Otis Elevator outgrowing its Florence facility; expansion coming, officials say

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By: Joshua Lloyd, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. – With approximately 700 employees and a nearly 500,000-square-foot facility, Otis Elevator in Florence is one of the largest employers in the Pee Dee region and one of the top manufacturers in the state.

Despite an already stellar presence and rapid local growth, Otis officials say more growth is coming for the Florence site.

“We need more manufacturing space, as well as more press equipment and more space for supplier components,” said Brad Selleck, Otis’ North American vice president and manager of the Florence plant. “There’s definitely more expansion coming in the future. We’re working through that now.”

Details weren’t available on what exactly a facility expansion would entail or when it could happen, but Selleck told the Florence Rotary Club on Monday that the Florence plant is moving toward adding escalator production to its repertoire.

“We’re working on a plan to relocate escalator production to the Florence factory,” Selleck said. “We’re looking at numbers on an expansion and what types of skills we’re going to need. We’re still evaluating, so there’s more to come on that.”

An approach that’s helped Otis in Florence become an economic powerhouse, not only locally but internationally, is diversity.

“In Florence we have 16 countries represented and 14 languages spoken in the building,” Selleck said. “It’s different, it’s progressive and it’s a great recruiting tool. You can feel the cultural difference, and that’s key when recruiting the best employees.”

Otis in Florence produces a variety of full elevator systems, including hydraulic and belt-drive models. Many of the materials produced in Florence are energy conserving and compact to minimize the environmental impact.

Approximately five years ago, Otis purchased the old Maytag facility that sits on 92 acres northwest of Interstate 95 at U.S. 52. The initial investment was $40 million with 360 jobs.

SCNow Web Article – Otis Elevator outgrowing its Florence facility; expansion coming, officials say

Ruiz Foods announces $79 million expansion, 705 additional jobs

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By: Jessica Imbimbo, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. – Ruiz Foods executives announced the details of a $79 million plant expansion on Tuesday morning during a “fiesta” at their Florence facility at 2557 Florence Harllee Blvd.

The expansion will include the addition of three production lines as well as added warehouse and office space. The construction of the production lines will double the facility’s current capacity and add 705 jobs over the next seven years, according to Ruiz Foods President and CEO Rachel Cullen.

Cullen said Ruiz Foods plans to break ground on the expansion this fall.

“As our products continue to gain popularity, we need additional capacity, which means more jobs,” Cullen said. “We are here to grow and be successful. We’re here to announce today that we’re not done.”

The expansion announcement comes three years almost to the day that Ruiz Foods held its grand opening in Florence on July 15, 2014. The company moved to Florence after acquiring the former H.J. Heinz facility and currently employs more than 500 people.

Keith White, maintenance manager at Ruiz Foods, worked for Heinz when Ruiz Foods bought the site and was one of the first people to be employed at the new plant. White said he is surprised how quickly the company has grown, and he is happy to be a part of the Ruiz Foods team.

“To go from being here by myself to now we’re over 500 people and we’re going to go to over 1,200 people. It’s pretty amazing,” White said. “I didn’t expect it to happen this fast.”

White and several other Ruiz Foods employees were recognized by Cullen during the expansion celebration. Cullen was one of the distinguished guests who spoke during event, including South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Hugh K. Leatherman and Ruiz Foods Chairman Kim Ruiz Beck.

Beck is a member of the third generation of the Ruiz Foods family who talked about the company’s humble beginnings in 1964. Ruiz Foods was founded by Beck’s father and grandfather. They produced 40 pounds of food each day out of their home. Now, the company employees more than 3,600 people in three states and can produce 40 pounds of food in six seconds.

Beck grew emotional as she acknowledged her father, Fred Ruiz, during the expansion celebration, saying she feels immense pride when she reflects on all the company has accomplished and the decision to build a plant in Florence.

“We’re extremely proud of our team,” Beck said. “It is just such a pleasure to be a part of such an enthusiastic, welcoming and hard-working community. We are forever grateful.”

“This just validates everything that we strive to do,” Ruiz said. “And Kim is keeping it going. It just warms my heart. It doesn’t get any better than that from a dad’s perspective.”

El Monterey is the flagship frozen Mexican food brand for Ruiz Foods and the top-selling brand of frozen Mexican food in the nation. Tornados, also distributed nationally, is the company’s snack brand and a leader on convenience store roller grills.

While producing Mexican cuisine, Ruiz Foods also concentrates on public service and contributing to surrounding communities. In the Florence area, programs such as Ruiz 4 Kids and Ruiz Cares allow the company to support local residents. During its expansion celebration, Beck and Ruiz Foods announced the donation of $100,000 to McLeod Regional Medical Center to benefit its child life center.

SCNow Web Article – Ruiz Foods announces $79 million expansion, 705 additional jobs

HopeHealth’s new addition to open for patients July 17

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Credit: Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. — Phase II of the HopeHealth Medical Plaza in Florence will open its doors to patients July 17.

Moving dates for services to move from the HopeHealth offices on Palmetto Street to the new facilities on North Irby Street are scheduled for July 13, 14, and 15. During the move, there will be no disruption to services in Phase I of the Medical Plaza or for behavioral health services at the Palmetto Street office. Patients needing prompt assistance should call 843-667-9414 and speak to the answering service.

 The second phase of construction adds an additional 40,000-plus square feet to the Medical Plaza including conference rooms and classroom areas for the HopeHealth Diabetes and Nutrition Center, as well as expanded spaces for pediatrics and women’s health services already at the plaza. Services relocating from the Palmetto Street offices include chiropractic services, pain management, infectious diseases, and dental. In addition, CARE House of the Pee Dee, a children’s advocacy center, will relocate from Patton Drive, Florence, to offices adjacent to pediatrics and a new meditation garden.

HopeHealth is one of 21 nonprofit, federally-qualified health centers in South Carolina and provides quality and affordable health care services to individuals in Florence, Clarendon, and Williamsburg Counties.

SCNow Web Article – HopeHealth’s new addition to open for patients July 17

Groundwork begins on Hyatt Place in downtown Florence

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By: Joshua Lloyd, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. – Construction on the $15 million, five-story, 103-room Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Florence is finally underway.

The project will take between a year and 16 months to complete, depending on weather conditions. A grand opening is expected sometime in 2018.

“They’re starting to do test driving for the piles and some piling work, but right now they’re at the very beginning of the process,” said Florence City Manager Drew Griffin. “We’re very excited that’s it’s moving along.”

 Griffin said there won’t be any road closings downtown during the hotel’s construction.

The hotel is being developed by SpringBridge Development and will be managed by Raines Hospitality, a locally owned group that manages several hotels throughout Florence.

“One of the conditions we put into play with the Hyatt was that we didn’t want to completely block any of the roads,” Griffin said. “Traffic may go to one lane for a short period of time, but there should never be a total closure.”

The new hotel is expected to create 30 jobs by the time it opens in the first quarter of 2018. It will feature around-the-clock food service, a bar and an outdoor pool as well as 1,250 square feet of meeting space with an outdoor terrace.

The project was announced more than a year ago, though it was known under code name “Project Tulip” months before it was publicly revealed.

SCNow Web Article – Groundwork begins on Hyatt Place in downtown Florence

Business After Hours with Raldex Hospitality

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By: Jessica Imbimbo, Morning News

The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Business After Hours event for Raldex Hospitality on Thursday evening at the Hilton Garden Inn. More than 100 business leaders and community members attended the event, featuring food, drinks, live music and various door prizes including a 50-inch television.

SCNow Web Article – Business After Hours with Raldex Hospitality

Elite Tactical Laser Tag holds ribbon cutting in Florence

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By: Jessica Imbimbo, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. – Elite Tactical Laser Tag held a ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon at its facility at 200 E. South Village in Florence.

The laser tag facility is for participants age 6 and older and features laser guns modeled after authentic military-grade weapons (complete with a recoil and reloadable magazines) and a large field space that will immerse players in a full Hollywood-style battlefield.

Each laser tag session is 90 minutes long. Up to 20 players can attempt a number of Elite Tactical’s 23 missions. Each mission requires different strategies and tactics and puts an emphasis on the importance of teamwork. The facility is open Monday through Wednesday for private sessions and Thursday through Sunday for public play.

Elite Tactical Laser Tag can host numerous events from birthday parties and church events to corporate team building activities. General admission for players age 13 and older is $30 and group rates of 10 or more players start at $25 when booked in advance.

Specific mission times for players ages 6-12 are set for Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Each mission for younger players is 30 minutes long and costs $10. The laser tag facility also offers deals or rates on certain days such as $20 Thursdays and $10 for 30 minutes on Sundays. All sessions starting at 7:30 p.m. and later are for ages 16 and older.

The facility will also play host to the Apocalypse World Tour set for July 14 – 15 when participants have the chance to kill “live zombies” while trapped in a video-game-style set. Tickets for the event include 150 rounds of ammunition and admission into the zombie attraction. Tickets can be purchased through the Elite Tactical Laser Tag website at elitetaclt.com.

Owners Efrem and Matilda Andrews said Elite Tactical Laser Tag opened for business in February and said they are excited about providing a place for friends and families to have fun and be active together.

“It’s Call-of-Duty-style laser tag,” Matilda said. “This will get the kids out and moving because our generation is missing that. It’s excellent cardio.”

“It’s a step above regular laser tag. It’s more interactive,” Efrem said. “Ninety-nine percent of the people that come in here leave extremely happy. They just have an outstanding time.”

“By the time they’re done they are thanking us that we brought this thing to Florence.”

For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Elite Tactical Laser Tag website or Facebook page.

SCNow Web Article – Elite Tactical Laser Tag holds ribbon cutting in Florence

Feds approve permit for construction of Interstate 73

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By: Joshua Lloyd, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. – After more than 30 years of planning, studies and negotiations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a permit for construction of Interstate 73.

The interstate will connect Myrtle Beach to Sault Ste. Marie in northern Michigan, and will run 80 miles in four South Carolina counties — Dillon, Marlboro, Marion and Horry. In total, I-73 will cross six states — South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Michigan.

Congressman Tom Rice, a Republican from Myrtle Beach, has made I-73 one of his major talking points since his first election in 2014 and made an official announcement Tuesday afternoon.

“Since I got to Congress, construction of I-73 has been my top priority and this permit is a result of a lot of hard work and collaboration,” he said in a media advisory. “The opportunity that I-73 will bring to the 7th District is truly unparalleled, and now that we have the permit in hand we can begin construction and see this project come to light.”

 Specific timeframes and costs were not given, but officials have said in the past that a project of this magnitude could take a decade or more to complete.

A study completed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation last month indicated costs for the state’s portion of I-73 could be about $2.8 billion if construction starts this year or up to about $3.4 billion if construction is delayed until 2025.

SCNow Web Article – Feds approve permit for construction of Interstate 73

Emerging Leaders Summer Institute Retreat

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The Chamber’s Emerging Leaders Summer Institute kicked off with a leadership retreat on Tuesday, June 21st. The group heard from Teresa Johnson Ramey of Francis Marion University and Holly Young Beaumier of Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The group continues their five session journey in July.

Cafe at Florence airport holds ribbon cutting

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By: Jessica Imbimbo, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. – LilJazZi’s Café and Salads, located inside the Florence Regional Airport at 2100 Terminal Drive, held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Wednesday.

LilJazZi’s is open to the general public as well as airport travelers, offering a variety of salads and sandwiches to hungry patrons. The café also provides real fruit smoothies such as peach, mango, strawberry or any combination of flavors.

The menu features breakfast items, including grits, pancakes, eggs and waffles. LilJazZi’s can also craft a number of gourmet drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, frappes and macchiatos. Customers who dine at LilJazZi’s receive free parking at the airport for one hour and the café offers discounts for students, seniors, military and law enforcement.

 Owner Andrena Mullins said she collaborated with Robert Norton, the airport’s deputy director, on the idea of starting her own business after she tried to sell vending machines to the terminal. Mullins said she has always wanted to open her own restaurant and she is grateful for Norton and the Florence Regional Airport for giving her the space and the opportunity to pursue her dream.

“I worked for Target for 16 years and I let that go to start something new,” Mullins said. “He (Norton) said, ‘We need something like this.’ And it just happened. I love it.”

The café opened on April 14 and held a grand opening Wednesday afternoon. Ambassadors from the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce attended the ribbon cutting to welcome Mullins and her new business to Florence and congratulate her on her accomplishment.

 Mullins said she has plans to open another location in the near future by the Walmart Supercenter on Beltline Drive.

“That’s kind of where I want to go next, but we’ll see,” Mullins said. “It’s tough because I have three little ones.”

Mullins’ three daughters, Lilly, 7, Jasmine, 13, and Zion, 8, gave her the inspiration to name the restaurant LilJazZi’s.

“My logo is and everything is based all on the girls because this is their future, not mine,” Mullins said. “It’s all about the kids.”

SCNow Web Article – Cafe at Florence airport holds ribbon cutting

Fashion retailer H&M to open new location in Magnolia Mall

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By: Jessica Imbimbo, Morning News

FLORENCE, S.C. — Hennes and Mauritz Inc., the global fashion retailer better known as H&M, announced a new location opening in Magnolia Mall in Florence.

Kelsey Hill, marketing manager at Magnolia Mall, confirmed the announcement. The 20,000 square-foot store is set to open in the fall of 2018.

 The new H&M location will offer Florence residents a shopping destination for quality clothing for the whole family, with collections for ladies, men and teens, as well as separate “store within a store” sections for accessories. The Magnolia Mall location will also carry the H&M Kids collection for newborns to 14-year-olds.

Patrick Shaner of the H&M communications department said the company thought Florence would be in ideal location for their South Carolina expansion due to their significant customer base in the area.

 “We have had such a warm welcome from our customers and fans in the state,” Shaner said. “We are incredibly excited to be expanding in South Carolina.”

In 2017, H&M was the highest ranked fashion retailer on Forbes America’s Best Employers list and was named on Business of Fashion’s list of Best Companies to Work for in Fashion.

The new store will add approximately 30 jobs to the Florence area. For available job opportunities, please visit career.hm.com.

SCNow Web Article – Fashion retailer H&M to open new location in Magnolia Mall