W. Lee Flowers and Company, a wholesale grocery company, today announced plans to expand its operations in Florence County. The $6.5 million investment is expected to generate 15 new jobs.

“We are pleased to move forward with plans to expand our Florence County operations. This expansion will help us meet increased demand from our customers. South Carolina continues to provide the right fit for our company’s operations. We appreciate the support we’ve received from state and local officials like Rusty Smith, Waymon Mumford, and Joe King,” said Henry Johnson, president of W. Lee Flowers and Company Inc.

W. Lee Flowers is expanding with a 75,000-square-foot addition to its warehouse operation located at 127 East W. Lee Flowers Road in Scranton. The company supplies IGA retail stores and independent supermarkets across South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. The first phase of the expansion is expected to be completed in 2013.

“It’s exciting to see a home-grown company with a long history in South Carolina, like W. Lee Flowers and Company, increase its footprint here. We celebrate the company’s decision to invest $6.5 million and create new jobs in Florence County. By continuing to strengthen our state’s business-friendly climate, we can create an environment for success for all our existing businesses,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $322 million in capital investment and more than 2,800 jobs in the distribution and logistics sector. Additionally in the agribusiness sector, more than $292 million in capital investment and more than 1,400 jobs have been recruited during the same time period.

“South Carolina’s location and solid infrastructure provide companies with the ability to reach markets across the East Coast and throughout the Southeast. W. Lee Flowers and Company has built a reputation on providing goods to customers for nearly a century, and we appreciate the company’s decision to expand and create more jobs in the Palmetto State,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“This expansion is another indication of how vital agribusiness is to South Carolina. W. Lee Flowers and Company is well-respected in the food industry, and is a great partner to farmers in South Carolina. I look forward to seeing the impact of the company’s further investment in our state,” said South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.

“On behalf of the state of South Carolina, I thank W. Lee Flowers for their commitment to Florence County,” said Senator Hugh K. Leatherman. “As State Senator and a resident of Florence County, I am thrilled to see retention of current employees, new capital investment and an increase in jobs for the citizens of this fine county.”

“W. Lee Flowers has been a part of the fabric of our county for many decades. Once again, Florence County has proven its dedication to grow and prosper economically,” said Florence County Council Chairman K.G. “Rusty” Smith.

The company expects to begin hiring for new positions in late 2013. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact the company’s human resources department at (843) 389-2731.
 
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant for $100,000.