Business

This Columbia manufacturer is planning a more than $5 million expansion, will add 33 jobs

A Richland County manufacturer is planning a multi-million dollar expansion and will add 33 new jobs.

US Brick, which is a manufacturer of residential and commercial bricks, will expand its facility at 9931 Two Notch Road in Columbia, according to a release from Richland County’s economic development office. The $5.5 million project will add a secondary kiln and another manufacturing line.

US Brick’s roots run deep in Richland County, and county council is thrilled to be able to assist the company in its reinvestment efforts here,” Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey said in a statement.

Founded as Carolina Ceramics in 1939 in Columbia, the company became known US Brick when it was acquired in 2020. The company is currently headquartered in Charleston and has the capacity to make 350 million bricks per year at its various facilities across four states.

The expansion and new operations at the Richland County brick facility are expected to be fully phased in by the end of 2025, per the economic development office.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to expand our operations in Richland County and consider this a significant milestone for US Brick,” US Brick Columbia President Robert Coker said. “As we phase in operations to be fully online in 2025, we remain committed to supporting our local community and are excited to build a brighter future together with the people of South Carolina.”

Gov. Henry McMaster lauded US Brick’s coming Columbia expansion, and pointed to the company’s long record in South Carolina.

“With an 85-year legacy in South Carolina, US Brick serves as a prime example that companies can start, grow and thrive in South Carolina,” McMaster said in a statement. “We applaud the company’s commitment to our state and look forward to offering continued support throughout its business life cycle.”

This story was originally published August 13, 2024 at 11:14 AM.

Chris Trainor
The State
Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 21 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of a host of South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.
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