The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. establishing
Dorchester County operations
New manufacturing
facility will bring $2 million investment to Summerville, S.C.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – 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 create 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 viareadySC 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.
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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adrienne R. Fairwell, APR
Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Department of
Commerce
(803) 737-1998
afairwell@sccommerce.com
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