Columbia, South Carolina-based consumer-owned electric materials supplier Cooperative Electric Energy Utility Supply, Inc. announced March 21 its plans to expand operations in the state’s Lexington County area.

CEEUS said in a news release that it will invest approximately $52 million into a new distribution center, which it said will create 61 new jobs.

“We are excited to be expanding in South Carolina and remaining in Lexington County,”  CEEUS President &CEO Chad Capps said. “The purchase of this new warehouse and move for our corporate headquarters is a big step in the future of CEEUS and our customers, and we appreciate the support of our board of directors and everyone else who has helped make this new investment a reality. We look forward to a bright future and continued growth while helping utilities serve the families of South Carolina.”

Expansion plans include purchasing a new 247,000-square-foot facility at 1029 Colite Ave., in West Columbia. The company says it will upfit and expand the new facility to accommodate its corporate headquarters, a new test lab and a tool repair shop.

CEEUS said operations are expected to be online in the new facility by April 2024.