Exciting Developments in West Columbia: Southern Glazer’s New Facility Breaks Ground
West Columbia was buzzing with excitement on a rather drizzly Wednesday morning. Despite the patches of fog and a little rain, essential figures from the community gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits’ brand-new facility. The air was filled with optimism as representatives from the company, local officials, and partners came together to mark this significant occasion.
Southern Glazer’s, known as an international, family-owned company specializing in the distribution of wine and spirits, is set to make a considerable investment in South Carolina with their new facility. Located on a sprawling 85 acres off of the 12th Street Extension in West Columbia, this facility is poised to bring about positive changes in the local economy.
A Promise of Progress
Johnny Burg, the Vice President of Operations for Southern Glazer’s, spoke about the importance of this project. He stated, “This facility represents a significant investment in the future of South Carolina’s operations and stresses our commitment to the enhanced service in this market.” He emphasized that the construction and long-term operation of this new site would create many job opportunities for locals, stating that it would not only contribute during the construction phase but also for years to come.
The new facility isn’t just big; it’s impressive. The warehouse itself will be a fantastic 412,500 square foot space, designed with cutting-edge technology to improve operations. It will feature 13 receiving doors and specialized rooms for storage, including a designated bottle room that can hold up to 8,000 cases and a cold room for 32,000 cases. Additionally, a two-story office building will be part of the complex, ensuring that operations run smoothly.
Aiming High with Advanced Technology
Steve Baker, Southern Glazer’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying, “Our state-of-the-art warehouses are the most advanced in the industry, and we’ve transformed our supply chain to be one designed around customizing services for our customers.” He drew an inspiring comparison to tech giant Amazon, noting their proximity and the ability for his company to offer next-day delivery as well.
At the ceremony, Governor Henry McMaster was also on hand, demonstrating the state’s support for the development. He took a moment to present Steve Baker with a commemorative gift, making the occasion feel even more special. The governor’s presence underscored the significance of this facility, not just for Southern Glazer’s but for the whole state of South Carolina.
A Bright Future Ahead
When completed, the Southern Glazer’s Lexington Warehouse is expected to provide over 500 jobs to the region, contributing to the local economy and supporting families. Officials have placed their sights on a completion date in the fall of 2026, and the community buzzes with anticipation for what that will mean for West Columbia.
The atmosphere at the groundbreaking was charged with hope and excitement about the future. It was more than just a ceremony; it was a reflection of collective aspirations for growth and prosperity in the region. With all that’s planned, West Columbia is on the brink of a new era, and everyone seems ready to embrace the possibilities ahead.
As the fog lifts and the sun peeks through the clouds, it certainly feels like a bright day for West Columbia and Southern Glazer’s.
