Jobs
Hardeeville’s Master Steel is expanding, adding 14 new jobs
Master Steel, LLC in Hardeeville announced its expansion with 14 new jobs and $10 million investment
A local business in Hardeeville is mastering the art of steel fabrication and expanding its operations.
Master Steel, LLC is expanding with a $10 million investment that will create 14 new jobs, according to a Governor’s Office news release. The company is located at 9769 Speedway Blvd. in Hardeeville.
“Master Steel’s expansion represents a commitment to South Carolina’s economy, creating new job opportunities and reinforcing our state’s position as a leader in the manufacturing industry,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “We welcome this investment and look forward to Master Steel’s continued success in Jasper County.”
The structural steel fabrication and erection company and has been in operation for more than 15 years. It specializes in structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication with work in South Carolina and Georgia, according to its website. The company’s projects range from erecting large facilities to installing steel stairs in residential homes, according to a news release.
“We named our business Master Steel because we work for our master, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Master Steel CEO and President Priscilla Stephens said in the news release. “He has been good to us through these many years in good times and bad. He has never left us. We are where we are today because of His blessings, not because we are good, but because He is good.
“Our goal is to bring Him glory by enriching the lives of the families involved in our business in Jasper County and the surrounding areas,” Stephens said.
Stephens and her husband, Donald, recently appeared before the Jasper County Council to discuss the business and how it had grown over the years.
The expansion is to be in two phases and will include a new fabrication shop, a 10-ton outside girder crane, and new robotic machinery. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $50,000 Set-Aside grant to Jasper County to assist with real property improvements, the Governor’s Office said.
“The business started as a small shop, and more and more property was bought in front of the shop and we just extended a 25,000-square-foot building,” Donald Stephens said. “We also have a $1 million piece of machinery in there (the new building).”
Stephens said the company currently employs 40 people, and the plan is for the business to eventually double in size.
“We want to put on more people,” he said. “We want to grow and produce jobs here.”
“Congratulations to Master Steel and Jasper County on the expansion!” SouthernCarolina Alliance President and CEO Danny Black said. “Master Steel is a vital member of our industrial community, and we are pleased to share their success story as their company continues to flourish in the SouthernCarolina Alliance region. SCA looks forward to working with Master Steel in the coming years as the company continues to grow.”
Jasper County Council Chairman Marty Sauls, during the council meeting, thanked the Stephenses for all they are doing to bring more jobs into the county.
“This is an example of the American dream,” Sauls said. “The backbone of our county, our country, a mom-and-pop, husband and wife, family-owned business that’s doing good things. They are creating opportunities, good-paying jobs and careers for people right here where we live.”