S.C. Governor joins local leaders, Horton CEO for ribbon cutting at company’s new Oconee County facility
Westminster, S.C. – Horton Inc., a global leader in heavy-duty and industrial engine cooling systems, announced today its newest facility is now fully operational. The company’s state-of-the-art Oconee County, South Carolina plant positions it for extensive growth in the coming years.
With South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Horton CEO Cordell Dietz, Vice Chair Terry Gilberstadt, Board Member Lynn Brown and other state and local leaders in attendance, Horton officially opened its 112,000-square-foot space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon.
“We are proud to put down roots in South Carolina’s growing manufacturing community,” Dietz said. “This is a major investment in our mission to remain the world leader in thermal management. A celebration was probably in order when we broke ground, but COVID-19 made that impossible. We are happy to do this today.”
Gilberstadt noted, “Our company was founded on the principles of innovation, customer service and family values. We chose Oconee County because we see those same values in our new employees, neighbors and friends here.”
The plant will add up to 125 jobs to the area and is continuing to hire. Focused on producing fans of all sizes for on- and off-highway equipment with plans for future expansion, Horton’s Westminster facility includes a brand-new e-coat line, a powder coat booth for custom component coloration, a new injection molding machine and several advanced robot technologies.
It sits inside the recently developed, 400-acre Oconee Industry and Technology Park. Horton has already forged unique relationships with its neighbors, including the Oconee Economic Alliance and Tri-County Technical College. A growing number of Horton employees attended the college, and Horton has sponsored a room at the Oconee campus and anticipates opportunities for future partnerships via continuing education.
“Oconee County looks forward to a long future with Horton,” said Oconee County Council Chairman John Elliott. “We are committed to providing a skilled workforce for Horton through our on-site Tri-County Technical College. This is a great day for Oconee County.”
According to the National Association of Manufacturers, South Carolina’s manufacturing output has increased more than 50 percent in the past decade.
As the national and global economies seek recovery from the pandemic, industries like transportation and logistics, construction, agriculture and material handling and extraction have become more important than ever. Horton provides solutions for all these categories, presenting the Minnesota-based supplier and its new South Carolina home unique and critical opportunities.
“We are excited to formally celebrate this grand opening of Horton Inc., who has established an outstanding operation here in our county,” South Carolina Sen. Thomas Alexander said. “Horton Inc. is an excellent employer and valuable community partner that we welcome to our industry family. We look forward to working with Horton as they grow locally in Oconee County and globally.”
As a leading provider of thermal management technologies, Horton allows a range of motors and power systems to operate at optimal temperature — even in the most demanding conditions. For over 65 years, Horton has made equipment operate longer, run quieter with more available horsepower, consume less fuel and reduce emissions. Learn more at hortonww.com.
The Oconee Economic Alliance (OEA) is a public-private nonprofit dedicated to bringing jobs and capital investment to Oconee County. Serving as the Economic Development arm of Oconee County, the OEA focuses on increasing per capita income, diversifying the local tax base and generating awareness of Oconee County as a business location. Since its founding in 2013, OEA efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 1,800 new jobs and $620 million in capital investment in Oconee County, SC. To learn more please visit www.oconeealliance.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Annie Caggiano
President
Oconee Economic Alliance