Owen Steel Co., a structural steel fabricator and contractor based in Columbia, has announced plans for a $3 million investment in its Richland County plant that will create an estimated 22 jobs.

As part of the investment, the company is purchasing new automated machinery and equipment for its 440,000-square-foot facility off Bluff Road in Columbia. Owen Steel currently employs 230 people at its Columbia office and plant, among the largest plants in the eastern United States for fabricating steel structures for buildings, industrial plants, health care facilities and infrastructure projects.

“Owen Steel is a longtime employer in Richland County, one whose impact can be seen in structures here and across the country,” said County Council Chair Overture Walker. “Council is excited to witness this company continue to expand at this point in its history.”

Founded in 1936 in Richland County, Owen Steel has built many landmark projects in the region and the eastern United States, including: the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina; Nephron Pharmaceuticals in West Columbia; the new Delta terminal at LaGuardia Airport and 3 World Trade Center in New York; and the iconic, guitar-shaped Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“We are seeing unprecedented opportunities for steel contractors that have the experience, facilities and talent to deliver large, complex projects on fast-track schedules,” said David Zalesne, president of Owen Steel.

“The investments we are making in new equipment supplement the investments we are also making in our people to attract, train and retain the most talented steel professionals in the industry. We appreciate the support of Richland County as a strong economic development partner, not just for new businesses, but also for taking care of its existing businesses.”

For more information about Owen Steel, including information on job opportunities, visit www.owensteel.com.