Harbor Freight Tools USA Inc., a tool distributor based in Calabasas, California, today announced that it plans to greatly expand its existing distribution center in Dillon County.
The $60 million investment is expected to generate 200 new jobs.
“We are excited about moving forward with plans to expand our operations in Dillon County. South Carolina has been a great  home for our company, providing us with an excellent business environment and a skilled workforce. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Allan Mutchnik, Vice-President of  Harbor Freight Tools.
Harbor Freight Tools plans to add one million square feet of space to the company’s existing facility in the I-95 Gateway Industrial Park in Dillon.
The company sells factory-direct tools to customers across the U.S. The company built the original distribution center in 2001. The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
“We celebrate Harbor Freight Tools’ decision to greatly expand its footprint in our state with a $60 million investment and creation of 200 new jobs in Dillon County.  South Carolina provided a great location for companies to reach markets across the Southeast and with our port facilities in Charleston around the globe. Coupled with our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce, it’s easy to see why more and more companies are choosing to locate and expand here,” 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.
“Today’s announcement is another terrific example of what Team South Carolina can accomplish in the economic development arena. State and local officials worked with the company to make this happen. Harbor Freight Tools’ investment means more jobs and sustainability for the local community. Every one of these jobs will have impact,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
The Tri-County Gateway Industrial Park is jointly owned by Dillon, Marlboro and Marion counties. All three counties had a hand in bringing the project to fruition.
“We are certainly glad Harbor Freight Tools has decided to expand in Dillon County,” said Dillon County Administrator Clay Young. “They have been such a  good corporate leader  the past 12 years ,and we are happy they have decided to expand here and be a part of the community.”
“With our hardworking people, our proximity to major markets, our technical colleges and our available industrial sites, our area has always been an ideal location for any industry. We were very happy to assist Harbor Freight Tools with this expansion,” said Dillon County Council Chairman Archie Scott.
“This is good news for Dillon County and the surrounding counties,” said Dillon Mayor Todd Davis, who said that it says a lot about Dillon County as far as infrastructure, etc. and there are not better logistics than here.
“On behalf of Marion County, we are excited about the expansion of the Harbor Freight complex. This expansion and the additional new jobs are great for our region and especially Dillon, Marlboro, and Marion Counties. The Tri-County Partnership is a wonderful example of  how working in collaboration can be successful,” said Marion County Chairwoman Elista Smith.
“This announcement is a testament to the pro-business efforts and teamwork of  not only Marlboro, Marion and Dillon Counties, but also Marlboro Electric Cooperative, our legislators, and South Carolina Commerce. There’s no better reference for our area than expansion of an existing industry,” said Marlboro County Vice-Chairman Ron Munnerlyn.
“I am encouraged by the continued investment that Harbor Freight Tools is making in Dillon County. For the past 12 years Harbor Freight has been an outstanding business partner employing many of our friends and neighbors. The benefits to our citizens, the Tri-County Industrial Park and the Pee Dee area from this expansion are immeasurable. The training programs, education initiatives, and available workforce in the tri-county area are working together to move Dillon County into the future,” said State Senator Kent Williams.
“Today we are all winners. Available industrial product, skilled workers, reliable infrastructure such as electricity and a business-friendly environment makes the Tri-County I-95 Gateway Industrial Park very attractive to industry. The expansion of Harbor Freight Tools is a direct result of the efforts of our economic development team and our local and state allies working in unison with Harbor Freight Tools. We know this is the beginning of something great,” said Bill Fleming, CEO and President of the Marlboro Electric Cooperative.
With the expanded distribution facility, Harbor Freight Tools will triple the amount of product it ships through the Port of Charleston.
“We are pleased that Harbor Freight Tools has chosen South Carolina for their distribution center expansion, which will significantly boost their volume through the Port of Charleston,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “With access to Charleston’s deepest seaport facilities in the Southeast, our state is ripe for distribution projects.  We look forward to growing our port’s great relationship with Harbor Freight over the coming years.”
The company plans to begin  hiring for new positions nest year.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a rural infrastructure grant of $1 million and approved job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
Harbor Freight Tools was started as a mail-order tool business in 1977 in North Hollywood, California. Today, the company has more than 400 stores nationwide.