American service members overseas will be safer, thanks in part to an Orangeburg industry.

Orangeburg-based ACO Distributing and Warehousing Inc. just finished installing armor on 500 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles that will protect troops from potential attacks.

“The key thing about Orangeburg is the good people,” Second District Congressman Joe Wilson said during a ceremony Wednesday marking the achievement. Wilson said he believes armoring vehicles is crucial to defeating terrorism.

ACO was hired as a subcontractor to armor the vehicles by the London-based global defense and aerospace company BAE. ACO President Rod Arnold said the contract allowed his company to hire 45 additional people.

“From an economic standpoint, it’s been a big boost,” Arnold said.

The Rowesville Road facility has been open two years, serving as a general-purpose distribution/warehouse facility.

In June, it developed production space, hired personnel and took other steps to secure the BAE contract.

Wilson said he has seen firsthand the economic boost Orangeburg County has received in recent years.

“Every time I visit the Orangeburg community, I’m so impressed by the expansion of industry. ... There are so many different examples of success in international investment in this community,” Wilson said.

The 500th armored vehicle, labeled “Mama Bear,” was on display for those in attendance.

Arnold was approached by Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson in late May regarding the project. Employees worked on rotating 12-hour shifts seven days a week to clear warehouse space for the project.

As the father of two sons who served in Iraq, Wilson thanked the employees for their hard work.

Jim Whit, field services manager for BAE, recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq and told the crowd that he’s seen fellow soldiers die in the same type of vehicles that are now receiving armor from ACO.

“This hard work couldn’t be done without a community like this,” Whit said.

Robinson later presented gifts to Wilson and his wife, Roxanne, in addition to Whit. Robinson also presented Arnold with a flag that has flown over the Statehouse on behalf of state Sen. John Matthews, D-Bowman.

He said the point of endeavors aiding the troops is very clear.

“If you can read, thank a teacher. If you can read in English, thank a soldier,” Robinson said.

T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060.

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