Florence, SC - Citing infrastructure and proximity to the Port of Charleston, television shopping network QVC has announced it is building a one million-square-foot distribution center on 265 acres near Interstate 95 in South Carolina.
QVC said it picked Florence, South Carolina because of its proximity to cross-country Interstates 95 and 20 as well as rail lines and Charleston's port.
Construction of the $75 million center is expected to begin next month. The warehouse is expected to open in mid-2007 with 400 employees.
A complicated blend of economic incentives was used to lure QVC to Florence over several other areas.
A large labor pool will also benefit the company. Florence is located in the Pee Dee region, which has unemployment around 10%.
The region's elected and economic development officials hailed the announcement. They hope QVC helps to bring in a string of other distribution centers and other transportation and logistics companies.