November 24, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- One hundred new jobs are coming to two South Carolina counties with high unemployment rates.

The Department of Commerce said Tuesday that Four Star Industries LLC is building its new pipe manufacturing plant in Allendale County. Officials say the $2.75 million investment will bring 50 new jobs.

Commerce also said an engineered wood manufacturer is coming to Williamsburg County. The Truss Company Inc. is spending $1.25 million on a facility in Salters that officials say will also create 50 jobs.

Four Star plans to begin hiring in early February. Operations at The Truss Company plant are expected to start in March or April.

Allendale County's jobless rate was the state's highest last month, at 22 percent. Williamsburg County had 16 percent unemployment.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)