Berkeley Secures Nexans Cable Plant, 200 Jobs

Nexans will be building its next high-voltage power cable manufacturing plant at Bushy Park Industrial Complex, bringing an $85 million investment to the Goose Creek and Hanahan area, along with 200 new jobs.

The company has been negotiating a deal with Berkeley County late last year. The South Carolina Department of Commerce made the official announcement of Nexans plans on Wednesday morning.

"Establishing our Berkeley plant is a key strategic development that will enable Nexans to capitalize on the ever growing demand for high-quality high-voltage cables designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of the major power transmission infrastructure projects in North America and worldwide in the coming years," said Dirk Steinbrink, vice president in charge of Nexans' High Voltage and Submarine Business Group.

The local site will manufacture high-voltage power cables, with a possible future extension to submarine cable production, according to the Commerce Department.

A $1.6 million rural infrastructure grant through the Coordinating Council for Economic Development will allow the county to help with site preparation and infrastructure improvements. Job development credits will also be available when hiring targets are met, according to the Commerce Department.

"We in Berkeley County are extremely pleased to welcome Nexans into our family of national and international corporations," said Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis. "The significant investment of capital and jobs represented by this project continues to emphasize the quality of place as well as the depth and dedication of our workforce in attracting world-class companies to our community."

Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman R.M. Singletary noted local assets were key in the company's selection. "The Port of Charleston, Bushy Park Industrial Complex and our ready supply of highly-skilled workers were critical factors in Nexans' decision to locate here. They will be an invaluable asset to our region."

The company will begin construction in 2012 and expects hiring to begin in late 2013. Job information is available at nexans.us.