Charleston region chosen for corporate headquarters for Briggs Plumbing Products, Inc.

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – Briggs Plumbing Products, a manufacturer of plumbing fixtures and faucets including vitreous china and porcelain enameled steel, announced today the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Berkeley County. The company will also expand its current distribution center in the region. Employment at the distribution center has grown from 30 to 50 employees since opening in March. Corporate office employees are expected to reach 60 by the middle of 2001. The combined relocation and expansion will create 90 new jobs and result in a multi-million dollar investment, according to an announcement made today in conjunction with the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

The company cites operating efficiencies and a world-class port as the key attractions to the region. Briggs will move its corporate headquarters from Tampa to Charleston over the next several months.

Daniel R. Umbs, President and Chief Executive Officer of Briggs Plumbing Products stated, “It is the result of the joint efforts of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, the Port of Charleston authorities and the Briggs Vice President of Logistics, Eric McNeely, that we have chosen the Charleston area for our corporate headquarters. This location will combine current Briggs operations in Tampa and Miami with our distribution center, which was relocated earlier this year from Tennessee to our site off of North Rhett Road. We are excited to have all of our people together in an area that has a vibrant economic community and the history and charm of a lovely Southern city. We look forward to a long and prosperous future in our new location.”

Today’s announcement was celebrated by numerous community and business leaders who have identified corporate headquarters as important to the region’s long-term strategic success.

“The Charleston region is well positioned to serve as a home to corporate headquarters,” said William A. Moody, Alliance chairman. “From our strategic location in the growing Southeastern market to the presence of world-class cultural and recreational amenities, this region engenders pride and confidence in our corporate citizens.”

Jim Rozier, Berkeley County Supervisor and County Council Chairman, noted that the area is proud to attract Briggs’ investment. “Corporate headquarters are desirable neighbors, and they tend to have a magnetic affect on others,” Rozier said. “We’re pleased to see a company of the caliber of Briggs believing in the benefits of a Berkeley County address, and look forward to being part of their long-term success here.”

The Alliance works with a number of organizations to facilitate new business investment in the region. One key player in the area’s economic development efforts is the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“There can be no doubt, the Charleston region’s economy continues an upward trend – fueled by new industrial growth,” said Secretary of Commerce Charles S. Way, Jr. “The Lowcountry’s success in job creation and per capita income growth is the result of companies like Briggs Plumbing expanding here. They know our pro-business atmosphere will enhance their bottom line and that we will support them every step of the way.”

The Briggs Plumbing corporate headquarters will be located alongside its distribution center on Eagle Road off of Red Bank Road. Johnson Development Associates, owner of the Briggs facility and developer of the surrounding business park, is currently renovating 15,000 square feet of office space to meet Briggs’ requirements. When the renovation project is complete, the Briggs Plumbing corporate headquarters and distribution facility will serve as anchor for Johnson Development’s new park.

“We are thrilled with Briggs’ continuing commitment to Berkeley County and to Johnson Development,” said Garrett Scott, Director of Industrial Development for Johnson Development. “We feel their decision to further their presence in Berkeley County confirms what we believe to be the truth: this is a fantastic place to do business.”

Briggs Plumbing Products, a CISA company, is a global manufacturer of bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures marketing its products through wholesalers, contractors, and major retailers. Products include SAYCO brand lavatory, kitchen, and tub/shower faucets featuring ceramic disc pressure balance valves. Briggs branded products include vitreous china toilets featuring the Vacuity WhisperVAC flushing technology, bidets, lavatories; and porcelain enameled lavatories, bathtubs and kitchen sinks featuring UltraTUFF.

With corporate offices in Charleston, South Carolina and several U.S. manufacturing sites, Briggs has been providing quality products and innovations for over 90 years. Briggs has built its business on the philosophy of offering customers quality products at affordable prices. For more information on any Briggs product call 1.800.888.4458 or visit our website at www.briggsplumbing.com.

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment in the area.