A new industry finds Aiken County

Gov. Mark Sanford likened it to a Christmas present for the area. And that is what the Flanders Corporation's decision to build a plant near New Ellenton is.

The plant is being built on U.S. 278 not far from the Savannah River Site and will initially employ some 350 people for Global Containment Systems' $60 million facility. The plant is scheduled to be up and running next year and may ultimately have 800 workers.

Gov. Sanford pointed out that GCS will offer jobs to people – many of whom are currently unemployed. With a family member employed at the facility, the family will be able to be off welfare, afford the essentials of life on their own and ultimately provide presents under the family Christmas tree – all benefits to the family and to society at large.

The governor is right in his assessment of the benefits of economic development. It is the lifeblood of the economy. Having GCS as a new corporate neighbor is welcome news at any time, but that much sweeter at this season of the year.

Congratulations are in order for all those who worked so hard to land our new neighbor.

We welcome GCS and its parent company, Flanders, to New Ellenton and to Aiken County.

Copyright © 2003, The Aiken Standard