Automotive industry supplier expands operations in Charleston region

JUNE 6, 2005 – Albert Weber Manufacturing Corporation, a manufacturer of high-end components and systems for the automotive industry, will expand its existing Dorchester County facility, located at 231 Deming Way, Summerville, SC. Today’s announcement was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Albert Weber’s product portfolio includes production of cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, connecting rods, crankshafts, chargers (turbocharger, g-charger and supercharger), gearbox housings and other cubic parts. The Summerville plant will produce crankshafts for DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Company officials said they are committed to a production capacity of 110,000 crankshafts per year, and will start Series Production in February 2006.

Albert Weber expects to invest $11 million in the expansion and create approximately 25 new jobs during its start-up phase. The company will work with South Carolina’s Center for Accelerated Technology Training in the recruitment of and education for its technically skilled workforce.

Daniel Weber, COO of Albert Weber, elaborated: “Crankshaft production at Albert Weber is highly automated. Process reliability and high efficiency with a unique part traceability system are at the core of this established manufacturing line. A highly skilled workforce is necessary to achieve our goals and we feel confident we will find that talent in the Charleston region.”

Alliance Chairman Ted Creech welcomed the news of Albert Weber’s expansion. “Following AngelouEconomics’ recent recommendation for targeting and nurturing the automotive cluster, it’s exciting to see such a dynamic, forward-thinking company choose to increase their business in our region. We welcome this expansion and the high quality jobs it will bring to the area.”

Chris Murphy, Dorchester County Council Chairman, also welcomed the announcement: “Companies such as Albert Weber make our region a standout on the international stage. We are proud that this dynamic company has selected Dorchester County, and we will do everything we can to ensure they continue to prosper here.”

“Dorchester County Council and our economic development team have worked very hard to make this happen,” said George Tupper, Dorchester County Development Board Chairman. “I’d like to thank the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance for the professional assistance they provided to Dorchester County. This announcement is truly the result of a team effort.”

In facilitating competitive expansion and relocation projects for the region, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance works with numerous partners and agencies. The relationship with the state of South Carolina is of key importance to the Alliance.

“Our automotive industry is another integral part of the cluster strategy we’re using to help create new jobs and bring additional capital investment to South Carolina,” said Gov. Mark Sanford. “This administration is going to keep pushing for additional income tax relief and other tools to improve our business environment and bring better jobs and a higher quality of life to Charleston and all regions of our state.”

“Albert Weber’s decision to expand in South Carolina is further indication that our automotive cluster is a unique niche that the state has,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “We welcome the expansion of another quality-driven, technology-based manufacturer in our state.”

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with an emphasis on technology-intensive business sectors. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment and quality growth in the area. To learn more, go to www.charleston-for-business.com.

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Alliance Media Contacts:
Natalie J. Lawrence
843-760-4523
[email protected]

Company Contact:
Gerd Huber, Business Director
Albert Weber Manufacturing
843-875-6366
[email protected]