BENNETTSVILLE– Ferroglobe, a global producer of silicon metal, today announced it is establishing operations in Marlboro County. The company’s $20 million investment will create 20 new jobs.
With 25 operations globally, Ferroglobe produces silicon metal and other silicon-based alloys for critical products such as aluminum, solar cells, semiconductors and batteries.
At the new operation on Brickyard Road in Wallace, the company will filter and process quartz from the soil. The quartz will then be distributed to Ferroglobe’s silicon plants across the country and used as an input for silicon metal production.
“Today is a great day in South Carolina and an even greater day in Marlboro County. Today our announcements represent the dedicated and hardworking citizens of Marlboro County,” Tonny McNeil, the county’s economic development director said. “Many people have asked when will we see some progress and jobs. Well, friends, that day is here.”
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $250,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Marlboro County.
“This new South Carolina operation in Marlboro County will be a key source of raw material for our multi-state operation. It will provide a key ingredient for our silicon metal production which has now been identified as a U.S. Critical Material by the Department of Energy. Silicon metal is an important material for semi-conductors, photovoltaics, aluminum and batteries, and the South Carolina operation will be a critical part of the U.S.-sourced supply chain. Ferroglobe feels welcome in South Carolina and appreciates the hard work officials have performed to assist us in establishing this new operation,” Ferroglobe CEO Marco Levi said in a press release.
George Adams, a representative of Ferroglobe, thanked the people of South Carolina and Marlboro County for welcoming the company here. “We are excited to provide these jobs and get working here in Marlboro County,” he said.
McNeil also announced a $265 million investment in the county from Birdseye Renewable Energy, a solar developer owned by Dominion Energy. “Each project will produce over 80 megawatts of power,” McNeil said of the three projects that Birdseye will do in Marlboro County.
McNeil said this is only the beginning for the county and its path to bringing more industries and jobs. He thanked the county council, the state delegation and S.C. Department of Commerce for being instrumental in helping bring these projects to the county.
Individuals interested in joining the Ferroglobe team should contact Mary Collins (mcollins@ferroglobe.com).