SRC announces major expansion in region

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The region’s pursuit of high-technology employers and jobs bore more fruit today as Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) announced a major competitive expansion. The company’s local growth will produce more than 140 new high skill jobs and bring $4.5 million in capital investment to the region. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

SRC uses applied research and hands-on operations to develop and improve computing technologies. The company specializes in system design, rapid prototyping, hardware and software integration, testing, installation and maintenance. Headquartered in Atlanta, the company considered expanding there, as well as in Huntsville, Alabama. The decision to expand in Charleston was explained today at a gathering of local elected officials and business leaders.

“We chose to commit our resources to the Charleston region for a number of reasons,” said Michael L. Watt, President and Chief Executive Officer of SRC. “This expansion is prompted by a growth in technical services and product developments for customers such as SPAWAR, and it makes sense to be near our customers. We also recognize that Charleston’s famed quality of life represents a very strong recruiting tool for us as we seek technically-advanced employees to help us move forward.”

Tim L. Washington, Senior Vice President of SRC’s Applied Technology Division, which is based in North Charleston, noted that the commitment of local economic development teams also made this region a clear winner. “We were highly impressed by the spirit and energy put forth by the state, county and city in retaining our company. Clearly, SRC is wanted here.”

“Welcome and congratulations, SRC. The expansion of SRC in Charleston County and the high-skill jobs it brings are a win for us all,” said Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. “I applaud the Alliance for the critical part they played in bringing the expansion of this cutting-edge company to our community.”

“I speak for all of us at the Alliance when I say that big wins benefit everyone – and SRC’s expansion here is a big win,” said William A. Moody, Alliance Chairman. “SRC brings more and better jobs to this region, and that is the very thing our Alliance’s strategic plan calls for. Better jobs create better lives for all of us.”

Charleston County Council Chairman, Barrett Lawrimore, welcomed the news of the expansion, saying: “Congratulations to SRC. The success and growth of this cutting-edge company represents proof positive that Charleston County is fertile territory for high technology. Research and development are key to the future, and our county is happy to be ground zero for the incredible innovation of SRC.”

Keith Summey, mayor of North Charleston, added that the city is home to a growing community of high-tech companies. “We are proud of the achievements made by companies operating in North Charleston, and pleased to continue delivering world-class services, employees and potential to these firms. Congratulations, SRC, and here’s to many more expansions in the future!”

The Alliance works with numerous organizations to bring new investment to the region. In its effort to broaden technology investment here, it relies heavily upon high-level partners, including the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“SRC’s announcement today demonstrates confidence in the future of high-tech in our state’s economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Charles S. Way. “For the past two years, one out of every three jobs announced was created in technology intensive companies. That’s a record we’d like to increase ten-fold here in the Lowcountry where they have an unparalleled quality of life and an educated work force.”

In addition to SPAWAR, SRC works with other local companies, including Bayer and Behr Heat Transfer. Currently, the company employs 180 people in the Charleston region, developing network information systems, satellite-based communication systems, and industrial automation systems.
SRC will occupy 30,000 square feet of a new 70,000-square-foot office building under construction in North Charleston’s Faber Place Office Park. Durlach & Associates is developing the space.

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, click on www.crda.org.

Company Contact:
Sherry Harlow
Scientific Research Corporation
843 308 2501