American LaFrance to Erect New HQ, Plant

July 1, 2006
American LaFrance LLC has selected the site for its new corporate headquarters and emergency and vocational vehicle assembly plant.

American LaFrance LLC has selected the site for its new corporate headquarters and emergency and vocational vehicle assembly plant. The company plans to lease about 45 acres adjacent to the Charleston Southern University campus at US Highway 78 just off Interstate 26 in North Charleston SC from a design-build developer.

Consisting of affiliates of Clayco Realty Group Inc, Venture One Properties LLC, Landmark Enterprises Inc, and First Commercial Investments LLC, the developer will oversee design and construction of the project for American LaFrance. Construction is projected to begin soon, with completion set for second quarter 2007.

American LaFrance's new, $35 million complex will include a 57,500-square-foot headquarters and 420,000-sq-ft assembly plant. A phased occupancy is planned beginning in April 2007. Besides its current 430 employees in Charleston County, the company expects to create at least 200 new jobs as it expands its refuse and vocational vehicle line and other products.