"We are excited to have a company like Sloan Construction choose Cherokee County for their new facility. They have been a key component in the growth of the Upstate for decades, and we are thrilled to hear about the plan to expand their existing presence in Cherokee County. Their announcement of a $15 million investment shows that we have a lot to offer here, and the value of bringing in 40 new jobs can't be overstated in times like these." — Senator Harvey Peeler (R — Gaffney) A company with strong roots in the county hopes to plant even more.

Sloan Construction, which has an asphalt plant and its bridge division in Blacksburg, announced plans Tuesday for a mining facility near Blacksburg.

The $15 million investment is expected to generate 40 jobs.

"We are pleased to move forward with plans for our new mining facility near Blacksburg, which will help us acquire the needed aggregate for our construction projects," said Scott Fant, manager of business development for Sloan Construction Company. "Both our bridge division, Eastern Bridge, and an asphalt plant are located in Blacksburg and we look forward to adding another operation there. South Carolina and Cherokee County have always provided us with an excellent business environment and available labor force. We appreciate all the support we've received from state and local officials in making the project a reality."

Fant said he expects the 40 jobs to be filled by local applicants.

The company is in the process of obtaining the necessary permits from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Fant said that process could be completed within six months, with hiring to immediately follow.

But construction could begin sooner, possibly as early as October or November, according to Fant.

The economic development project is welcome news.

"We are excited to have a company like Sloan Construction choose Cherokee County for their new facility," state Senator Harvey Peeler (RGaffney) said. "They have been a key component in the growth of the Upstate for decades, and we are thrilled to hear about the plan to expand their existing presence in Cherokee County. Their announcement of a $15 million investment shows that we have a lot to offer here, and the value of bringing in 40 new jobs can't be overstated in times like these."

State Rep. Dennis Moss (RGaffney) said, "We are confident in the ability of the county's workforce to execute the production needs and we look forward to establishing a relationship with Sloan for several decades."