Palmetto State News

A family-owned pork and poultry producer with more than 2,700 employees in seven states is expanding its operations in Kershaw County. 

In a news release from Gov. Henry McMaster’s office, Prestage Farms of South Carolina, LLC, will invest $150 million in a new processing facility, creating 292 additional jobs by the time it is completed next year. The company is a division of Prestage Farms, the release said. 

“Prestage Farms of South Carolina, LLC’s decision to invest $150 million and create 292 new jobs is a huge win for Kershaw County and the entire Palmetto State,” McMaster wrote in a July 8 tweet. “I congratulate this great company and wish them continued success.”

Gov. Henry McMaster | South Carolina Governor's Office

The processing facility will be located at the Governor’s Hill Industrial Park in Camden, the company’s second plant in Kershaw County. It will feature the latest technology and automation, designed to enhance the shelf life of its products and offer added sanitation, the release said. 

The governor’s news release noted that hiring could begin by the third quarter of 2022, and prospective employees can visit ReadySC for more details. 

The company was founded in 1983, and has been doing business in South Carolina since 1994, the release said. 

Prestage Farms' website states its parent company, Prestage Farms, was founded by Bill Prestage, who started his career in 1960, selling animal feed.

By 1967, Prestage struck up a friendship with Otis Carroll, who was one of his customers, and the pair became ultimately became partners in a business that would grow into Carroll’s Foods.