New York-based fabric supplier establishes presence in the Charleston region

Swavelle/Mill Creek Fabrics, Inc., together with its affiliates, Bravo Fabrics International, LLC and Textile Fabric Associates, LLC, today announced that SMC Distributors, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, has opened a 100,000-square-foot warehouse facility on William Aiken Avenue in the Ladson Station Business Park in North Charleston. Headquartered in New York City, Swavelle/Mill Creek is a leading fabric designer and converter for the global home furnishings market. The company expects this initiative may bring some 50 to 60 jobs to the Charleston region over the next few years.

According to company officials, the Port of Charleston was a key factor in its decision to locate in the region. “To meet the growing U.S. demand for our fabrics, we were looking to expand our operating capacity. Our goal was to establish a new operation in close proximity to a major seaport while also partnering with a strong logistics company to handle many of our warehousing and order fulfillment needs,” said Jeff Thomases, CEO of Swavelle/Mill Creek.

“We ultimately found an excellent situation in North Charleston. Not only are we very close to one of the nation’s top ports, but our next door neighbor, Brown Distribution Centers Inc., is ideally suited to handle much of our distribution functions,” he continued. Brown Distribution owns a 300,000-square-foot bonded warehouse adjacent to the new Swavelle/Mill Creek operation.

In welcoming Swavelle/Mill Creek’s decision to locate in the Charleston region, Alliance Chairman Bill McCall, Jr. said, “This company’s selection of our region proves the attractiveness of our competitive business environment and world-class port facilities. We’re very pleased to have them join our growing business community.”

“Our hearty congratulations go out to Swavelle/Mill Creek in their selection of Charleston County as the site for this important new facility. We believe the competitive climate bodes well for their success here,” said Leon E. Stavrinakis, Chairman of Charleston County Council. “The Port of Charleston provides a ‘gateway to the world’ for Charleston businesses. Swavelle/Mill Creek will benefit from this world-class international access and our industrious regional workforce, as well as the logistics and trade support available from the seasoned service providers in Charleston’s centuries-old waterfront community.”

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey also welcomed the company, noting that the city has long been attractive to port-reliant firms. “We know Swavelle/Mill Creek 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.”

Swavelle/Mill Creek, formerly known as Associated Textile Converters, Inc., was founded in 1982.

The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties with a mission to create improved opportunities for all residents in this three-county region. 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.

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

Company Media Contact:
Alan Halpern, CFO
212-798-5107
[email protected]