SC Samsung plant reopens after COVID-19 shutdown, offers $350 bonus to new employees
The Samsung plant in Newberry has reopened after closing for several weeks in April because of a coronavirus outbreak.
The plant, which opened in 2018 and makes washing machines, will hold a “virtual” hiring event on Thursday. New employees are being offered a $350 hiring bonus.
The Samsung Electronics Home Appliance facility employs about 800 people in Newberry. Officials were not immediately able to say how many positions are available.
The hiring is being conducted through the Georgia-based MAU Workforce Solutions firm, a temporary employment agency operating in several states. After 90 days, the new employees are eligible to be hired by Samsung itself, said Carl Henson, the company’s vice president of marketing and business development.
“These are to fill new spots,” he said.
Henson did not elaborate on why the bonuses are needed.
“Every project is different.,” he said “And this project determined that the bonus would hopefully work out there.”
Henson said that as states begin reopening for business, manufacturing firms are ramping up their workforces.
“Many of our partners are reopening,” said Henson, whose company also works with large manufacturers like BMW. “Some never stopped, because they were seen as essential. And we’ve had several other partners that had to shut down for a little bit. But they are starting to come back.”
The plant closed twice in April — from April 1 to April 6, and from April 13 to April 20 — after workers tested positive for COVID-19. Two employees were affected before the first shutdown, and the number prior to the second shutdown was not immediately available, a spokeswoman for the company said.
She said the shutdowns allowed officials to clean the plant under guidelines from the federal Centers for the Disease Control and other health and employment agencies.
“We followed all the OSHA guidelines to keep our employees safe and employed (and strike a) delicate balance between the two,” she said.
Potential employees can go to MAU.com/Samsung-event prior to or during the event to sign-up.. The event runs Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The company is looking for machine operators, production associates, forklift operators, material handlers and quality inspectors, according to MAU. Candidates are required to have a high school diploma and prior work experience.
“Other requirements vary by position, and all positions offer great benefits,” the company said in a press release.
According to the website, MAU is offering
▪ Starting pay of $12. to $13 per hour, depending on the position
▪ $350 hiring bonuses after 60 days of work.
▪ Possible direct hiring from Samsung after 90 days
▪ Health benefits
▪ 401(k) participation after one year of service
▪ Paid holidays after 520 hours of service
▪ On-the-job training
▪ Opportunities for advancement
If someone signs in during Thursday’s event, a representative will contact them within 20 minutes for an interview, the company said in the release. Those signing in outside of the event will be contacted at the company’s earliest convenience.