Rifle cartridge case firm coming to Clarendon County

ProBrass, a start-up firm specializing in the manufacturing and re-manufacturing of brass rifle cartridge cases, is heading to Clarendon County.

The company has recently acquired the 144,000-square-foot former Federal Mogul auto parts plant located on 47 acres near Scott's Branch High School. The company is investing $40 million in the facility, machinery and equipment, creating more than 70 new jobs in Summerton.

At one time, Federal Mogul was the county’s leading employer with 300 workers, said George Kosinski, executive director of the Clarendon County Development Board.

“It’s going to be a fantastic asset,” he said. “It will revitalize the building and be a shot in the arm for Clarendon County.”

ProBrass meets military and Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute standards for both the new and re-manufactured brass cartridge cases for small arms ammunition. The company plans to sell its products through distributors specializing in consumer ammunition.

“We made the decision to locate in South Carolina because, in the Palmetto State, pro-business is not a bland statement but a hard-core reality,” ProBrass co-founder and chief executive Christopher Moe said in a press release. “We’ve benefited enormously from the rapid response to our needs, round-the-clock assistance in our location search and continuous support.”

The state’s readySC program will assist with recruiting workers. Hiring will begin next year.

The company will receive job development credits as an incentive.

“Any time a company decides to invest in one of our rural counties, it shows a commitment to our state that we couldn’t be more grateful for,” Gov. Nikki Haley said in the release.