JAN 6, 2016 | Bamberg County will get a new cooperage facility from a $3.6 million investment that will create 57 jobs over the next five years, officials announced today.

“It’s exciting to see new companies choose our state as their home for the future because it proves that Team South Carolina’s approach to providing a business-friendly environment is working,” said Gov Nikki Haley, whose hometown is Bamberg “Black Water Barrels’ investment, and the 57 new jobs it will create, will make a real difference in Bamberg County, and is a reason to celebrate across South Carolina.”

Black Water Barrels LLC, a startup firm, will specialize in making 53-gallong barrels of FAS-grade, quarter-sawn American white oak for use in the bourbon industry. The company has the capacity to produce barrels of other sizes, including 30-gallon and 60-gallon barrels. It also can make barrels from other woods for the spirits, beer and wine industries.

“Black Water Barrels will be a welcome addition to our manufacturing community and another great wood products industry in Bamberg County,” said Bamberg County Council Chair Joe Guess. “On behalf of Bamberg County Council and our citizens, we would like to thank Black Water Barrels for investing in our people.”

The company is purchasing the former Zeigler Chevrolet dealership, which is approximately 9,000 square feet. Black Water Barrels LLC plans to add about 12,000 square feet to the building, which is located at 3941 Main Highway in Bamberg.

“We are excited about the diversity this manufacturing operation will bring to our forest products sector, as well as the economic stimulation it provides to Bamberg and the surrounding counties,” said SouthernCarolina Alliance Chair Buddy Phillips. “We are proud that Black Water Barrels chose to call Bamberg ‘home’ for their production facility.”

The company, which should be fully operational near the end of the second quarter of this year, anticipates hiring will begin in April. More info: http://www.blackwaterbarrels.com.