Lafarge announces major expansion, modernization, at Harleyville site

Lafarge announced today its plans to expand and modernize its Harleyville cement production facility, with plans to invest up to $291 million. The decision also positively impacts the Dorchester community which will retain 112 local jobs as well as create 18 new positions.

Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, with top-ranking positions in all four of its businesses: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete, Roofing and Gypsum. With 80,000 employees in 76 countries, Lafarge posted sales of over $18 billion in 2005. The company’s Harleyville plant, which opened in 1974, produces cement for use in residential, commercial and public works construction projects across North America.

“With a world class business climate, great employees, strong community support and a growing customer base, Harleyville represents the ideal location for Lafarge to invest,” said Joe Goss, President of the Lafarge Southeast Cement Region. “The modernization and expansion project positions Lafarge to maintain our leadership position in the Southeast and will ensure that Lafarge cement will build a solid foundation in Harleyville, Dorchester County and for the entire State of South Carolina.”

“Lafarge’s investment in expanding its operations again highlights the importance of our work in bettering soil conditions for businesses in our state,” said Gov. Mark Sanford. “With nearly 124,000 people working in our state than there were three years ago, we’re committed to continuing that progress in creating more jobs and raising income levels in South Carolina.”

“This is another positive example of a world-class company recognizing the many strengths of our South Carolina business climate,” said Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor. “For 32 years, the people at the Harleyville plant have been great corporate citizens for the Charleston region and we thank Joe Goss and his Lafarge management team for reaffirming their commitment to this community with today’s significant investment announcement.”

William A. Finn, Chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, welcomed news of the expansion, noting: “The cement industry has long been a critical component of our region’s economy. By choosing the Charleston region for this significant investment, Lafarge is proving we offer the right combination of business assets to support their long-term growth objectives.”

“This announcement represents a major milestone for County Council in helping a local industry to expand, and it’s our largest to date,” said Skip Elliott, Chairman of Dorchester County CounciI. “It was my pleasure to share the leadership of this project with the Lafarge team, County Council, our State delegation, and countless other allies and organizations. Cement is a major industry in Dorchester County and Dorchester County Council is proud to have been able to play a role in this expansion.”

George Tupper, Chairman of the Dorchester County Economic Development Board, added, “This project has been in the making for almost two years. I would like to thank Lafarge Southeast Region President, Joe Goss, and his Harleyville Plant Manager, Rafael Menendez, for their continued faith in our community and its workforce. This expansion provides further evidence of how teamwork at the local level can boost and maintain employment opportunities in our county and region.”

Harleyville Mayor Charles Ackerman said, “It has been a great pleasure to work with Rafael and his Lafarge team as we helped put together this expansion. As mayor of Harleyville, I would like to thank the community for its support of our local businesses. I would also like to salute the State and County for their work in providing the right ingredients to make sure the expansion took place here in Harleyville. Thank you.”

Lafarge has been committed to sustainable development for many years, pursuing a strategy that combines industrial know-how with performance, value creation, respect for employees and local cultures, environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources and energy. Lafarge is the only company in the construction materials sector to be listed in the 2006 100 Global Most Sustainable Corporations in the World. To make advances in building materials, Lafarge places the customers at the heart of its concerns. It offers the construction industry and the general public innovative solutions bringing greater safety, comfort and quality to their everyday surroundings.

Lafarge will proceed with the modernization and expansion of the Harlevyille plant when formal approval of the project is provided by the Lafarge SA Board of Directors.

Contact:
Rose Dangerfield
SC Department of Commerce
803.737.0402