Aiken Tech has awarded more than 16,000 degrees, diplomas and certificates since founding

By Dede Biles, Aiken Standard

Aiken Technical College, which began offering classes in 1972, has awarded more than 16,000 degrees, diplomas and certificates to more than 13,000 alumni.

“Our purpose is to get people into the workforce, and we’ve been doing it for a half-century,” said Aiken Tech President Forest Mahan, who spoke about the school’s 50th anniversary and its future Monday.

He was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Aiken’s meeting at Newberry Hall.

“On Sept. 1, 2022, we will turn 50 officially,” Mahan said. “Our goal that day is to have a ’70s-themed day. Everybody will wear ’70s garb. “We’re also going to bury a time capsule,” he continued. “And among the things we are going to bury … is a face mask with Aiken Tech on it. If I never see one of these (reminders of COVID-19) again, I’ll be happy.”

In addition, there will be a 50th anniversary event Sept. 29 on the Aiken Tech campus for alumni, students, employees and community supporters.

“Typically, we do an annual fundraiser for our foundation,” Mahan said. “Our goal this year is to celebrate people and not ask for money. Of course, you can bring your checkbook, if you like. But our goal is to show the alumni, the students, the employees and the community supporters thanks for all they’ve done to support us these last 50 years.”

To learn more about Aiken Tech’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 visit Aiken Standard for the full article.

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. to expand operations in Aiken County

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. to expand operations in Aiken County

Approximately $400 million investment will create more than 300 new jobs

 

For Immediate Release

November 1, 2021

COLUMBIA, S.C. Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw), a leading global flooring provider, today announced plans to expand its operations in Aiken County. The approximately $400 million investment will create more than 300 new jobs at the manufacturing facility, which creates fiber used to manufacture residential carpet.

 

Located at 136 East Frontage Road in Aiken, Shaw’s expansion will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity and support future growth for new products. This location currently employs more than 600 associates.

 

The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Shaw team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

 

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. Aiken County was also awarded two Set-Aside grants, totaling $1,750,000, to assist with costs related to this project.

QUOTES

“Our expansion in Aiken represents a significant, long-term investment in our people and processes that will allow us to meet current and future projected market demand for high-quality carpet products. This investment positions Shaw well for the future and represents tremendous career opportunities for current and future associates.” -Shaw Executive Vice President of Operations David Morgan

 

“Shaw benefits from a talented, well-trained associate base in Aiken County. We’re proud to have been a part of the community for almost 20 years and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.” -Shaw Plant 78 (Aiken, S.C.) Plant Manager John Riley

 

“The expansion of Shaw Industries Group, Inc.’s operations in Aiken County signals yet another vote of confidence by this great company in South Carolina and our people. Congratulations to Shaw on this $400 million investment that will create more than 300 new jobs for our citizens.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

 

“South Carolina continues to provide the business climate where companies can find long-term success. Shaw has been a part of the Aiken community for nearly two decades which makes today’s announcement and the opportunities it represents even more exciting.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

 

“The Aiken County Council appreciates Shaw’s decision to expand its Aiken County operations. This announcement is a grand slam for Aiken County and represents the largest single capital investment in the county in over a decade. With an approximately $400 million capital investment and more than 300 new jobs to be created, this is a win-win for both Shaw and Aiken County.” -Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker

 

“A company like Shaw has options where to deploy a job creation and capital investment opportunity of this significance. We are grateful they chose Aiken County. It shows a company that is pleased with the business conditions that Aiken County Council works hard to maintain. Congratulations to Shaw and Aiken County!” -Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury

 

FIVE FAST FACTS
  • Shaw Industries is expanding operations in Aiken County.
  • The approximately $400 million investment will create more than 300 new jobs.
  • Shaw Industries is a leading global flooring provider.
  • Shaw’s facility is located at 136 East Frontage Road in Aiken, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Shaw team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

 

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

 

About Shaw Industries

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is more than a flooring company – we are more than 20,000 people united in our vision of creating a better future for our customers, for our people, for our community and for our company. We provide carpet, resilient, hardwood, tile & stone, laminate, synthetic turf and other specialty items for residential and commercial markets worldwide. We meet diverse customer needs through an expansive portfolio of brands, including: Anderson TuftexCOREtecFloorigamiPatcraft

Philadelphia CommercialShaw ContractShaw FloorsShaw Sports TurfSouthwest Greens and more. 

 

Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, USA, Shaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway with $6 billion in annual revenue and representation throughout the U.S., as well as in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, India, Mexico, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. For more information about our company brands, operations and community involvement, or to join our industry-leading team, visit www.shawinc.com. 

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alex Clark, CMP

Director of Marketing & Communications

South Carolina Department of Commerce

(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

 

Sara Martin

Senior Director of Corporate Communications

Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

sara.martin@shawinc.com

(770) 387-7274

Accudraft Establishing Operations in Aiken County

Accudraft Establishing Operations in Aiken County

$4.7 million investment will create 42 new jobs

For Immediate Release

August 10, 2021

COLUMBIA, S.C. Accudraft Finishing Systems (Accudraft), a leading global finishing systems company, today announced plans to establish operations in Aiken County. The $4.7 million investment will create 42 new jobs.

Founded in 1977, Accudraft manufactures finishing systems and paint booths for the automotive, aircraft, marine vessel and train and railcar industries. With best-in-class products, Accudraft designs and engineers finishing enclosures and systems around the user and is continuously improving design and materials to produce durable finishing systems.

Located at 10 Windham Boulevard in the Verenes Industrial Park in Aiken, Accudraft’s new facility will accommodate additional production capacity and the company’s need to provide more efficient and effective service to its growing base of customers, distributors and partners.

Operations are expected to be online in 2022. Individuals interested in joining the Accudraft team should email info@goaccudraft.com.

QUOTES

“We are proud to work with the state of South Carolina and Aiken County to expand our manufacturing operations into the Southeast. We’d like to sincerely thank Aiken County and the state for their outstanding support, and we look forward to their continuing partnership for years to come.” -Accudraft Finishing Systems President Giovanna Helton

 

“Accudraft’s decision to establish operations in Aiken County is another great example of how companies recognize all South Carolina has to offer. We congratulate them on their new operations and look forward to watching them succeed for many years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“We appreciate the $4.7 million investment and 42 jobs Accudraft will bring to South Carolina. I look forward to the amazing work that will take place in Aiken County.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“This major announcement is a win-win for both Accudraft and Aiken County. The $4.7 million capital investment and the jobs it creates will favorably impact our community and our local economy. In addition, this project further highlights Aiken County’s pro-industrial, business-friendly environment. Aiken County continues to maintain the infrastructure, competitive workforce and favorable tax policies necessary to attract high-end manufacturing.” -Aiken County Council Chair Gary Bunker

“We welcome Accudraft to Aiken County and appreciate their investment here. They are a world-class company that will further diversify employment opportunities in the county. We look forward to working with them on their startup which hopefully leads to additional growth. Today’s news would not be possible without the years of tireless work by Aiken County Council to ensure the business conditions are right for companies to locate and be profitable.” -Economic Development Partnership Board Chair Gary Stooksbury

 

FIVE FAST FACTS
  • Accudraft Finishing Systems (Accudraft) is establishing operations in Aiken County.
  • The $4.7 million investment will create 42 new jobs.
  • Accudraft is a leading global finishing systems company.
  • Located at 10 Windham Boulevard in Aiken, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Accudraft team should email info@goaccudraft.com.

 

 

S.C. COMMERCE MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Clark, CMP
Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

Categories

Tognum America Inc. expanding its Research and Development Center in Aiken County

July 31, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – July 31, 2013 – Tognum America Inc., an American subsidiary of TognumAG and a leader for propulsion and power solutions, today announced plans to expand its Research and Development Center at the MTU Aiken County plant. The $22.5 million investment is expected to generate 10 new jobs, and will double the center’s development capacity with the addition of two new test cells for off-highway diesel engines.

“The expansion of our MTU Aiken Plant is part of our global growth strategy to invest in our plants and in R&D,” said Tognum CEO Dr. Ulrich Dohle. “In the medium term, the plant expansion enables us to prepare for the planned volume growth.”

The investment follows Tognum’s initial commitment of $40 million to build the Research and Development Center, which officially opened in April. The company’s ongoing plans to increase its footprint in North America have resulted in an overall investment of approximately $100 million in Aiken County since 2010. The company also maintains facilities and offices throughout the U.S., and is in the midst of an international plant expansion program.

“Our continued growth and success at the MTU Aiken Plant is the result of our strong partnership with Aiken County and the state of South Carolina,” said Joerg Klisch, vice president of North American operations, Tognum America Inc. “This new expansion project will enable us to enhance our engine development capabilities and will result in the completion of one of the most advanced diesel engine development facilities in North America.”

The Research and Development Center at the MTU Aiken Plant features advanced technologies that aid in the design of cleaner, more efficient and more powerful versions of the MTU Series 2000 and Series 4000 off-highway diesel engines. Construction of the new engine test cells is scheduled to begin next month. It is anticipated that the project will be completed by March, 2015 “Today’s announcement shows Tognum’s commitment to South Carolina, and we celebrate the $22.5 million investment and the new jobs created in Aiken County. We know we are on the right track with economic development when existing businesses like Tognum are successful in our state and grow their footprint here,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $9 billion in capital investment and more than 26,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“Tognum’s expansion proves that South Carolinians know how to make quality and advanced products that are used around the globe. The MTU research and development center not only provides a boost to Aiken County’s manufacturing base, but also solidifies South Carolina’s place in the nation’s manufacturing renaissance,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“We are very appreciative of this latest announcement by Tognum. They have quickly demonstrated that they are committed to manufacturing and R & D in Aiken County,” said Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young. “They have far exceeded their original commitment to us and I am very happy to have them call Aiken County home.”

“This has been exciting to watch the MTU Aiken Plant’s continued growth in Aiken County,” said Gary Stooksbury, chairman of the board of The Economic Development Partnership of Aiken and Edgefield Counties. “It looks like a strong partnership between the company and the county has developed. We are grateful for today’s news and look forward to MTU Aiken’s continued growth and prosperity.”

For more information about open positions at Tognum America, visit www.tognumamericacareers.com.