County Council Paves Way for 270 New Jobs
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Council on Tuesday approved tax incentives for two major industrial projects expected to bring more than 270 new jobs and more than $22 million in combined investment to the area, underscoring a year of steady economic momentum for the county.
The larger of the two projects involves a European food processing company, well established across the continent but new to the American market. The company, which has not yet been publicly named, plans to invest $13.4 million in a food service facility in Anderson County and create 202 jobs with an average wage of $22.03 an hour.
Economic Development Director Burriss Nelson told council members that the company had been recruited to the region by a major grocery chain interested in expanding its supply network. He added that any firm qualifying for Anderson County’s fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements must provide employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans.
Councilman Greg Elgin, who represents the Belton area, voiced strong support for the proposal, noting that the City of Belton issued a proclamation backing the development. Belton City Administrator Alan Sims read the resolution passed unanimously by Belton City Council on Monday, and Belton Mayor Eleanor Dorn praised the partnership’s potential. “We look forward to Advanced Metalworks bringing investment to the city and long-term contributions to the community,” Dorn said.
The food processing plant announcement came just after council granted final approval for a separate agreement with Advanced Metalworks LLC, a locally owned manufacturer that will invest $9 million and add 69 high-skilled jobs. Nelson described the venture as a homegrown effort by a local family and said the company expects to recruit graduates from Tri-County Technical College and other regional training programs such as the Anderson Institute for Technology, the Anderson Career and Technology Center for Technology. Engineers from Clemson University and Anderson University are also expected to be part of the project.
While the evening’s agenda centered on economic development, council also advanced, on second reading, a land-use ordinance designed to preserve Anderson County’s natural landscape. The measure aims to reduce mass grading, protect trees, and create incentives for environmentally balanced residential projects.
Councilwoman Cindy Wilson urged more clarity on several provisions before the final vote, while Elgin and Councilman Brett Sanders said they expect amendments to refine the language but hailed the effort as a long-requested improvement.
“This is one of the most positive steps we’ve taken this year,” Councilman Chris Sullivan said, noting broad community support for tighter development standards.
The council will take up the ordinance for a third and final reading at its next meeting, scheduled for later this month at the Anderson Civic Center.
