Multi-million dollar manufacturing investment to create hundreds of jobs in Colleton County – South Carolina Public Radio

Report on QMP, Inc. Expansion and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview

• Company: QMP, Inc. (Water Filtration Systems Manufacturer)
• Project: Establishment of the first East Coast manufacturing operation.
• Location: Walterboro, Colleton County, South Carolina.
• Investment: A $5.1 million capital investment.
• Facility: A 22,000-square-foot facility on Anderson Rd.
• Timeline: Operations are scheduled to be online by January 2026.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • QMP, Inc.’s core mission involves the production of water filtration systems, which directly supports the goal of ensuring access to clean water.
   • The expansion of manufacturing capacity will increase the availability of technology essential for water purification in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, contributing to the sustainable management of water resources.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The project is set to create 233 new jobs, promoting full, productive, and decent work for the local population in Colleton County.
   • The $5.1 million investment fosters sustained and inclusive local economic growth.
   • Company leadership has affirmed a commitment to creating quality jobs that support communities, aligning with the principles of decent work.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • The establishment of a new manufacturing plant represents a significant investment in building resilient industrial infrastructure on the East Coast.
   • This development enhances industrial capacity and supports innovation within the water filtration sector.

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • By generating local employment and stimulating economic activity, the QMP expansion contributes to making Colleton County a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable community.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article focuses on QMP, Inc., a company that manufactures water filtration systems. The expansion of such a company directly relates to the infrastructure and technology needed to provide clean water.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – This is a primary focus of the article, which highlights the “$5.1 million investment” and the creation of “233 new jobs” in Colleton County. The mention of “quality jobs” further reinforces this connection.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The establishment of a new “East Coast manufacturing operation” and the purchase of a “22,000-square-foot facility” are clear examples of industrial development and investment in infrastructure.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The investment is localized in “Colleton County” and is intended to “support our communities” through job creation and economic activity, contributing to local economic development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation):
   • Target 6.1: “By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.” QMP’s business of producing water filtration systems directly contributes to the technology and means available to achieve this target. The expansion increases the capacity to supply these systems.
2. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.2: “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…” The establishment of a new, modern manufacturing facility represents an investment in productive capacity and technology.
   • Target 8.5: “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all…” The creation of “233 new jobs” and the company’s stated goal to create “quality jobs” directly align with this target of promoting employment.
3. Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure):
   • Target 9.2: “Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product…” The new manufacturing operation in Colleton County is a direct act of industrialization that will increase industry’s share of local employment.
4. Under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Target 11.a: “Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.” This investment strengthens the local economy of Colleton County, fostering positive economic links and supporting regional development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several specific, quantifiable indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Total investment amount: The “$5.1 million investment” is a direct indicator of financial commitment towards economic growth (SDG 8) and industrial infrastructure (SDG 9).
• Number of new jobs created: The “233 new jobs” is a direct indicator for measuring progress towards Target 8.5 (full and productive employment) and Target 9.2 (raising industry’s share of employment).
• Increased production and distribution capacity: The article states the new facility will “support increased production capacity and faster distribution.” This serves as an implied indicator for Target 6.1, as it measures the increased availability of technology for clean water.
• Size of the new facility: The “22,000-square-foot facility” is a physical indicator of the scale of the industrial and infrastructural development (SDG 9).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: southcarolinapublicradio.org