RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (October 23, 2024) – Just off of bustling Two Notch Road in Northeast Columbia, you’ll spot a towering brick chimney, the landmark for U.S. Brick. Founded as Carolina Ceramics in 1939, the facility was acquired by U.S. Brick in 2020 and has since been laying the groundwork for even bigger plans for its operations.
In the summer of 2024, the company announced a $5.5 million expansion to help modernize the facility with a second kiln and manufacturing line, and create 33 new job opportunities. A new showroom was also added to its list of locations 15 miles away in downtown Columbia.
Bob Studer is the plant manager and has worked for U.S. Brick for the past three years. But he’s no stranger to the industry. For the past 52 years, he’s been passionate about the brickmaking process and the impact it has on communities.
“Brick aren't just temporary. Brick are forever. So, when you build a house now, 100 years from now, that house is still going to be brick, and it's just satisfying to see the buildings that your products are on,” Studer explains.
The Columbia facility is capable of producing 70 million brick every year. Studer is part of the process from start to finish, ensuring critical clay supply from local mines gets to the facility and is then processed, fired, and readied for shipping. But he’s not doing it alone.
Nancy Gillespie is a 30-year U.S. Brick veteran and currently the Inventory Manager.
“I'm quality control, so I deal with the product as it's being packaged. I work with the inventory that's on our yard,” Gillespie explains.
Her first role with U.S. Brick was a temporary position. Two years after that position came to an end, the company reached out to her with a permanent opportunity. While she pursued a higher education degree, she says that anyone with an interest and drive in manufacturing can be successful.
“Not everybody has to have a college degree to become somebody in this industry…. What we do every day makes a difference. And you may think that you're just the guy on the line, but what you do is important and everybody has a stake, and I like that.”
While both Studer and Gillespie say the work can be hard, it’s rewarding.
Efforts are underway to inspire future generations of brickmakers and educate related industries about U.S. Brick’s activities. The company provides tour opportunities to colleges, students, and citizens who want to learn more.
Curious what it’s like to work inside U.S. Brick Columbia? Get an insider’s tour in this feature video, and browse open positions in the company’s jobs portal.