Mankiewicz Coatings LLC announces new facility in Berkeley County

The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Berkeley County and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance today announced that Mankiewicz Coatings LLC, a subsidiary of German-based Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co., which manufactures high-quality coating systems, will locate its new facility in Berkeley County. The $2 million investment is expected to generate 25 new jobs over the next five years.

“We have had a presence in Simpsonville, S.C. for nearly 15 years and are excited to be able to expand our U.S. operations in this region. By expanding in Berkley County, we will strengthen our North American market presence and operate in a strong and business-friendly environment,” said Michael Grau, President and CEO of Mankiewicz Coatings LLC.

The company manufactures specialized high-quality coatings and coating systems and will locate the new facility in Berkeley County. Mankiewicz Coatings LLC serves a variety of industries, including: automotive, aviation, rail and yachting. The company also manufactures antimicrobial coatings utilized in the medical industry. The new facility is expected to open around the middle of 2010.

“Mankiewicz has more than 100 years of experience in the production of paints and is a leading producer of coating systems serving a variety of industries. The company has been a part of the South Carolina’s business community for several years and we are pleased to see them grow their presence in our state. This announcement is a positive indication that our state’s business-friendly climate and strong workforce continue to attract new jobs and investment and help existing businesses grow. We wish Mankiewicz continued success in their endeavors and appreciate their decision to invest in Berkeley County,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“We welcome Mankiewicz to Berkeley County, and know they will be well pleased with their decision to locate here,” said Dan Davis, Berkeley County Supervisor. “We are confident they will find a top-notch workforce and a supportive and growing business structure to help them succeed.”

“As a supplier to three of our region’s target industry clusters, Mankiewicz will add value well beyond the new jobs and investment they provide,” said Mitchell Bohannon, Chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. “By deepening our base of local suppliers, the company represents yet another reason for businesses to locate and expand here.”

The company plans to begin hiring for the positions shortly after opening the new facility.

Mankiewicz Coatings LLC is a subsidiary of Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co., a company founded in 1895 as an independent subsidiary of an English paint factory for the manufacturing of high-quality paints. Today, Mankiewicz continues to manufacture high-quality coating systems while operating in markets across the globe. For more information, please visit www.mankiewicz.de.

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 magazine and Southern Business and Development magazine. 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 ranked number two in the South in points per million residents by Southern Business and Development for the state’s 2008 job recruitment efforts. 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 SCcommerce.com.