South Carolina shipbuilding is a tradition that goes back nearly 300 years and, for roughly one-fifth of that time, Metal Trades, Inc. has been a part of it!
The Palmetto State has a long and storied history in shipbuilding that began long before she ever became a State. The Carolina Colony’s first shipyard was established in 1732, and by the early 1900s, South Carolina was one of the leading shipbuilding centers in the United States. However, the industry declined in the second half of the 20th century, as foreign shipyards began to offer lower prices.
One young entrepreneur bucked that trend, however: the late Ted Corbin, founder of Metal Trades, Inc. (MTI). With a single welding truck, Ted began traveling site to site, fabricating steel solutions for his clients. Later, after ultimately putting down roots in Yonges Island, SC., Ted’s son Rusty diversified MTI into a Marine Repair Facility overhauling minesweepers, Landing Craft Units, and Landing Craft Mechanisms for the U.S. Army.
21st Century South Carolina Shipbuilding Renaissance
In recent years, the South Carolina shipbuilding industry has made a comeback. This is due in part to the state’s strategic location on the Atlantic coast, as well as its strong workforce and infrastructure. In addition, the state has offered generous incentives to attract shipbuilding companies. South Carolina Shipbuilding employs thousands of workers and generates billions of dollars of revenue.
Metal Trades dug in and continued to serve its longtime clients during the industry’s lean years and has been rewarded as one of the success stories of this modern renaissance. Today, at its 48-acre complex situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, MTI continues to serve the marine industry, specializing in steel and sheet metal fabrication for commercial and government markets. The company’s broad portfolio includes steel processing, fabrication, welding, piping, machining, electrical installation, blasting, and painting.
The Future of South Carolina Shipbuilding
The future of South Carolina shipbuilding – and Metal Trades – is bright. The state boasts several factors that make it an attractive location for shipbuilding companies, including its strategic location, strong workforce, and infrastructure. In addition, the state government is committed to supporting the shipbuilding industry.
As a result, South Carolina is expected to remain a major shipbuilding center in the years to come. The state is well-positioned to attract new shipbuilding companies and to expand the operations of existing companies. This will create new jobs and boost the state’s economy.
Metal Trades, Inc., will continue to be a part of the South Carolina shipbuilding story. In fact, the company recently announced a $14.4 million expansion that will create dozens of well-paying jobs. This expansion will allow MTI to build fixtures and components in-house for the US Navy. The new structure will be located near the company’s 1,000-ton marine railway, which will allow Metal Trades to fabricate and transfer large steel structures directly to the Intracoastal Waterway. This expansion will fuel further improvements in MTI’s capabilities in manufacturing expertise, heavy lift capability, and direct barge access.
A Shipbuilding Tradition Endures
There are few industries that have survived for three hundred years or more, but South Carolina shipbuilding is one of them. Metal Trades, Inc. is proud to carry on that tradition, delivering high-quality products and impeccable service to cement longstanding relationships. That is a recipe for success – past, present, and future! To learn more about Metal Trades or to join our team, visit us on the web at MetalTrades.com or telephone us at 843.889.6441.