"Our company chose Dorchester County for three major reasons. First of all, the easy access to the Port of Charleston was very appealing since our South Carolina plant was designed to be an export platform. Dorchester County and the Ridgeville community, where we are located, have excellent access to Interstate 26 and the port facilities. Secondly, in Dorchester County, Showa Denko Carbon, Inc. has found a readily available workforce with a 'right to work' mindset. This mindset has enabled our company to establish a modern, employee-oriented human resources policy to ensure good relations with our workers to keep productivity high, and to help our plant remain union-free. In addition, we found reliable, reasonably-priced electric power in Dorchester County, and relatively low property taxes to help us keep our costs low and boost our bottom line. Overall, the continued support we have received from Dorchester County has affirmed over and over again that we made the right decision in locating here."
Bob Whitten, President
Showa Denko Carbon, Inc.
Showa Denko employs 225 in Dorchester County, where it manufactures graphite electrodes.
"After considering many sites in the United States, Raisio chose Dorchester County for its workforce, business environment, and transportation advantages. The location has offered our company strong economic incentives and a business-friendly environment. Also, we saw the benefits of Dorchester County's exceptional transportation infrastructure, including its proximity to the Port of Charleston. Finally, the climate in the area was a major draw. Raisio is based in Finland, where the winters are long, dark, and cold. The abundance of sunshine and warm weather in the Charleston area has been a major bonus."
Andy Gresham, Plant Manager
Raisio
Raisio has had a facility in Dorchester County for more than a decade. The company makes stanol ester, a chemical known to reduce blood cholesterol levels that is marketed under the trade name Benecol.
"Weber Automotive Corporation came to Dorchester County, South Carolina in February 1996. Weber is a German automotive supplier with a very strong commitment to our activities in the United States, and we have consistently grown our manufacturing plant here. Weber has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Dorchester County, and we have found the local workforce to be strong and reliable. We also consider Dorchester County and the state of South Carolina to be industry-friendly locations that provide reasonable taxes and electrical power. An added benefit is the close proximity to the interstate highway system, which includes both I-26 and I-95, providing easy access to both north/south and east/west travel. Dorchester County Economic Development staff readily answers any questions we have, and are always there to help when needed. We are pleased with our location and the services we receive here, and feel we will continue to enjoy this area indefinitely."
Hans Michael Wittmann, Plant Manager
Weber Automotive Corporation
