Alkane Truck Company establishing new Lowcountry operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Alkane Truck Company, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of commercial trucks, is establishing new Lowcountry manufacturing operations in Dorchester County. The new facility is expected to create more than 300 jobs in Summerville, S.C.

Established in 2012 and headquartered in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Alkane Truck Company specializes in medium duty trucks, medium heavy trucks and heavy duty tractors, which run on liquid propane autogas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid natural gas (LNG).

This month, the company announced a brand new line of alternative fuel vehicles – the Alkane Class 7 cab-over truck. Once full production of these trucks begins in the first quarter of 2016, they will be sold throughout the company’s established network of approximately 130 truck dealership locations in the U.S. and Canada.

To produce the new product line, Alkane is leasing an existing manufacturing facility in Summerville. The 100,000-square-foot facility will employ more than 300 automotive technicians once it reaches full capacity within the next two years.

For more information on the company, visit www.alkanetruckcompany.com.

QUOTES

“We truly have an amazing story from our inception several years ago to the introduction of our Class 7 truck today. We have the first and currently the only cab over truck of this weight class powered exclusively with either LPG or CNG in America; that is special. As locals living and working in South Carolina we feel very fortunate to be able to build our business in the great State of South Carolina. We will be hiring well over 300 automotive technicians and adding employees as we continue to expand our business to include additional models. With manufacturing neighbors such as Boeing, BMW and Volvo, we are definitely in good company.” –Alkane Truck Company CEO Bob Smith

“Everyone knows we build cars and planes in South Carolina, but we also build trucks. Alkane’s decision to invest in Summerville and create 300 new jobs there proves that when a company is looking for a place to build their product, they don’t have to look any farther than South Carolina and our people. We couldn’t be happier to celebrate the 300 new jobs Alkane is bringing to Dorchester County, and we are proud to congratulate this great company for all of the success they have found here.” –Gov. Nikki Haley

“Today, we celebrate this milestone announcement from Alkane Truck Company. A testament to the loyal, world-class workforce in South Carolina, Alkane’s investment in Dorchester County is a significant win for our manufacturing industry, the Lowcountry community and the entire state.” – Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Dorchester County is very proud to welcome Alkane Truck Company. Their decision to locate here and create 300 new jobs is further proof that Dorchester County is a great place to live and do business, and we stand ready to assist them as they become part of our industrial community.” –Dorchester County Council Chairman David Chinnis

“Alkane Trucks will be an asset to Dorchester County and the entire region. Our three counties offer an incredible combination of assets for global manufacturers, including an established automotive cluster, a skilled workforce with a depth of expertise, and integrated transportation infrastructure. By choosing to locate here, Alkane sends a powerful message to truck & automotive companies around the world reinforcing just how competitive we have become.” –Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chair Anita Zucker

FIVE FAST FACTS

About Alkane Truck Company
Alkane Truck Company provides a one stop solution to distributors for Alternative Fuel Vehicles. The company offers medium duty trucks, medium heavy trucks and heavy duty tractors which run on liquid propane autogas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid natural gas (LNG) at competitive prices. For more information, visit www.alkanetruckcompany.com.

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, GE, 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 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
[email protected]
www.SCcommerce.com