100 jobs coming to Richland County as company invests millions to expand

A steel pipe manufacturing company is expanding its decades-old operation in Richland County, according to Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

American SpiralWeld Pipe Company is investing $40 million to bolster its facility in Columbia, the governor’s office said in a news release. The financial infusion is expected to create 100 jobs, according to the release.

Operating since 1999 at 2061 American Italian Way in Columbia, the pipe company’s expansion will increase its capacity to support growing demand, the governor’s office said.

“When companies like American SpiralWeld Pipe Company find success here and make the decision to invest in our people further, it’s a huge win for our state,” McMaster said in the release. “We’re proud of the partnership the Midlands has built with American SpiralWeld Pipe Company.”

American SpiralWeld Pipe Co. manufactures spiral-welded steel pipe for municipal water and wastewater transmission markets, in addition to industrial, hydroelectric and power markets, as well as treatment plants and pump stations, according to its website.

The steel pipe can be as large as 144 inches in diameter, the Governor’s Office said.

Spiral-welded steel pipe applications include transmission, distribution and collection lines for water and wastewater; penstocks; water intakes and outfalls; and structural pilings, according to the release.

The company also manufactures ductile iron pipe, valves and hydrants for the waterworks industry and electric-resistance-welded steel pipe for the energy industry, the Governor’s Office said. Other products the company manufactures includes high-performance fire pumps, castings for large machinery and specialty rubber products, according to the release.

The expansion will be done in phases, and is expected to be completed by 2025, the governor’s office said.

“With more than 20 years in business in Richland County, American SpiralWeld Pipe Company has been a valuable employer in our community,” Richland County Council Chair Paul Livingston said in the release.

Those interested in applying for a job can go to American SpiralWeld Pipe Company’s careers webpage.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project, and also awarded a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to Richland County to assist with costs related to this project, according to the release.

“We are excited to expand our operations in Columbia and are proud to be a part of this community for more than 20 years,” said American SpiralWeld VP of Operations Patrick Hook.

American SpiralWeld Pipe Company is located next to AVANTech, which recently announced it’s investing more than $3.6 million to bolster its facility and create 17 jobs.