Welded Tube-Berkeley expanding to support new product line

A new market for its products, coupled with a commitment to source materials from local suppliers, has prompted Welded Tube-Berkeley to expand its operations in the Charleston area. The company, a subsidiary of Welded Tube of Canada, was established in Huger, SC in 2004. Welded Tube-Berkeley produces sprinkler pipe products for use in fire protection systems, and mechanical and light structural tubing for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) applications such as racking, handrail and other manufactured products.

Company officials today announced they will create 20 to 30 new jobs over the next nine months, and make a significant investment to expand their product line into a higher performance pipe product used in the transmission of basic utilities (air, water, gas and steam) and in the energy sector for well-water removal.

According to Maryann Wagner, President of Welded Tube-Berkeley, the technical capabilities of current employees and the help of the state’s workforce development program were important factors contributing to the decision to expand here. “The greater Charleston area has always provided us with a positive business environment and an excellent labor force,” she said.

She also noted that Welded Tube operates in a highly competitive commodity market, and being a domestic manufacturer has been advantageous. Using a collaborative model, the company sources raw material from neighboring Nucor Steel, which is then further processed by nearby JM Tull Metals Company and Feralloy Corporation before being transferred to Welded Tube-Berkeley. She cited this tight supply chain as being critical to the company’s success.

This competitive expansion project was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) in partnership with numerous public- and private-sector allies including the S.C. Department of Commerce and Berkeley County. The CRDA is an economic development organization working to advance the economy within the three-county Charleston region.

CRDA Board Chairman Jim Bryan said this expansion demonstrates the competitive business opportunities present in the local marketplace. “By collaborating with other strong local companies, Welded Tube-Berkeley is growing its employee base and its product line, which in turn helps strengthen our local economy. This is just the sort of synergy our regional alliance works to create.”

Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis lauded the company for its decision to expand here. “We know that Welded Tube also has operations in the Northeast and that location was a contender for this project. We applaud the company’s decision to expand here in Berkeley County, where our infrastructure stands ready to serve the needs of growing businesses.”

“Welded Tube-Berkeley is an industry leader in the manufacturing of fire protection pipe products structural and mechanical tubing. The company’s decision to expand its operations in South Carolina is a strong testament that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to grow existing businesses and attract investment. Welded Tube-Berkeley’s relationship with Nucor Steel also serves as an excellent example of how companies can remain strong in challenging economic times by doing business together. Thanks to the team efforts of state and local leaders, Berkeley County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, S.C. Secretary of Commerce.

Those interested in applying for the new positions at Welded Tube-Berkeley are asked to apply through readySC online at www.sctechjobs.com .

About Welded Tube-Berkeley
Welded Tube-Berkeley is a leading manufacturer of electric resistance weld (ERW) tubular products located in Huger, South Carolina. Adjacent to Nucor Steel, Welded Tube-Berkeley is assured a steady supply of consistent high quality carbon steel. Typical end uses of its products include: warehouse racking, fire protection systems, automotive parts, recreational equipment, hand rails, and barrier protection. Value added services include custom cutting, wire brushing, end finishing and galvanizing. For more information on specific products and services, visit www.weldedtube.com .

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance works in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties to develop a resilient, globally competitive regional economy. The CRDA leads a global marketing effort to retain and attract world-class business and talent, and to facilitate new, high-value business investment within the three-county area. The CRDA also partners with other organizations to drive a sustainable regional development effort. To learn more, go to www.charlestoneconomicdevelopment.com.