Beverage Company Plans $100 Million Plant in Lexington County, Promising New Jobs and Growth

Big News for Lexington County: Beverage Company Eyeing New Plant!

Lexington County, it looks like we’re in for an exciting change on the horizon! A Canada-based beverage company is seriously considering setting up shop right here in our backyard. Now, before you pop the bubbly, let’s spill the tea on what this could mean for our community.

A $100 Million Investment

Yes, you read that right! Cardiff Products Corp., a family-owned business from Ontario, Canada, has got plans on the table to build a jaw-dropping $100 million manufacturing facility dedicated to plant-based beverages. With the plant anticipated to generate nearly 100 new jobs, the enthusiasm is palpable.

At a recent council meeting on December 10, 2024, Beth Carrigg, the chairwoman of the County Council, expressed her excitement. “We are very excited about the potential of this company coming to Lexington County,” she declared. And who wouldn’t be?

Location, Location, Location

So where will all the magic happen? Cardiff Products is eyeing the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park in West Columbia. This place isn’t just any industrial zone; it’s already home to heavyweights like Amazon, Nephron Pharmaceuticals, and Dominion Energy. Talk about a star-studded neighborhood!

Stew Cardiff, the president of the company, made a statement about their intentions, saying they look forward to becoming “an integral part of Lexington County and the greater Columbia area.” Sounds like they’re just as eager to join our community!

Sweetening the Deal

To lure Cardiff Products to our charming county, local leaders are looking at some friendly incentives. One of the biggest carrots being dangled is a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes (FILOT) agreement. This would allow the company to pay a reduced tax rate—lowering their property taxes from the usual 10.5% down to a cool 6%. That’s a whopping 43% reduction!

The deal includes a 30-year agreement that locks in a set tax rate, which should make the financial aspect a lot less daunting for Cardiff. But there’s a catch; if they don’t invest at least $99.6 million and create the agreed-upon 94 jobs within a six-month period post-investment, the county could call off the deal and hit the company with back taxes. Yikes!

Sharing the Wealth

If approved, the arrangement would also mean a revenue-sharing deal with Calhoun County. 99% of the property tax revenue would still head over to Lexington County, which is quite a slice of the pie!

Garrett Dragano, the economic development director for Lexington County, highlighted the job credit that comes with this proposal, saying it would grant $1,500 per job in tax credits for new arrivals. With the revenue-sharing with Calhoun County, that could increase to $2,500 per job. That’s definitely a sweet incentive for any business looking to relocate.

Keeping Our Competitive Edge

“These are our tools to help recruit new investments,” Dragano explained. It’s a strategic move to ensure we stay ahead of the curve and keep attracting new businesses to our vibrant community.

The council has already voted unanimously in favor of the FILOT and tax incentives during the second reading. They’re now just waiting for a third and final read, and if all goes smoothly, Cardiff Products might just become a familiar name in LexCount!

What’s Next?

As we sit on the edge of our seats, it’s clear this could signal a new wave of business growth and job creation for Lexington County. Keep your fingers crossed that good news is just around the corner!

For more updates, you know where to stay tuned. And if you have any thoughts or insights on this developing story, we’d love to hear from you!