SSMG gave new life to Greenwood Mills facility - The Times and Democrat
The Atlanta-based company began distributing Southern Patio lawn and garden products from the former textile manufacturing facility. The 426,000-square-foot building served as SSMG's primary distribution outlet. SSMG spent approximately $1 million in minor asbestos abatement, roofing maintenance and electric rewiring before locating within the building. SSMG’s Orangeburg plant initially focused on the shipment of Southern Patio-branded products such as outdoor planters. "A good part of it is our location," SSMG Warehousing and Distribution President Jerry Wuenscher said when asked about the company's success here. "We are 65 to 70 miles from the Port of Charleston, which is about the most efficient port on the East Coast,” he said. Wuenscher said access to Interstate 26, Interstate 95 and Interstate 20 are all positives as well as competitive rental and utility costs in Orangeburg County. In December 2008, SSMG purchased Hayes Lawn and Garden LLC. The company was also expecting to invest $5 million to $6 million over the next year, primarily in building renovations. In July 2012, the company expanded its product line from selling planters to other products. Source: thetandd.com
