Black Water Barrels LLC Establishing Operations in Bamberg County

Black Water Barrels LLC, a new cooperage, will establish manufacturing operations in Bamberg County. The company is investing $3.6 million in the former Zeigler automotive facility and creating 57 new jobs over the next five years to produce white oak barrels for the growing bourbon industry.

“We are very excited for the opportunity to build our barrel manufacturing company in Bamberg County, S.C. During the process of visiting several states and counties, the people of Bamberg welcomed us with open arms,” said Greg Pierce, President of Black Water Barrels, LLC.  “We look forward to being part of such a great community and working with the county and state to become South Carolina’s only cooperage.”

“It’s exciting to see new companies choose our state as their home for the future because it proves that Team South Carolina’s approach to providing a business-friendly environment is working. Black Water Barrels’ investment, and the 57 new jobs it will create, will make a real difference in Bamberg County, and is a reason to celebrate across South Carolina,” said SC Governor Nikki Haley.

“Not only will Blackwater Barrels create 57 new jobs, the company will manufacture a unique product here in the Southern Carolina region of the state. We are excited about the diversity this manufacturing operation will bring to our forest products sector, as well as the economic stimulation it provides to Bamberg and the surrounding counties. We are proud that Blackwater Barrels chose to call Bamberg ‘home’ for their production facility,” added SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Buddy Phillips.

A startup firm, Black Water Barrels LLC will specialize in the manufacture of 53-gallon barrels made of FAS-grade, quarter-sawn American White Oak for use in the bourbon industry. Black Water Barrels LLC has full capacity to produce additional size barrels, including but not limited to 60-gallon and 30-gallon. In addition, other wood profiles will be available to serve the spirits, beer and wine industries.

“Entrepreneurial activity and the success of new businesses is critical to South Carolina’s economy. I offer my congratulations to Black Water Barrels on this remarkable achievement and look forward to supporting them as they grow and prosper in our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

According to Bamberg County Council Chairman Joe Guess, “Blackwater Barrels will be a welcome addition to our manufacturing community and another great wood products industry in Bamberg County. On behalf of Bamberg County Council and our citizens, we would like to thank Blackwater Barrels for investing in our people.”

To house its operations, the company is purchasing the 9,000 SF location of the former Zeigler auto dealership, located at 3941 Main Highway in Bamberg, SC, with plans for a 12,000 square-foot expansion to the building.