Pilgrim's Pride ................................................................................ 56 BD expansion into construction phase

Phase 2

BD enters construction phase of expansion

BY BRUCE MILLS

Continuing to grow.

That was a theme for everyone who took part in a groundbreaking ceremony at one of Sumter's top industrial employers, BD.

In May 2018, the medical device manufacturer of blood tubes and needles for the health care industry announced a $150 million capital investment and 125 new jobs were coming to the Sumter facility at 1575 Airport Road. BD has held to that commitment, already hiring about 80 of those new full-time positions, and now is on Phase 2 of the project, which involves new warehouse construction at the facility.

BD has been in Sumter for 51 years, dating back to 1970, and features about 950 current associate jobs, according to Plant Manager Ken Lee. The vast majority of those positions are in technical fi elds - mechanical, electrical and robotics. With 25% to 30% of its workforce being Baby Boomers who will reach retirement age in the next few years, "technical skill sets are the future of BD," Lee said.

That is why the manufacturer has developed partnerships in recent years with two nearby middle schools in Sumter School District to encourage STEM coursework and will continue to rely heavily on Central Carolina Technical College for workers, he said. Apprenticeships are also available for district high school seniors to help grow the workforce pipeline. "We are trying to commit to growing technical talent at home," Lee said.

Starting pay in many of those technical positions is $18 to $25 per hour, he added.

Phase 2 of the expansion will last close to two years and will increase total facility size by about 25% to 620,000 square feet, according to Lee. Phase 3, likely in 202425, will include new amenities inside the plant, such as a new employee cafeteria and restrooms. "Get used to a construction zone at BD Sumter for the next four years or so," Lee said.

Due to COVID-19, attendance at the groundbreaking was limited but did include Sumter Mayor David Merchant, Sumter County Council Chairman James T. McCain Jr. and Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Hardy, among a few others, who were all smiles.

Merchant noted BD's history in Sumter and that the manufacturer is an integral part of the community and values the local workforce. "This is manufacturing of very precise, high-end medical devices that they do here," Merchant said. "It's super sterile, super clean and just very important, and they have their systems in place. To have an international company with locations all over to continue to invest here and add employees is great."

DID YOU KNOW?

Of BD's 86 facilities across the world, the Sumter facility ranks among the top three sites for facility size, total employee headcount and annual production of cost of goods sold.

McCain and Hardy spoke on the economic boost that BD provides locally. "BD is a staple of our community," Hardy said. "They support our community, and their employees are part of the community. This is big from both a qualityof-life as well as economic development impact."

By the end of the project, Lee said he hopes to exceed the investment total and new job totals. "Clearly, if you look around, we are defi nitely investing for the future," Lee said. "We've been here for 51 years, and there is no doubt about it, we want to be here for another 50 or more. It's a fl agship facility for BD, and the people of Sumter should be proud that BD is here in the community and that we continue to provide good-paying jobs that are stable."

Training for the future

Central Carolina Technical College offers more than 50 academic programs and degrees ranging from business and public service to education and engineering.

Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) is a public institution of higher education primarily serving Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties by providing innovative programs designed to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for all residents. CCTC offers associate degrees, diplomas and certifi cates in the areas of business, public service, industrial and engineering technology, health sciences and the arts and sciences through traditional and distance learning instructional methods. In addition to excellence in teaching, the college provides credit and continuing education programs and student support services to prepare students to enter the workforce, earn college credit before high school graduation, transfer to senior colleges and universities and achieve their professional and personal goals.

The college offers more than 50 academic programs, multiple transfer programs and a full array of student support services. Central Carolina was named the “Best College/University” and “Best Place to Work” for The Sumter Item’s Best of Sumter 2021 readers’ choice competition. As the regional resource for training and education, the college is committed to abundant learning through excellence, integrity and innovation.

Become a Titan today. Visit cctech.edu to find out more.

The pandemic pivot Morris College refl ects on challenges and triumphs post-shutdown

BY DR. CHRISTOPHER HALL

When the college reopened its campus in January 2021 after almost a year closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tensions were high. Although carefully laid plans had been made and fi ne-tuned since August 2020, when the college had initially hoped to welcome students back on campus, the unpredictable nature of the pandemic kept the college’s leadership team on high alert.

College president Dr. Leroy Staggers met with his cabinet and other staff members multiple times per week to make sure no stone had been left unturned.

“Our students were always at the forefront of our minds as we discussed what measures we should take. Keeping their needs fi rst helped guide all of our decision-making as we prepared for them to come back,” he said.

REUNION

To prepare for a safe return, to prepare for a safe return, the college worked tirelessly with the state health department, testing services and other agencies to ensure that all COVID safety protocols were followed to the letter. These protocols included mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks and bi-weekly testing. Modifi cations also had to be made to the campus to accommodate social distancing, complete with posted reminders to stand six feet apart from others and wash hands frequently.

All things considered, they were ready.

On Jan. 19, 2021, just over 200 students were welcomed back on campus.

“It was such a great feeling to have our students back. They are truly the life of the college, and we missed them,” Staggers said.

The college also chose to continue offering online courses for students who were not ready to resume inperson classes. This decision alleviated the anxiety of some faculty members who were apprehensive about inperson classes.

“Although the majority of our faculty were ready to resume classes face to face, some were still nervous and their concerns were taken into consideration,” Staggers said.

REINVENTION

Despite a rocky transition, the college was intentional about making improvements in response to the pandemic. One of its major changes was revamping the technology infrastructure – a must for delivering quality online instruction. Improvements included a Wi-Fi upgrade, the purchase of 100-plus new computers for student use and updating faculty and staff desktops. The college also continued its partnership with the South Carolina Department of Education to provide hotspots for students.

Like most colleges and universities across the nation, standard practices such as in-person meetings changed drastically. Staff meetings, offi ce hours with students and even brainstorming sessions were all held virtually, primarily using Zoom and Microsoft Teams. For such a tight-knit campus community, this was challenging.

“Most of us at the college have

been working with each other for years and have established great relationships. We were so used to seeing each other and meeting up regularly, but the pandemic changed all of that. After the students returned, we resumed with more meetings in-person, and it was refreshing,” Staggers said.

REFLECTION

It would be an understatement to say the pandemic caused a global paradigm shift, particularly in higher education. One of the many lessons Morris College learned is the importance of adaptability. The swift shift to online instruction was unexpected for the college, but it was necessary.

“When the history books are written, what will separate the good institutions from the great ones is the ability to adapt and adjust accordingly. I think we’ve done a good job of that,” Staggers said.

Another lesson the college learned is that of resilience. Since its founding almost 114 years ago, the institution has never faced anything quite like the pandemic. However, Morris College treads on with faith and fortitude, no matter how stony the road.

Perhaps among the most important lessons the college learned is about the power of community and teamwork. The college witnessed the strength of its support system as churches, alumni, businesses and community members came together to raise funds and lend helping hands. Donors gave generously. Even more, faculty and staff dug their heels in and worked together throughout the pandemic in ways they hadn’t done before, further cementing their bonds.

“It’s been said that teamwork makes the dream work. We’ve definitely seen that in action since last year. Without a team mindset, we might not have been able to experience the success that we saw,” Staggers said.

One year later, with vaccines and boosters now readily available, it seems as if a light is finally at the end of the tunnel. Through the omicron variant and whatever else comes our way, the college plans to continue offering in-person classes for the spring and fall 2022 semester with the appropriate protocols in place to keep the campus community safe. No matter what new challenges await Morris College in the coming year, it is certain that they will face it with the ferocity of the Hornet’s Nest.

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