South Carolina is undoubtedly one of the best places to call home in the Southeast. Cities like Charleston boast a rich history, pleasant climate, delicious food, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of southern hospitality. However, for homeowners and business owners, living in Charleston comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining the appearance of your property.
The humid weather in the area often results in mold and algae growth on surfaces like wood and concrete, which can make your property look unkempt and neglected. Fortunately, Peppers Pressure Washing can help restore your property's beauty and prevent future growth and grime.
When it comes to pressure washing in Yonges Island, SC, our #1 goal is delivering exceptional pressure washing services by going above and beyond to make sure our clients are satisfied. We ensure their satisfaction by prioritizing good old-fashioned hard work, honest pricing, ongoing communication, advanced training, and industry-leading customer service.
Our pressure washing company in South Carolina is the perfect choice to protect your home or business from mold and mildew across various surfaces. In doing so, we can help minimize unsightly objects like bird's nests and spiderwebs while protecting your property from damage to windows, gutters, roofing, and more. As a licensed, insured pressure washing company, our customer's health and happiness always come first - no questions asked.
So, when you hire Peppers Pressure Washing, you can rest easy knowing our experts will treat your home as if it were our own. When they need the highest quality pressure washing services, clients come to us because our team is:
If you're looking for a dedicated professional that will do the job right, you're in the right place. With over 10 years experience, we have learned to improve our skills and keep our equipment up to date for the best results.
Living in the Lowcountry often means that your home's exterior will suffer from harsh elements such as mildew, dirt, and pollen. If left uncleaned, these contaminants can cause damage to surfaces like brick, stucco, and vinyl over time. At Peppers Pressure Washing, we offer a safe and effective cleaning solution that utilizes time-tested techniques to remove hazardous contaminants from your home's exterior so that it remains uniquely beautiful year-round.
Unlike some pressure washing services in Charleston, however, we have the capability to perform traditional pressure washing as well as low-pressure washing for residential properties.
Most often known as "soft washing," this process involves washing and rinsing your windows and gutters using gentle pressure. Unlike high-pressure tactics - which can cause damage when used by amateurs in inappropriate spaces - soft wash cleaning for your home is specifically designed to remove mildew and algae from porous surfaces without causing harm. With soft washing, you won't have to worry about losing curb appeal or reducing the resale value of your home due to stripped paint or ruined siding.
Our techniques use gentle water pressure and an environmentally friendly cleaning solution to remove contaminants without causing harm to your plants or landscaping. That's why many homeowners ask for a combination of soft washing and pressure washing in Yonges Island, SC - to address the hard-to-clean areas as well as the more sensitive areas.
Once the cleaning agent has removed the mold, algae, and other contaminants, our team thoroughly rinses the exterior of your home, leaving it looking squeaky clean and envy-worthy to your neighbors. Some additional benefits of Peppers Pressure Washing's soft washing approach include:
Curious if our team can remove the mold and mildew from your driveway, walkways, back deck, and more? Give our office a call today - every estimate we provide is 100% free.
Experienced professionals can enhance your property's curb appeal with well-laid driveways and patios. The same goes for the fencing around your backyard, which can be painted and installed meticulously by experts. However, it's only a matter of time before stains, peeling paint, and other tough-to-remove items begin to sully your home's appearance. Fortunately, with an experienced pressure washing company by your side, you can bring life back to your home, even if it's been plagued by something like graffiti.
Get a Quote
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Entrepreneurs understand the importance of presenting a positive image for their brand and business. A first impression is often the only opportunity to showcase what you have to offer. Neglecting the cleanliness and appearance of your warehouse, apartment complex, or storefront could lead to lost revenue. Put yourself in your customers' shoes: If a business owner fails to maintain walkways and other heavily trafficked areas around their location, they may not put much effort into providing quality products.
Every aspect of your building, entrance, parking lot, walking path, or storefront presents an opportunity to impress customers. With commercial pressure washing, you can capitalize on that opportunity and even help retain the same customers you initially impressed. The bottom line? If cleanliness and curb appeal are non-negotiable in your line of business, it's time to call Peppers Pressure Washing for a free estimate.
Don't delay - waiting to have your business pressure washed can end up costing you money. That's why our pressure washing company offers convenient monthly cleanings. We can arrange routine maintenance washing to help keep your business fresh and clean, helping you set the stage for success year-round.
Investing in exterior cleaning is a wise decision for any business owner. Services like pressure washing enhance curb appeal, attract new and returning customers, and show you care about the appearance of your business. But if you're like other hardworking entrepreneurs who are stretched thin as it is, keeping up with cleanliness is easier said than done, especially outside your property.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
If you notice unsightly stains, mold, or mildew on the outside of your business, it may be a sign of standing water issues or simply a lack of regular cleaning. Sure, you could make your own bleach solution and try to tackle the problem yourself. But you run the risk of damaging your property and even harming yourself in the process. The alternative? Contact Peppers Pressure Washing for thoroughly effective pressure washing in Yonges Island, SC.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, one of the most common questions we receive is why a homeowner or business owner should or should not hire professionals to handle pressure washing. We get it - most folks are on budgets and must be careful about spending frivolously on chores that they may be able to do on their own. And while we're big proponents of DIY projects at home and at work, pressure washing in Yonges Island, SC, should always be performed by trained professionals. Here's why.
Safety
Cost Effectiveness
Quicker 
Eco-Friendly
Avoid Damage toPressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, we evaluate every pressure washing project with a fresh eye, knowing that no two situations are ever the same. As a licensed and insured pressure washing company in South Carolina, our goal is to leave your home and property looking its best, whether you need a one-time cleaning for your driveway or recurring services for your business. Whatever your needs may be, you can always rely on Peppers Pressure Washing for high-quality power washing at cost-conscious prices.
Mandatory evacuations are already being issued in parts of South Carolina ahead of Hurricane Florence, which has strengthened to a Category 4 and may be close to that strength when it makes landfall. More evacuations may be coming. The storm is currently expected to make landfall around Thursday, but hurricane paths are always a bit unpredictable. Read on for details about evacuation zones and maps for South Carolina in 2018, as Hurricane Florence approaches, so you can be prepared. This is a developing story.Current South Carolina E...
Mandatory evacuations are already being issued in parts of South Carolina ahead of Hurricane Florence, which has strengthened to a Category 4 and may be close to that strength when it makes landfall. More evacuations may be coming. The storm is currently expected to make landfall around Thursday, but hurricane paths are always a bit unpredictable. Read on for details about evacuation zones and maps for South Carolina in 2018, as Hurricane Florence approaches, so you can be prepared. This is a developing story.
Gov. Henry McMaster has issued a mandatory evacuation order for the entire coastline of South Carolina, and mandatory evacuation procedures will begin Tuesday at noon. These evacuations are to ensure that residents don’t stay for the hurricane’s landfall.
Breaking: SC Coastal zones now evacuating ahead of #HurricaneFlorence #ABC11 #ncwx https://t.co/qKoi2uqHzj
— @AmberRupinta (ABC11 (@RupintaABC11) September 10, 2018
Lanes will be reversed on four major highways, including U.S. 501, and state offices in 26 counties will be closed (as will schools.) A mandatory evacuation is also in place for certain hospitals in the area.
The following are a list of evacuation zones and routes in South Carolina according to the South Carolina Department of Transportation and other state government sources. Of course, these are only going to be instituted if evacuation orders have been issued in your region.
If you’re unsure as to which evacuation zone you’re in within South Carolina, this map will help. It’s the Know Your Zone interactive map from SCEMD.
You can also use an app on iOS or Google to determine your evacuation zone using your phone’s location or physical address.
Here is another map, provided by SCEMD, which shows a detailed breakdown of evacuation zones for each area. You can see a larger map and zoom in here.
SCEMDSouth Carolina Evacuation Zones
South Carolina has a 2018 hurricane guide which you can read here to help you prepare. This map, from South Carolina’s official guide, details the hurricane evacuation routes as designated by SCDOT:
South Carolina Evacuation Route
Here are more details about evacuation routes based on your location, as provided by SCDOT and the Department of Public Safety. These will come into effect when evacuations are issued for the regions. These are divided into conglomerates and regions. Search for your city or county or region to find the areas that are relevant to you.
SCtraffic.orgNorthern Conglomerate Map
This evacuation route includes Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Briarcliff Acres, Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Winyah Bay, and Georgetown. Learn more here.
SC Traffic (the Department of Public Safety) describes the northern evacuation routes this way:
SCTraffic.orgCentral Conglomerate Map
This evacuation map includes Edisto Island, Adams Run, Yonges Island, Meggett, Hollywood, Ravenel, John’s Island, Kiawah Island, Seabrook, James Island, Folley Beach, City of Charleston, North Charleston, East Cooper, Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Awendaw, and McClellanville. Learn more here.
SC Traffic (the Department of Public Safety) describes the evacuation routes this way. (The following is quoted from SCTraffic.org):
SCTraffic.org
This evacuation map includes Hilton Head, Beautfort, and Bluffton. Learn more here.
SC Traffic describes the evacuation routes this way. (The following is quoted from SCTraffic.org, provided by the Department of Public Safety):
The following are the same evacuation details, but provided according to regions designated by SCDOT:
According to SCDOT, these are the following evacuation routes for the region, once evacuation orders are issued.
Georgetown County, South CarolinaGeorgetown County Evacuation Zones
Evacuation routes:
Evacuation zones:
The following are the evacuation zones for Georgetown County, according to the Georgetown County government’s website:
According to SCDOT, these are the following evacuation routes for the region, once evacuation orders are issued.
According to SCDOT, these are the following evacuation routes for the region, once evacuation orders are issued.
READ NEXT: North Carolina evacuation routes and maps
With 108 years in business and a fourth-generation family owner, it’s hard to find more experience than Stevens Towing has.Now with offices in both South Carolina and Edenton, N.C., Stevens Towing started out on Yonges Island in South Carolina. The company originally engaged in moving produce and passengers from local barrier islands to the market in Charleston, S.C.The business has about 225 employees, with about 100 in its shipyard in on Yonges Island, about 80 on boats and the rest in administrative positions, said Ben...
With 108 years in business and a fourth-generation family owner, it’s hard to find more experience than Stevens Towing has.
Now with offices in both South Carolina and Edenton, N.C., Stevens Towing started out on Yonges Island in South Carolina. The company originally engaged in moving produce and passengers from local barrier islands to the market in Charleston, S.C.
The business has about 225 employees, with about 100 in its shipyard in on Yonges Island, about 80 on boats and the rest in administrative positions, said Benjamin “Bos” Smith, vice president of operations.
On its website, Stevens Towing describes itself as a mid-sized freight business engaging in inland, coastwise and ocean towing, although Smith said inland towing is its primary trade, using both hopper barges and bulk transport. The business has operators along with a fleet of tugs, barges and cranes.
Sign up for Waterway Journal's weekly newsletter.Our weekly newsletter delivers the latest inland marine news straight to your inbox including breaking news, our exclusive columns and much more.
Your EmailEmail Address
Twenty hopper barges are based out of its North Carolina site. From there it often receives cargo from ships and delivers it to Albemarle South, an inland run of about 150 miles. Pig iron and direct-produced iron is also delivered to a mill on the Chowan River in North Carolina, just down from Virginia. One of the company’s primary customers is Nucor Steel.
Smith says the company prides itself on its breadth of abilities. Its tugs are always working, he said, along with a project business with heavy-lift cranes. It has 500-ton floating cranes in both Charleston and Savannah, where it partners with both ports.
The business does a fair amount of project towing on the Eastern Seaboard but has also gone as far as Seattle, Wash., into the Great Lakes and on the Western Rivers, Smith said. Stevens Towing has five ABS load line crane barges and cargo barges, with the largest a 250- by-72- by 16-foot with a 4100 series III Ringer mounted on deck.
“We’ve got a wide variety of experience on just about every waterway in the United States,” Smith said, adding, “We understand everything there is to know about either inland or ocean transportation.”
Because much of the company’s nearby work is along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, where the controlling draft averages around 7-1/2 feet, Stevens Towing has picked up a lot of experience with shallow-draft operations, tidal effects and sand, mud and silt bottoms, Smith said.
The company uses shoes to protect propellers and rudders and 3/4-inch armor plating on the belly of its tugs for protection in shallow water. Although Stevens Towing has a super jumbo class hopper barge with 3,000-ton capacity, it is generally limited to 2,500-ton usage because of the waterway.
Johnson Stevens, a fourth-generation family owner, took over operation of the company about seven years ago, Smith said. He expanded Stevens Towing’s shipyard, which has increased its marine repair revenue by a factor of 10, Smith said.
“I would attribute that strictly to Johnson’s drive and push,” he said.
The company expects Subchapter M-required drydock hull inspections to become a significant part of the shipyard business.
Also helping Stevens Towing to stand out is that the company maintains its own professional engineer, David Osborne, on staff. Osborne does all ocean method statements and designs and installs the company’s securements.
He’s also essential in performing repairs since, under Subchapter M rules, drawings must be made and approved for any changes to a boat that are not original, such as adding shoes.
Moving into the future, Smith thinks the company’s century-plus experience and willingness to work in a wide variety of conditions, along with its variety of services, will help Stevens Towing to grow.
“We’re more of a full-service group than most,” Smith said. “There are only a handful of guys who still do this kind of full-service business. If you give me the piece, I can make sure it’s loaded, secure, delivered and unloaded at the final destination.”
Caption for top photo: Stevens Towing shipyard at Yonges Island, S.C. (Photo courtesy of Stevens Towing)
A multi-generational family-owned business on Yonges Island that’s been in operation for more than a century is getting a literal lift — with an assist from the federal government.Stevens Towing Co. is one of 31 shipyards nationwide — and the only one in South Carolina — to receive funding this year through a U.S Department of Transportation program.The company, founded in 1913, plans to use the nearly $1.4 million to reel in an 820-metric ton travelift boat hoist. The d...
A multi-generational family-owned business on Yonges Island that’s been in operation for more than a century is getting a literal lift — with an assist from the federal government.
Stevens Towing Co. is one of 31 shipyards nationwide — and the only one in South Carolina — to receive funding this year through a U.S Department of Transportation program.
The company, founded in 1913, plans to use the nearly $1.4 million to reel in an 820-metric ton travelift boat hoist. The device is large enough to lift tall mega-yachts, long cargo vessels or large tugs. It will allow Stevens to modernize the type of work it does in its new zero-emissions yard.
“Logistics and transportation companies are an essential foundation of our country’s economy,” Johnson Stevens, company president, said in a statement. “We are committed to doing all we can to help our country recover from the 2020 pandemic and thrive into the future.”
In addition to hauling cargo and repairing ships, Stevens Towing operates 13 towboats and does contract work with the U.S. military.
The company employs more than 100 workers and operates a youth apprenticeship program that has taught welding skills to 22 students from Charleston-area schools over the past four years. Four of the program’s graduates are now gainfully employed on the Stevens payroll.
The DOT grant program was set up to help small shipyards in 2008. This year, it awarded $19.6 million to 31 companies in 15 states.
University of South Carolina graduates tend to stray not too far from campus, even after they make the inevitable transition to the working world.
That’s one of the findings of a new analysis by a website that targets the pursuit of higher education.
StudySoup, a digital marketplace where course notes, study guides, tutoring services and other academic content are bought and sold, used information posted on LinkedIn about degree-carrying career-seekers from more than 1,700 colleges and universities.
It then selected 25 schools and compiled the top five cities or towns where most of their alumni reside. Graduates without LinkedIn profiles aren’t included.
StudySoup published its analysis June 10, It found that the No. 1 landing spot for USC graduates is Columbia, at 40,354 alumni. It also noted as an aside that the Capital City was ranked No. 5 in WalletHub’s Best Cities to Start a Career in 2021 — one spot ahead of Charleston.
Next up was Charlotte, with 11,530 Gamecock grads, followed by Greenville with 10,431.
The Holy City came in fourth, accounting for nearly 9,900 USC faithful.
The list was rounded out by greater Atlanta, at 6,447.
Of the 25 schools StudySoup broke out in its report, USC was the only Palmetto State representative.
One of South Carolina’s newest publicly traded companies is getting a promotion of sorts, Wall Street-style.
Goose Creek-based HireQuest Inc., a national franchisor of temporary staffing services, said it’s expected to join the broad-market Russell 3000 Index after the U.S. stock market opens June 28.
The invitation is based on market capitalization, or the real-time value of all shares available in the public market. HireQuest’s “cap” was about $276 million as of Friday.
Membership in the Russell 3000, which is good for at least a year, guarantees inclusion in at least one other Russell index “as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes,” the Berkeley County company said.
“Inclusion in these indexes is expected to expose HireQuest to new investors, providing broader visibility with the investment community, particularly those who use the Russell indexes to benchmark their portfolios,” CEO Rick Hermanns said in a written statement.
Taylor replaces outgoing director John Frampton.The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Board named Col. Alvin Taylor as director of the agency Thursday (Jan. 26), the agency announced. Taylor replaces John Frampton, who is retiring in March.Taylor of Yonges Island in Charleston County replaced Col. J. Alvin Wright as deputy director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division in 2004.A 1976 graduate of Clemson University, Taylor completed training at the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforce...
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Board named Col. Alvin Taylor as director of the agency Thursday (Jan. 26), the agency announced. Taylor replaces John Frampton, who is retiring in March.
Taylor of Yonges Island in Charleston County replaced Col. J. Alvin Wright as deputy director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division in 2004.
A 1976 graduate of Clemson University, Taylor completed training at the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Training Center in Yorktown, Va., in 1976 and graduated from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy in 1977. In 1977, Taylor joined the state Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, predecessor of the DNR, as a private first class, teaching boating education classes and investigating recreational boating accidents statewide.
He has served as a sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, supervising the DNR boating safety and hunter education programs, various law enforcement regions of the state and the agency’s coastal marine law enforcement operations.
In addition to his supervisory duties, Taylor has been an active member of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, serving as South Carolina’s State Boating Law Administrator and as National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ president in 2003. He instituted the Joint Enforcement Agreement between DNR and the National Marine Fisheries Service. His proposed Joint Enforcement Agreement presentation to the Senate Commerce Committee of the U.S. Congress led to funding for the program in 1998. Working with the U.S. Coast Guard, Taylor has been heavily involved in port security along South Carolina’s coast and coordinated state security for the raising of the H.L. Hunley in Charleston.
Taylor is a certified SCUBA diver and for several years supervised the DNR Aquatic Investigations and Recovery Unit dive team. He is also past president of the S.C. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers Association.
Among his many honors and awards, Taylor received the Carroll A. Campbell, Jr., Leadership Award. He also received a Meritorious Public Service Commendation from the Department of Homeland Security in 2004, Patriotic Employer Award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve in 2003, and the DNR Meritorious Service Award in 1997.
Taylor was born in Mullins. He and his wife, Marian, have two children: a son, Lee, and a daughter, Wyatt. Taylor and his family reside in Yonges Island.
Taylor’s appointment came after Frampton announced his retirement, which was precipitated by pressure from some members of the board. Read more about why Framton retired by clicking here.
Perched on the ways at Yonges Island, S.C., the 174’x42’x9’ landing craft Brandy Station was being readied to launch this week, the latest of the U.S. Army’s fleet to be overhauled at Metal Trades, Inc.The family-owned shipyard and steel fabrication plant has deep roots in the island community of southern Charleston County. When I visited this week for an upcoming WorkBoat story, I found out how company founder J.E Corbin Jr. started out in 1962 with a pickup truck, a welding ...
Perched on the ways at Yonges Island, S.C., the 174’x42’x9’ landing craft Brandy Station was being readied to launch this week, the latest of the U.S. Army’s fleet to be overhauled at Metal Trades, Inc.
The family-owned shipyard and steel fabrication plant has deep roots in the island community of southern Charleston County. When I visited this week for an upcoming WorkBoat story, I found out how company founder J.E Corbin Jr. started out in 1962 with a pickup truck, a welding machine and his own expertise working with metal.
Yonges, nearby Wadmalaw Island, and towns like Meggett and Hollywood were tidewater farm country; in the 1920s Meggett had a reputation as the “cabbage capitol” of U.S. agriculture, with its concentration of truck farms, water transport, and a railroad line that connected them and fish and oyster canneries to national markets.
In the1960s there was the need to fix workboats, plus the escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. MTI became certified as a master ship repair contractor to the Army and Navy, a key business line today.
But with the end of the Cold War, Congress created the Base Realignment and Closure process to take on the messy process of downsizing the U.S. military infrastructure. South Carolina took a big hit at the Charleston Navy Yard, where Metal Trades had a major operation.
As the Navy work wound down, costs went up and “we were spending $1 million a year there on maintenance,” recalled MTI president Shaun Flynn. In 2006 the company sold its lease there and retrenched at the Yonges Island facility, investing $18 million in new improvements, he said.
“We had a period of time when we really had to reinvent ourselves as a heavy steel fabricator,” said Flynn. Military contracts are still a big part of the business – Army landing craft have been the company’s bread and butter for years, and the MTI yard is full of modules for Army floating causeways that are being reconditioned. But the ratios have turned to where about 70% of the work now is commercial, he said.
Specialty barges are one line, including double hull fuel barges, crane and ferry landing barges, and the first new railroad freight car barge for New York Harbor in decades, delivered last year to the Port Authority of NY/NJ.
“New York has been a great customer of ours,” said Flynn.
MTI remains a family business – five brothers and two sisters have been involved over the years – and the company is planning for the next generation.
Heavy steel fabrication, building housings for heavy power generators, barges and ship repair are strong business lines, and helped MTI come out of the 2008 recession relatively unscathed. Flynn says, “We diversified in time to stay out of trouble.”
