Signature Building Systems to expand existing facility in St. George

September 7, 2005 – Signature Building Systems, a high-tech manufacturer of modular homes, will expand their existing manufacturing facility in New Century Park, located in St. George. The company will bring 15 new jobs to this community in Dorchester County, and expects to invest approximately $1.5 million. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance

“Thanks to a workforce that was willing to be educated and the support of the region’s political and business leaders, our company is excited to be able to continue to give back to this community,” said Victor DePhillips, President of the company. “When we came to St. George three years ago, we were assured that the skilled and semi-skilled trades people we needed to grow would be found in the Charleston region. I think it goes without saying that this promise was met. This area has strong, dedicated leadership that they can be proud of.”

Headquartered in Moosic, Penn., Signature Building Systems manufactures new homes in a limitless range of styles. “We can deliver a project up to 95 percent complete, which gives the builder the ability to increase their production, sales and profit levels without expanding their labor needs or overhead,” said DePhillips.

Bill McCall, Jr., Chairman of the Alliance, thanked the company for choosing the Charleston region to fulfill its expansion needs. “We’re pleased to see that our region’s talent is being recognized and given an opportunity to help Signature Building Systems continue its success in St. George.”

“Helping our existing businesses grow and expand is County Council’s primary focus in order to provide improved jobs for all our citizens,” said Skip Elliott, Dorchester County Council Vice Chairman. “This is a wonderful event to have in St. George. We thank Mr. DePhillips and his team for making this choice.”

Councilman Willie Davis expressed his pleasure about the announcement by saying, “We are really pleased with the decision by Signature Systems to buy the building and grow in upper Dorchester County. We look forward to seeing more homes built by the company and more people working here.”

County Councilman Kenneth Waggoner noted, “It was a pleasure for Council to see an economic development partnership formed to help this local firm expand their business. Teamwork in economic development works well.”

“I am very proud to have been involved in this approach to improve manufacturing in upper Dorchester County and the I-95 corridor of South Carolina,” added South Carolina Senator John Matthews. “All across the state we are committed to this common goal.”

State Representative George Bailey added his view, “I too am very proud to have been involved in this new approach to improve manufacturing in Dorchester County. I visited this firm when they completed the 100th modular home. With their purchase of the building and this expansion, I look forward to their 250th and 500th home.”

“The Town of St. George is very pleased to have Signature Building Systems expand here,” said St. George Mayor David Sojourner. “With the growth in the regional housing market, we expect to have them as a major employer for the long run.”

“Our company takes pride in helping the communities we serve to grow their industrial base,” added Jim Bryan, manager of economic development for SCANA. “We appreciate being asked to take part in the expansion of Signature Building Systems.”

South Carolina Senator Randy Scott recalled his experience on County Council, “I remember working to bring this firm here in 2002 as a member of County Council. Their employment has grown by 20 persons since then and they are in a position now for even greater growth.”

In facilitating any announcement, such as today’s by Signature Systems, the Alliance works with a broad network of allies and partner organizations. A key player in the economic development activity here is the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“This company epitomizes the kind of technology-driven manufacturing that we’re trying to grow and attract here in South Carolina,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “Signature Building Systems makes a high-tech product using an efficient and cost effective system. We welcome the expansion of this solid company in the Palmetto State.”

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 Contact:

Natalie J. Lawrence
843-760-4523
[email protected]

Company Contact:

Victor DePhillips
800-231-8710
[email protected]