An Orangeburg-based company announced Tuesday it is expanding its Lexington County plant.

Sun Printing’s $6 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs. The facility currently employs 25 and could expand to 40 by the end of the year.

The company is expanding into a state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot printing facility in West Columbia. The new facility features a Heidelberg system that can move jobs quickly and give customers real-time information on printing jobs, company officials say.

Sun Printing was established in Orangeburg in 1983 by Philip Morris and Andy and Kathi Cook. It has six service locations across the United States and Mexico.

Andy Cook says the company’s expansion will have no impact on the Orangeburg facility on John C. Calhoun Drive, which still serves as the corporate headquarters.

“We are not downsizing and not laying off any employees,” Cook said. “They will continue to operate the same as they have since 1983.

“We consider Orangeburg a sister company where we will trade production capabilities back and forth as needed.”

S.C. Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor said, “The company’s decision to expand its operations in our state is another sign that our pro-business climate and strong workforce are working to attract investment and help existing businesses grow even during these difficult economic times.”

Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple said, “Sun Printing has a long history in the central South Carolina region, and we appreciate their continued commitment to the Palmetto State. We congratulate the company on its success and look forward to continuing our relationship with Sun Printing.”

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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