Fast-growing window supplier brings headquarters, distribution hub to the Charleston region

SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 — To help meet the growing demand for its high-end machinery and supplies for the glass and window industry, Ramapo Sales & Marketing will establish a national distribution hub in the Charleston region. The company also will relocate its headquarters to the region from Fairfield, N.J. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

According to company officials, the Port of Charleston was a key factor in its decision. “One of our main suppliers is located in Italy, so we rely on a productive and efficient seaport,” said Jason Douglas, General Manager of Ramapo. “This port offers everything we need in terms of freight handling and logistics support.”

Douglas noted that the company considered a number of other East Coast locations for this relocation, including Savannah. “We ultimately selected the Charleston area because the quality of life here is unbeatable,” he said. Ramapo will locate its new operations on Goer Drive in North Charleston, and expects to create up to 15 new jobs over the next five years.

Founded in 1979, Ramapo Sales & Marketing launched its national sales effort seven years ago and has quickly expanded across the United States. The company currently has warehousing and distribution points in Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco and New Jersey. In addition to the new Charleston distribution center, Ramapo plans to add additional distribution points in other key markets over the coming months. The company anticipates a significant growth in sales this year due to greater market penetration.

In welcoming Ramapo’s decision to locate its distribution hub and headquarters in the region, Alliance Chairman Ted Creech said, “The Port of Charleston and our region’s lifestyle attributes have once again attracted a top quality, value-driven company. Ramapo did its homework, and our region rose to the top. We’re very pleased that this dynamic company has chosen to become a part of our business community.”

“Congratulations to Ramapo on this welcome news for Charleston County,” said Barrett Lawrimore, Chairman of Charleston County Council. “As proven by this announcement, access to world markets through the Port of Charleston is a true competitive advantage for our region. We look forward to seeing Ramapo grow and prosper here.”

North Charleston’s Mayor Keith Summey also welcomed the company, noting that the city has long been attractive to port-reliant firms. “We know that Ramapo also considered other port cities for this operation,” he said. “We intend to prove every day that the company made the right decision in choosing to locate in North Charleston.”

In facilitating competitive relocations and expansions for the region, the Alliance works with numerous organizations. An especially noteworthy partnership exists with the state of South Carolina.

“We’re going to continue pushing to make the Charleston region and all parts of the state even more business friendly by advancing reforms like income tax relief,” said Governor Mark Sanford. “By reducing taxes, we can create a more competitive economic climate that’s ultimately going to translate into more jobs, higher income levels, and additional capital investment in our state.”

“Ramapo understands the importance of innovation in marketing its leading-edge products,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “We want that mindset to flourish in South Carolina. Attracting high-value, highly innovative companies fits with our newly focused economic development strategy.”

Ramapo Sales & Marketing was founded in 1979 as a sales and distribution company to the window and insulating glass industries. The company manufactures machinery and distributes a wide line of insulating glass components, hardware, sealants, desiccants and machinery parts. In addition to product excellence, customers know they can rely on Ramapo for industry knowledge and problem-solving expertise.

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with a new 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.

Alliance Media Contact:
Karen Kuchenbecker
843-760-4534
[email protected]

Company Media Contact:
Jason Douglas
General Manager
843-747-2577
[email protected]