Building technology startup establishes headquarters in Charleston region

July 22, 2005 – Global Building Solutions, a startup in the production of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), has established its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Berkeley County at 2509 Clements Ferry Road. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Specifically for use in the construction of light commercial and residential buildings, SIPs are prefabricated insulated framings shipped to job sites, where they are connected together to construct a building. “This is the next generation of building technology. By using SIPs, construction and labor time can be cut in half – ultimately affecting the bottom line,” stated Michael Murphy, COO of Global Building Solutions.
“The owner also benefits from the use of this product. Structures built with SIPs use an average of 40% less energy in heating and cooling than conventionally framed structures.” said Murphy.

The company currently has 19 employees and expects to bring that number to 150 over the next two years. According to company officials, opportunities range from management and engineering to construction and line production.

With the Caribbean Basin as its current export market, Global Building Solutions cites the Port of Charleston as the key factor in its decision to establish operations in the Charleston region. The company also considered Jacksonville, Mobile, Savannah, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Bill McCall, Jr., Chairman of the Alliance, welcomed the new company to the region. “Once again, our region’s premier port enabled us to bring a diverse mix of quality jobs to the three county area. We’re pleased to see that the people we have here in the region are being given an opportunity to help Global Building Solutions grow and prosper.”

“We’re pleased and proud that Global Building Solutions saw Berkeley County as the place to invest for the future,” said Jim Rozier, Berkeley County Supervisor and Chairman of Berkeley County Council. This company’s decision to startup here is a testament to the area’s outstanding business climate.”

Retired U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings noted the importance of investing in manufacturing: “As Akio Morita said, ‘That world power that loses its manufacturing capacity will cease to be a world power.’ Mike Murphy, Global Building Solutions and all that invest in manufacturing and local jobs are an asset to us all.”

In facilitating any announcement, such as today’s by Global Building Solutions, the Alliance works with a broad network of allies and partner organizations. A key player in the economic development activity here is the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“Bringing new jobs to Berkeley County and all corners of the state continues to be a top priority for this administration,” said Governor Mark Sanford. “We’re going to keep pushing for pro-business reforms to fuel economic growth and give local economic development folks the additional tools they need to make more announcements like this one possible.”

“We’re very pleased that Global Building Solutions has chosen the Charleston region for its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “This company is truly on the cutting-edge of building technology and is exactly the kind of advanced manufacturer we want to bring home to South Carolina. I am confident that our state’s business advantages and world-class port will be integral to Global Building Solutions’ success.”

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with an emphasis on technology-intensive business sectors. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment and quality growth in the area. To learn more, go to www.charleston-for-business.com.

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Alliance Media Contacts:
Natalie J. Lawrence
843-760-4523
[email protected]

Karen Kuchenbecker
843-760-4534
[email protected]

Company Contact:
Michael Murphy
843-881-3590