New manufacturing facility will bring $2 million investment to Summerville, S.C.
Columbia, SC — The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., a private nonprofit organization providing employment and training for blind individuals, is establishing a manufacturing facility in Dorchester County. The new development will result in a $2 million investment and create more than 20 new jobs by this time next year.
Founded in 1918, with 13 locations on the West Coast, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. creates and enhances opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency for people who are blind, DeafBlind or blind with other disabilities. To establish operations in the Lowcountry, the organization has purchased a manufacturing facility in Dorchester County, which will specialize in product assembly and light machining for the aerospace sector.
Located at 230 Deming Way in Summerville, the 24,000-square-foot facility is expected to be fully operational in fall 2016. Hiring for the new jobs is currently underway. Interested applicants should contact www.thelighthousefortheblindinc.org.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project.
QUOTES
“I am extremely excited that individuals in the area will benefit by obtaining meaningful jobs, learning new skills, preparing for potential upward mobility, and producing quality products. This move enhances full employment opportunities for people who are blind in South Carolina and across the country.” –The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Board of Trustees Chairman Bennett Prows
“We’re thrilled to announce that Lighthouse for the Blind has decided to join the South Carolina family by building their newest manufacturing facility here. The more than 20 new jobs this investment will create will make a real difference in the lives of South Carolinians, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch this fantastic company grow and continue to cretae opportunities for our people for many years to come.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“The Lighthouse for the Blind’s decision to invest in Dorchester County is another indication that our state’s business-friendly climate provides the perfect foundation for organizations of all types to be successful. I look forward to their growth and wish them continued success here.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“It is a great pleasure to welcome The Lighthouse for the Blind to Dorchester County. This organization has a proven record of providing successful training and sustainable independence to individuals with sight disabilities, and we are honored to have them join our industrial community. On behalf of Dorchester County, we salute them for what they do and stand ready to assist them with their mission in any way that we can.” –Dorchester County Council Chairman David Chinnis
“We are so pleased to welcome The Lighthouse for the Blind to our community and look forward to their continued success. This was a seamless team effort led by Dorchester County, and this organization will be an integral part of the supply chain for our growing aerospace cluster.” –Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chair Anita Zucker
FIVE FAST FACTS
- The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is establishing operations in Dorchester County.
- $2 million to create more than 20 new jobs.
- The Lighthouse for the Blind is a non-profit organization, providing employment and support for blind and DeafBlind individuals.
- Located at 230 Deming Way in Summerville, S.C., the manufacturing facility will support the aerospace sector.
- The Lighthouse for the Blind was founded in 1918 and has 13 locations on the west coast.
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. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with theS.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. IBM-Plant Location International reports in 2012, 2013 and 2015 ranked South Carolina first in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012, 2014 and 2015. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
