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A contract manufacturer of precision metal manufacturing solutions is setting up shop in South Carolina.

Latitude Corp. plans to expand its U.S. footprint by establishing operations in Clarendon County, according to a news release. The company’s $29 million investment, in its first South Carolina facility, will create 200 new jobs.

The company is purchasing a 50,000-square-foot facility located at 2414 Joe Rogers Blvd. in Manning, the release stated. This location will manufacture large metal components.

“We are pleased to be partnering with South Carolina and Clarendon County and look forward to joining the Manning community,” Latitude Corp. President Tom Verbos said in the release. “Our new facility will allow us to better serve customers regionally and continue the growth story of Latitude Corp. The South Carolina team was very supportive through the due diligence process and Santee Electric, having constructed a spec building suitable to our needs, helped us to narrow down our facility choice.

“The readySC program, which helps to recruit and train potential employees, convinced us that South Carolina was the right location for our business expansion.”

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Latitude Corp. started in 1990 as a machine shop in Middleton, Wisconsin, the release stated. Consistent growth prompted the company to expand and diversify into metal fabrication, welding and powder coating services.

Today, Latitude Corp. is headquartered in Verona, Wisconsin, and works with customers in numerous industries including agriculture, aerospace and defense, commercial appliances, government, health care, and is targeting growth in electric vehicles, energy and construction, the release stated. The company has an additional operation in Tucson, Arizona.

Operations are expected to be online by June 2024.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $400,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Clarendon County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“On behalf of Clarendon County Council, we would like to welcome Latitude Corp. to our growing list of successful companies that call Clarendon County home,” Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight L. Steward Jr. said in the release. “To be part of the largest single jobs announcement in the history of the county is truly extraordinary. Welcome to Clarendon County, and we wish you many years of success.”

MANNING, S.C. (WIS) - Students at Manning High School will have a second day of e-learning on Friday, February 2, after bats were found in the school’s gymnasium.

The school district has now had two crews come in to inspect the school building over the last 24 hours.

“We hope that it’s cleared up,” said Dr. Keisa Carr, the Director of Communications & Community Relations for the Clarendon County School District.

Bats were first spotted inside the gym on Friday, January 26. The school district couldn’t provide an exact number but said they found more than one in the school’s gymnasium while opening the building for the day.

“We did have South Carolina Pest Control out and they were there throughout the evening with no sightings of bats,” Dr. Carr said.

Since that initial sighting Friday, school officials closed the gym for all activities. Pest Control came out Wednesday night for a first inspection with a follow-up inspection Thursday.

The school district said no bats were found during either inspection.

“We’ve been in touch we DHEC, of course, and Wildlife Management to ensure that we’re taking the right steps to alleviate any future occurrences of bats in our building,” Dr. Carr said.

While students will stay online on Friday, teachers have the option to work from their classrooms. Director of DHEC’s Rabies Prevention Program Terri McCollister explains since most teachers are staying in a non-infected area, teaching online students from school is still safe for them.

“If administration is following the guidelines to ensure the safety of their staff; stop people from going into the gymnasium and them having access to that, then yea, I would suspect they’re safe in their classroom,” McCollister said, “Our reports are that the bats were only in the gymnasium.”

WIS asked the district why it took until Wednesday to decide to move students to e-learning. Dr. Carr said once the bats were found, the gym was closed off and they wanted to develop an action plan before going to e-learning.

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Posted Friday, September 22, 2023 10:35 am

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Latitude Corp., a contract manufacturer of precision metal manufacturing solutions, today announced plans to expand its U.S. footprint by establishing operations in Clarendon County. The company's $29 million investment, in its first South Carolina facility, will create 200 new jobs.

Latitude Corp. started in 1990 as a machine shop in Middleton, Wisconsin. Consistent growth prompted the company to expand and diversify into metal fabrication, welding and powder coating services. Today, Latitude Corp. is headquartered in Verona, Wisconsin and works with customers in numerous industries including agriculture, aerospace and defense, commercial appliances, government, healthcare, and is targeting growth in electric vehicles, energy and construction. The company has an additional operation in Tucson, Arizona.

The company is purchasing a 50,000-square-foot facility located at 2414 Joe Rogers Blvd. in Manning. This location will manufacture large metal components.

Operations are expected to be online by June, 2024. Individuals who are interested in joining the Latitude Corp's team should visit the company's careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $400,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Clarendon County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“We are pleased to be partnering with South Carolina and Clarendon County and look forward to joining the Manning community. Our new facility will allow us to better serve customers regionally and continue the growth story of Latitude Corp. The South Carolina team was very supportive through the due diligence process and Santee Electric, having constructed a spec building suitable to our needs, helped us to narrow down our facility choice. The readySC program, which helps to recruit and train potential employees, convinced us that South Carolina was the right location for our business expansion.” -Latitude Corp. President Tom Verbos

“We are proud that South Carolina's strong business climate helped to bring Latitude Corp. to South Carolina and are confident that Clarendon County will be an ideal location for the company's newest operation. Congratulations to Latitude Corp., and welcome to South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Once again, South Carolina's strong workforce helps to reassure a company that the Palmetto State is the right choice. South Carolinians have a reputation for excellence in manufacturing, and we look forward to seeing the impact their talents have on Latitude Corp. and its future. -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“On behalf of Clarendon County Council, we would like to welcome Latitude Corp. to our growing list of successful companies that call Clarendon County home. To be part of the largest single jobs announcement in the history of the county is truly extraordinary. Welcome to Clarendon County, and we wish you many years of success.” -Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight L. Steward Jr.

“Welcome, Latitude Corp., to the Clarendon community. This new facility puts the company in the middle of a phenomenal growth opportunity underway in the heart of the county. We look forward to seeing the progression of the company as it builds its local presence and the positive impact it will have on some of the greatest beneficiaries – the skilled workers of Clarendon County. -Central SC Alliance Chairman Matthew Shaffer

FIVE FAST FACTS

The following story is a message from Kaitlyn Hughes, sister of Agriculture Advisor Cody Simpson.

I wanted to share some wonderful news that our family recently experienced. Governor McMaster named my brother, Cody Simpson (left), his Agriculture Advisor, in addition to being Chief Executive Assistant. My brother is a 5th generation farmer and college graduate of Francis Marion University. He continues to represent the Pee Dee and our area well. Please see the attached letter from Governor McMaster.

He was also recently promoted to Major in the South Carolina State Guard where he was named Aide-de-camp to Major General Leon Lott, Commander. My family and I are proud of my brother. I updated his biography to reflect his recent promotions and included it below. I just wanted y’all see his story. He loves the Pee Dee and represents our state well.

Sincerely,

W.R. “Cody” Simpson, III, holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Francis Marion University (FMU).

During his time at FMU, Cody was elected as a two-term student body president and Governor of the South Carolina Student Legislature. He was awarded two resolutions on behalf of the South Carolina Senate for his dedication and service to the Palmetto State in addition to being awarded the Legacy Award, the Pride of the Patriots Award from FMU, and the Dr. Neal Thigpen Award in South Carolina Politics. Cody was also recognized by Francis Marion University as the 2019 Benjamin Ingram Wall Young Alumnus of the Year.

Cody currently serves as the Chief Executive Assistant and Agriculture Advisor to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. Previously, Cody was employed at Francis Marion University, where he held several positions including special projects for Dr. Fred Carter, FMU President.

Cody is a Major in the South Carolina State Guard, where he serves as the Aide-de-Camp to Major General Leon Lott, SC State Guard Commander, and Officer in Charge of the Executive Governmental Affairs unit. He is a graduate of the South Carolina State Guard Command and General Staff College. He is a former Commissioner on the Pee Dee Region Forestry Commission, former Co-Chair of the 2015-2016 Leadership Florence Class, former member of the Downtown Florence Millennials Advisory Committee, and founding advisor for the Junior Leadership Florence County 4-H Program.

Cody is a proud member of Farm Bureau, Forestry Association of South Carolina, Hampton Masonic Lodge No. 204, and Kappa Alpha Order.

In his free time, he enjoys traveling and working on his family’s South Carolina Century Farm, W.R. Simpson Farms, LLC, in the Home Branch Community of Clarendon County.

In April, Gov. Henry McMaster asked the State Inspector General to review alleged 'financial irregularities' within the district.

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MANNING, S.C. — The State Inspector General's investigation into the Clarendon County School District found several state code violations but no fraud or misuse of funds.

The State Inspector General's six-month investigation revealed issues with over-compensated board members, chronic student absenteeism, enrollment problems and a lack of internal controls over athletic payments. The report also cleared the district of a complaint regarding the purchasing of gift cards using Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.

The report found Superintendent Shawn Johnson is the 19th highest-paid superintendent in South Carolina despite the district having the 41st largest student enrollment, according to the 135-day Average Daily Membership.

Despite the disparity, the Inspector General found Johnson’s contract and salary is reasonable.

The Inspector General's report identified that certain board members were compensated for meetings they didn't attend. All but two of the members have reimbursed the district.

Ron Wingard and Alex Craven still owe the district money. Wingard owes the district $1,650 for four missed meetings, while Craven owes the district $600 for two meetings.

Inspector General Brian Lamkin identified deficiencies in the district's internal controls concerning the expenditure of athletic supplements, totaling $742,500, which posed a risk of fraud.

Additionally, $33,500 was not used for its intended purpose. The district made an underpayment of $2,312.50 to two recipients and an overpayment of $6,110.50 to six recipients.

To address these issues, the report recommends a collection plan for outstanding board member debt, auditing coaching certifications, and implementing a board-approved truancy prevention and intervention plan policy, among other recommendations.

The Clarendon County School District has already started implementing the report's recommendations, including closing inactive bank accounts, according to Superintendent Shawn Johnson.

“Overall, this investigation started because of alleged financial irregularities. The report clearly says that’s just not true,” said Johnson. “I hope we can get back to the business of educating children and informing the public of what really happens in school finances.”

Freshman Clarendon County Representative Fawn Pedalino sparked the investigation by providing information to Governor Henry McMaster, alleging potential financial irregularities within the district.

“Even though the report says no fraud or misappropriation of funds, it definitely clearly says in black and white that they violated several laws and they have to pay that money back or fix the issues that they were doing. And I think that, you know, it was exactly what we thought it would be,” said Pedalino.

Pedalino is now calling for the entire board and the superintendent to resign. Democratic Senator Kevin Johnson, who also represents Clarendon County, disagrees with her.

“She owes this district and this community an apology, and I’m not calling for anyone's resignation, but if anyone should resign, it should be her,” said Johnson. “The point is no fraud, no financial irregularities, no misuse of funds. That’s the main thing. That conclusion could have been met without bothering the governor.”

Members of the school board were appointed by state lawmakers that represent Clarendon County, when Clarendon County school districts consolidated into one. Every board member is up for reelection in 2024.

“So, I think if they're reelected, that means that the people spoke and they wanted to keep them in that position. And I would hope that the goal would be just to be leaders that want to do the honest and ethical thing and, you know, be qualified leaders for the staff that work at the school,” Pedalino said.

Gov. McMaster’s spokesperson provided this statement to News 19:

“The governor appreciates the willingness of the Clarendon County School District and its board of trustees to implement the recommendations of the State Inspector General's report. Reducing the district's chronic absenteeism rate will improve students' educational outcomes. If students are not at school, then learning cannot occur."

The investigation into the Clarendon County School District is the third public school district to be reviewed by the State Inspector General's office since June 2022. The other two districts reviewed were Richland School District Two and Lexington-Richland Five. There are no other active school district investigations by the Inspector General's office at this time.