New manufacturing jobs headed to Charleston area

LADSON, S.C. (WCBD) – The merger of local manufacturing companies has created hundreds of new jobs in the Lowcountry.

Pegasus Steel builds products for multiple industries, but a lot of their products are used to build ships for the United States Navy.

They recently created a new company, KEEL, so they could acquire other companies to help expand their mission. They acquired metal trades Inc over on Yonges Island at the end of last year, and a company in Michigan in January.

“We’re passionate about delivering new modern capabilities to the men and women of our armed forces, so we’re really working to grow that business,” said Brian Carter, CEO of KEEL.

Carter said they will double in size in the Charleston area, and that growth will provide support for Navy shipbuilding programs.

They currently employ about 400 employees. They are expected to hire another 300 over the next year.

“We are growing both our production workforce; so that could be welding, it could be a material handler or just people that are looking for an industrial career,” he said.

And the company is accepting applications now. Leaders there say they are even hearing from high school students who might be interested.

“For young folks that are interested in really delivering very complex and challenging work. We see a lot of interest there. We’re excited about helping those people realize their dreams in this industry.”

If you are interested in looking for jobs with KEEL, click here.