OPINION: Company moves fast to bring jobs to Marion County

Marion County has long been starved for jobs; many industrial operations there have vanished, and the nation’s economic downturn has only made the situation worse. One company, however, made an announcement this week that has given hope to many residents.

Specifically, the company is Softee Supreme Diaper Corp., and the business is dropping a lifeline to 262 people it will hire at its new Marion County facility.

The Decatur, Ga.-based company said its products reach markets all around the globe.

Its announcement earlier this week brings good news specifically to one of South Carolina’s counties that needs it most.

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn reminded those at the company’s Tuesday announcement that Marion County has seen unemployment rates higher than 21 percent.

Marion County Economic Development Commission Director Rodney Berry recognized the county’s Legislative delegation for its work in helping bring new jobs to the area.

“It just speaks volumes on how Marion County is kept in mind by our legislative delegation, which has helped during this process, showing we can get the job done,” said Berry, who also serves as Marion’s mayor.

The new operation also represents a $6 million investment in the county, officials said.

The company also deserves a tip of the hat for its expeditious arrival in the Pee Dee, as well. It’s already working with readySC to screen and train new employees.

Applicant interviews will begin this week, and production should start by the end of this month.

Softee Supreme Diaper Corp. seems as excited to be here as Marion County is to have the new jobs.

The company is also making use of existing resources instead of building a completely new facility. This certainly should save money for the company, but it also will prevent a building from sitting unoccupied and deteriorating along U.S. 76 in Mullins.

The new facility will be located in the former Fabric Resources building, which spans 294,000 square feet. There, the company will manufacture its lines of private-label diapers.

We hope Marion County can continue its success in recruiting new businesses to the area. Officials have praised the labor force there, and the hard-working population deserves every opportunity to make a good living.

— Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Editorial Board members are Mark Laskowski (regional publisher), James Bennett (regional editor), Sam Bundy (sports editor), Kimberly Ginfrida (news editor), David Johnson (regional circulation director), Charles Tomlinson (Lake City News & Post editor) and Jackie Torok (metro editor).