Palmetto Brick Company Unveils $28 Million Commercial Plant; Project Expected to Bring 50 Percent Increase in Production and Add 20 New Jobs.

CHERAW, S.C. -- Palmetto Brick Company has unveiled its new $28 million commercial manufacturing plant at its Cheraw, S.C. headquarters.

In addition to being one of the most technologically advanced brick manufacturing plants in the country, the 117,000-square-foot facility is expected to increase the company's brick production by 50 percent and has created 20 new jobs.

"A business-friendly environment is key to companies like Palmetto Brick continuing to grow and create jobs," said Governor Mark Sanford. "That's why we're pushing for reforms like expanded income tax relief, to keep improving our business climate so we'll have more announcements just like this one."

"With the increasing manufacturing presence overseas, we're thrilled that Palmetto has extended its roots in South Carolina," said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. "Expansion projects of this magnitude play a key role in the continued growth of our economy."

Production in the new facility will focus on Palmetto's core line of commercial brick (closure, utility and modular sizes) and new product development, allowing the company's existing 400,000-square-foot plant to expand its residential output.

Overall brick production, which will be equally split between residential and commercial products, is expected to increase from 100 to 150 million brick per year.

"We are very excited about expanding our current facilities in Cheraw," said Andy Rogers, Palmetto Brick Company's vice president of sales and marketing. "Adding 50% to our production capacity allows us to better serve our existing customers and continue to grow as a successful, American owned and operated brick manufacturer and distributor."

Using advanced automation, the plant will not only increase capacity and production efficiency but also meet the increased demand from the architectural community for enhanced versatility and top-flight quality control. Some of the facility's featured technologies include custom-fitted robotic handling, advanced PLC programming and stringent emission control systems.

"One of the tremendous advantages of the new facility is its flexibility," said Rogers. "It allows us to meet the size and shape requirements of most any architectural design."

The extensive network of computer-controlled processes combined with other cutting-edge equipment, such as a state-of-the-art lifting cutter and condensed brick packs (2'x2'x4'), will create new benchmarks for color and size consistency.

And the plant's increased capacity guarantees that all brick orders will be completed on a single run, ensuring uniformity from the first brick to the last.

"Palmetto Brick's expansion is fantastic news for the brick industry," said Pete Cieslak, Executive Director, Brick Southeast, Inc. "Their investment in state-of-the-art technology and equipment is encouraging for our industry, especially coming in a locally owned and operated company. Palmetto Brick is truly a Carolina success story and appears well-positioned for continued growth and prosperity."

Constructed in 15 months, the new facility is situated adjacent to the century-old company's existing brick plant, which has stood since 1972.

Palmetto Brick Company remains one of the last family-owned brick companies in the country, successfully manufacturing American-made brick products through four generations.

"This is a day I thought would never come," said Rogers. "It humbles me to be a part of such a strong organization, run by great employees dedicated to producing the best brick product possible. I believe this project will not only allow us to provide superior quality but also ensure many more years of continued success for Palmetto Brick Company."

About Palmetto Brick Company

Headquartered in Cheraw, S.C., Palmetto Brick Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.L. Anderson Co. and is South Carolina's largest family owned and operated brick manufacturer. Palmetto Brick currently operates in five locations between North and South Carolina including: Roger Moore Division, Wilmington, N.C., Union Masonry, Monroe, N.C., Florence Division, Florence, S.C., Waccamaw Brick, Myrtle Beach, S.C and Cheraw, S.C. Palmetto's products are carried in three body types, red, brown and kaolin and three different brick sizes, Modular, Queensize, Oversize, and are readily available at all times. Marking nearly a century of business operations, Palmetto Brick prides itself on being a 100% American-made company. Palmetto Brick is a proud member of the Brick Industry Association. For more information, please visit www.palmettobrick.com or call [phone].