Union Underwear, Inc. announces new facility to locate in the Charleston area

May 3, 2005 – A major, international apparel manufacturer will establish a new facility in the Charleston region. Union Underwear, Inc. will locate on Business Park Drive in Berkeley County. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Preparation of the building site is underway, with construction expected to be completed in early 2006. As the facility begins operations, an estimated 100-200 people will be employed in the start-up phase.

“Jobs will continue to be the top priority of this administration and this is the kind of success story we want to duplicate all across the state,” said Governor Mark Sanford. “That’s why we’ll continue to push for pro-business reforms like additional income tax relief to make our state even more attractive to companies looking to grow or expand.”

Ted Creech, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, welcomed the news. “The Alliance seeks to broaden and diversify our region’s economy. By attracting a top quality company like this, we’re securing additional business for our port. It’s easy to see why our Alliance did, indeed, want this company here.”

“Union Underwear, Inc. is a highly respected company that provides top-of-the-line products,” said Jim Rozier, Berkeley County Supervisor and County Council Chairman. “We’re very pleased that the company chose Berkeley County, and we welcome the jobs they will bring to our residents.”

In facilitating announcements such as today’s, the Alliance works with numerous public and private allies. Its relationship with the South Carolina Department of Commerce has been of particular importance through the years.

“With our extensive road network, the highly efficient Port of Charleston, and our strategic geographic position among major markets of the East Coast, South Carolina was an outstanding choice for this distribution facility,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “This is a first-class company with a solid reputation for quality.”

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.

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Alliance Media Contact:
Natalie J. Lawrence
843-760-4523
[email protected]

Company Contact:
John Shivel
[email protected]