Economic Development
In recent weeks we have participated in two announcements of manufacturing coming to our area. Pickens County today announced that Allegro Industries will locate its new manufacturing facility in the Commerce Park. The $4.53 million investment is expected to generate 45 new jobs. The company will begin hiring for the positions in the fi rst quarter of 2011, which will include assemblers, packagers, technicians and offi ce staff. Allegro Industries will work with the Workforce One-Stop in Pickens County when the hiring process starts.
First quarter 2011 will also be the beginning of the new Easley Towne Center shopping center on highway 123. This $82 million project is expected to bring 900 new jobs to Easley. We all see the progress on the highway construction at the entrance to the Town Center.
The largest economic development investment in Anderson County recently was announced for a $1 billion First Quality Enterprises plant that is expected to bring up to 1,000 jobs in the next 10 years. First Quality produces paper products. The plant will be at the former BASF-Shaw Industries building in Anderson. This will have a positive effect on our Powdersville area as well as in our local economy.
I am seeing more jobs created in small businesses and more real estate and restaurant activity. We are not where we need to be in employment but the economy is slowly recovering and I remain optimistic for the economic future of our Greater Easley area.
