizen in Kershaw County, and this announcement just solidifies that relationship. Haier’s expansion is a wonderful way to begin the year, and we look forward to more positive news as the company continues to grow its Camden campus,” stated Steve S. Kelly, Jr., chairman of Kershaw County Council.
About Haier
Haier Group was formed in 1984 in Qingdao, China. With facilities in 16 countries, Haier Group average annual growth rate was 68% between 1985 and 2005. Haier employs over 50,000 full-time workers globally. The Camden facility opened in 2000. Haier will also be the official sponsor of home appliances for the 2008 Beijing Olympics held in China.
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