Black Water Barrels Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Manufacturing Facility in Bamberg, SC

September 22, 2016

Black Water Barrels LLC held a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 21, 2016, for its new manufacturing facility in Bamberg, SC, where they will manufacture white oak barrels for the growing bourbon industry.

The company has invested $3.6 million and will create 57 jobs over the next five years.

Governor Nikki Haley, officials from SouthernCarolina Alliance, and community leaders joined company officials for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the manufacturing facility.

Black Water Barrels announced its decision to locate in Bamberg in January of 2016 and has been up fitting the former Zeigler automotive facility located at 3941 Main Highway. The company purchased the 9,000 square-foot facility and has added an additional 11,000 square-foot expansion to the building.

State-of-the-art equipment from Germany and Scotland has been installed; all equipment will be installed by September 28. 

“There are very few places you can go in the United States and see an actual barrel being made in the old style cooperage form, and you will now be able to do that here,” said Greg Pierce, President of Black Water Barrels. “We are excited to bring this unique product to the state of South Carolina and to this region.  The people of Bamberg have welcomed us with open arms and we look forward to being part of this community.”

A startup firm, Black Water Barrels is South Carolina’s first cooperage, and will specialize in the manufacture of 53-gallon barrels made of FAS-grade, quarter-sawn American White Oak for use in the bourbon industry. The company will also have the 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.

“We are always excited for days like today, to celebrate the opening of a new manufacturing facility in our region,” said Danny Black, President and CEO of SouthernCarolina Alliance. “Not only is Black Water Barrels creating 57 new jobs, the company will manufacture a unique product here in the Southern Carolina region of the state and the economic stimulation it provides to Bamberg and the surrounding area is great for our communities and our citizens. We welcome Greg and his staff and look forward to many years of partnership and growth.”

Governor Nikki Haley was the keynote speaker at the ceremony and was joined by Mr. Danny Black, President and CEO of SouthernCarolina Alliance, Mr. Greg Pierce, President of Black Water Barrels, The Honorable Kathy Schwarting, Mayor Pro Tem and Councilwoman of the City of Bamberg, The Honorable Evert Comer Jr, Bamberg County Councilman, and The Honorable Justin Bamberg, Representative for the South Carolina House District 90.

“Greg looked at eight counties and three states and he ended up in the best spot, which is Bamberg County,” said Governor Nikki Haley during the ceremony. “We want this to be a destination site, a place where people travel.  South Carolina is now on the map for having another cool industry.”

The company gratefully acknowledges the collaborative efforts of South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance and various Bamberg County governmental agencies.

Black Water Barrels is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year. To make order inquiries or obtain additional information on the company, contactinfo@blackwaterbarrels.com. Further information is available at www.blackwaterbarrels.com.