Recycling plant expected to create 200 new jobs
Columbia, SC — Ecomelida, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Zhangzhou Sanlida Environmental Technology Corporation, announced plans to locate its first North American operations in Orangeburg County. The $52 million investment is projected to create 200 new jobs.
Zhangzhou Sanlida Environmental Technology Corporation is an importer and recycler of waste paper and plastic. Utilizing creative processes to separate pulp, plastic and aluminum from soft drink cartons and other products, the company’s recycled plastics are used in foam, cast plastic parts and more.
Located at 2084 Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, S.C., Ecomelida’s new Orangeburg County facility is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2018. Hiring for the new positions should commence in the third quarter of 2018, and those interested in joining the Ecomelida team should email contact@ecomelida.com.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project. A $750,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant was also awarded to Orangeburg County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.
Quotes
“Today marks another chapter for our company as we invest in this new Orangeburg County plant. We are thankful for the assistance we have received from the state and county governments and look forward to years of continued success.” -Ecomelida, Inc. Madam Chairman Xi Cheng
“We’re excited to welcome Ecomelida to the South Carolina business community. Any time another company chooses to call South Carolina home, it’s a testament to our great workforce and business-friendly environment. The 200 jobs they’re bringing to Orangeburg County will be a tremendous, positive impact to that community.” -Governor Henry McMaster
“Foreign direct investment continues to play an important role in supporting South Carolina’s diverse economy. Ecomelida’s new investment in Orangeburg County is a milestone for this community, and we’re excited to see what the future has in store for this innovative company.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“We are grateful to add another Chinese manufacturing facility to our family of international companies. Orangeburg County has one of the highest concentrations of international companies in the state, and we welcome Ecomelida with open arms. Diversity makes us stronger in culture as well as in products made. The green initiatives of this company and the recycling of waste are major wins for our environment and landfills across the county. We look forward to many years of success.” –Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright Sr.
“We’d like to congratulate Ecomelida, Inc. on announcing its first North American facility. We are excited that the company has selected Orangeburg County for this investment. This new facility will bring many new job opportunities and create additional capacity to reduce landfill waste, while providing environmentally responsible raw materials to manufacturers. We congratulate the company and our partners in Orangeburg County on this announcement.” -Central S.C. Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan
“South Carolina Ports Authority congratulates Ecomelida on their new operations in South Carolina. With the Port’s big-ship handling abilities and weekly Asia services, we look forward to serving their export needs.” -S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome
Five Fast Facts
- Ecomelida is launching its first North American operations in Orangeburg County.
- $52 million investment to create 200 new jobs.
- Ecomelida is a U.S. subsidiary of Zhangzhou Sanlida Environmental Technology Corporation, an importer and recycler of waste paper and plastic.
- The company’s Orangeburg County recycling plant will be located at 2084 Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, S.C.
- Hiring for the new positions should commence in the third quarter of 2018, and those interested in joining the Ecomelida team should email contact@ecomelida.com.
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, since 2011, the Palmetto State has ranked among top three in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis, according to IBM-Plant Location International. Additionally, in five of seven years, the state has won the Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine; and, in 2017, the state was recognized as Business Facilities’ State of the Year. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
Media Contact:
Alex Clark
Deputy Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-0685
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com
