Expert Machine & Fabrication, LLC a manufacturer of various engineered and fabricated products is expanding its operations in Dillon County.
The company will be investing $2.6 million in the expansion, adding an expected 25 new jobs over five years in Latta.
“Dillon County is quickly becoming a place where businesses grow and people prosper. We are very happy to be a part of the growing Latta community and providing more jobs for its citizens,” said Expert Machine & Fabrication owners Teddie and Elizabeth Williams.
Founded in 1999, the family-owned Expert Machine & Fabrication manufactures products primarily for the housing industry.
The company also serves the military, manufacturing and electrical industries.
To meet increased customer demand from these industries, Expert Machine & Fabrication has decided to relocate to a new, larger facility in Latta.
“It’s exciting to see a local, family-owned company, like Expert Machine & Fabrication, grow after doing business in South Carolina for 15 successful years,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
‘The company’s decision to invest and create new jobs in Dillon County is a reason to celebrate in the local community, and we look forward to watching them continue to succeed here moving forward,” Gov.  Haley continued.
The new, 21,000-square-foot facility, located at 109 Academy Street in Latta, is nearly triple the size of Expert Machine & Fabrication’s existing site, allowing the company the opportunity to upgrade its existing equipment and add new equipment to its operations.
The addition of 25 new employees over the next five years will more than triple its workforce to 36.
Hiring for the new positions is expected to begin in early to mid-2015.
“Here in Dillon County our goal is very simple, and that is for every single citizen who wants a job to have one. We are extremely pleased with the announcement today because it represents more jobs and more opportunities for our citizens,” said Dillon County Council Chairman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr.
The Rural Infrastructure Authority has approved a $75,000 grant to Dillon County to assist with the cost of real property improvements.
“South Carolina continues to lead the nation’s manufacturing renaissance, and today’s announcement by Expert Machine & Fabrication, LLC reinforces that notion. We congratulate Expert Machine & Fabrication on all of their success and look forward to supporting them as they continue to thrive in our state,”  said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.