News
Monster Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Customer Service Facility in Florence, South Carolina; Red Rock Developments Tapped to Develop New Facility
December 2, 2008
Representatives from the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Red Rock Developments joined Monster® (NYSE: MWW) today to officially break ground on Monster's new state-of-the-art customer service facility in Florence, South Carolina. Monster is the leading global online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc.
Monster opened a temporary facility in Florence in September and has been recruiting talent and conducting training efforts since the initial announcement in June 2008. Red Rock Developments of Columbia will be the developer behind the new 75,000 square foot facility. When the facility is complete in fall 2009, it will open with approximately 350 full-time employees, with the ability to grow staff over time. Monster has already employed over 200 agents at their temporary facility in Florence.
"We are very excited to be breaking ground on the Florence facility," said Art O'Donnell, executive vice president, Global Customer Services, Monster. "Florence is a prosperous region that we're confident will provide us with the smart, customer-oriented talent needed to fill a variety of positions to bring best-in-class service to our customers."
"Monster's decision to locate in South Carolina is another positive sign that our efforts to enhance the state's business soil conditions are paying real dividends when it comes to attracting world-class companies and new job opportunities. Today's groundbreaking brings with it a significant number of new jobs that will positively impact the community in the years ahead. To that end, we remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve the state's business climate with reforms that will encourage growth and job creation throughout the state," said Gov. Mark Sanford.
"As State Senator and resident of Florence County, I'm very pleased to be a part of such a wonderful occasion and welcome another outstanding corporate citizen to our community," said Senator Hugh K. Leatherman. "Monster establishing a significant presence in Florence continues to show that this community is open for business."
"Today we commemorate what has already become an outstanding partnership between Monster and Florence County" said Florence County Council Chairman K.G. "Rusty" Smith. "We look forward to a long and successful relationship."
"We're very excited to be a part of this project," said Bill Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Red Rock Developments. "The combination of incentives, favorable financing in a tough economy, a great location and a custom-built facility will mean a brighter economic future for Florence County."
"As we continue to focus on expanding our global footprint, we never want to take our eye off the ball of our established domestic clients – always ensuring they continue to get best-in-class service and support," continued O'Donnell. "This new facility will help us accomplish this successfully by centralizing jobs previously handled by third-party partners with offices overseas. Monster is keenly focused on leading the industry in customer service."
