Gildan Activewear establishes new retail operations facility in Berkeley County

The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Berkeley County and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance today announced that Gildan Activewear will locate its new retail distribution center facility in Berkeley County. Gildan’s investment is expected to generate approximately 250 new jobs this year.

“This state-of-the-art facility will be utilized to support the company’s strategic initiative to become a major full-line supplier of basic family apparel for national mass-market retailers. This 850,000-square-foot building will serve to meet Gildan’s current storage requirements and can be expanded to accommodate further long-term growth requirements. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials and we trust that Berkeley County will provide us with a good business environment,” said Glenn Chamandy, President and Chief Executive Officer for Gildan Activewear.

The company has already begun the hiring process and distribution operations at the facility are expected to begin in late February.

“Gildan Activewear’s decision to open a new facility in Berkeley County is a positive indication that our state’s business-friendly climate and exceptional market access are working to attract new investment and job opportunities. South Carolina’s central location between New York and Miami offers access to some of the fastest growing markets in the country and we are confident that the state’s resources will help Gildan compete and succeed. We welcome Gildan to the state’s business community and wish them much success in their endeavors here,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“On behalf of the citizens of Berkeley County, I am pleased to welcome another international company to our community,” said Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis. “Gildan Activewear, recognizing the benefit and opportunity of being part of Berkeley County’s growing business community, will certainly continue to grow and prosper with our available and dedicated labor force.”

“Gildan Activewear is joining a growing base of international companies choosing to do business in the Charleston region,” said Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman Mitchell Bohannon. “Through the dedicated work of our elected leaders along with numerous state and regional organizations, this region offers companies both a quality workforce and a positive business environment. This announcement is a great reminder that our collective efforts are right on target.”

“Gildan will be a most welcome addition to our business community as they bring critical investment and jobs to our community,” said Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. “Gildan is the latest in a long line of multi-national companies to settle in the Charleston area. They will be able to move into a building to suit their needs immediately in a location on Clements Ferry Road. We are confident that our competitive business environment, world-class infrastructure, excellent quality of life and unparalleled access to transportation networks will be additional incentives for this company and their employees. The City of Charleston looks forward to a partnership with Gildan and knows that they will find success for their new venture here.”

“The business world is abuzz, the word is out — South Carolina is the place to be,” said state Senator Larry Grooms, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “A new focus on putting South Carolina back to work is clearly paying off. I’m really proud of Secretary Taylor and his staff, and the local team here in Berkeley.” Grooms represents the area in which Gildan will operate.

For more information on Gildan Activewear Inc., please visit www.gildan.com .

About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has been recognized for its success in the areas of job creation and economic impact by Area Development and Business Facilities magazines. The S.C. Department of Commerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations to receive Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award in 2009 and Commerce received the 2009 Deal of the Year award from Business Facilities magazine. Commerce received the top prize for Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant for the 787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements, and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.