Owen Steel Co. to invest $3 million in Richland County plant

Listen to this article

Owen Steel Co., a structural steel fabricator and contractor based in Columbia, plans a $3 million investment in its Richland County plant that will create an estimated 22 jobs.

As part of the investment, the company is purchasing new automated machinery and equipment for its 440,000-square-foot facility off Bluff Road in Columbia, which currently employs 230 people.

It is among the largest plants in the eastern U.S. for fabricating steel structures for buildings, industrial plants, health care facilities and infrastructure plants.

“Owen Steel is a longtime employer in Richland County, one whose impact can be seen in structures here and across the country,” said Richland County Council Chair Overture Walker. “Council is excited to witness this company continue to expand at this point in its history.”

Founded in 1936 in Richland County, Owen Steel has built many landmark projects in the region and the eastern U.S., including the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, Nephron Pharmaceuticals in West Columbia, the new Delta terminal at LaGuardia Airport and 3 World Trade Center in New York City, as well as the iconic guitar-shaped Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“We are seeing unprecedented opportunities for steel contractors that have the experience, facilities and talent to deliver large, complex projects on fast-track schedules,” said David Zalesne, president of Owen Steel. “The investments we are making in new equipment supplement the investments we are also making in our people to attract, train and retain the most talented steel professionals in the industry. We appreciate the support of Richland County as a strong economic development partner.”