Dayton Rogers Manufacturing Company, a full-service metal forming supplier headquartered in Minnesota, today announced that it will open a new production facility in Richland County. The company plans to invest approximately $11 million and is expected to generate 134 new jobs over the next five years.

“South Carolina is one of the fastest growing economies and fastest growing manufacturing sectors in the country,” said Ron Lowry, CEO and sole owner of Dayton Rogers. “Dayton Rogers has a long and proven track record in metal fabricating, forming and stamping and we are excited to bring our deep roots and industry expertise to this area.”

Dayton Rogers Manufacturing Company will establish a two-building facility totaling 135,000 square feet for its operations. The new plant is located at 1020 2nd Ave. in Columbia and is expected to be operational before the end of the year.

“Today’s announcement is a big win for the Midlands area and the state as a whole,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “We celebrate Dayton Rogers’ decision to put down roots in South Carolina with an $11 million investment and the creation of 134 new jobs. We look forward to the company’s success here in the Palmetto State.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $9 billion in capital investment and more than 26,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.

“South Carolina continues to build on its success in the manufacturing sector, and Dayton Rogers’ decision to invest in our state will provide another boost,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Today’s announcement is another indication that more companies are finding that South Carolina is just right for business.”

“Today’s announcement by Dayton Rogers is welcome news for Richland County and the City of Columbia. This is a first-class company with a strong reputation built on years of producing quality products,” said Kelvin Washington, chairman of Richland County Council. “We pledge our continued support to the company as it begins its startup operations.”

“Today, more and more companies are discovering the South Carolina business landscape as a location where they can service customers in niche markets around the world,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman Mike Brenan. “We welcome this new capital investment and jobs locating in the Columbia Industrial Park. Congratulations to the Dayton Rogers Company and everyone involved in the project.”

The company will begin hiring for the new positions in October. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should visit www.readysc.org/_daytonrogers/ .

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a Governor’s Closing Fund grant of $350,000 and approved job development credits.

Dayton Rogers Manufacturing Company is privately held and headquartered in Blaine, Minn. with plants in California, Ohio, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Florida. The company was founded by Mr. Dayton Rogers in 1929 as a supplier of short run metal stampings and is now a full-service provider of precision metal forming and fabrication solutions with sheet metal fabrication, machining and metal stamping capabilities. For more information about the company, please visit www.daytonrogers.com  

About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. Also, the state was ranked first in attracting jobs through foreign investment by IBM-Plant Location International. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. For more information about Commerce, visit www.SCcommerce.com