Peabody Engineering turns 70, invests $5.6M in East Coast plant

Corona, Calif.-based Peabody Engineering LLC, a rotational molder and fiberglass fabricator, marked its 70th year in business with a $5.6 million expansion to Liberty, S.C., that created 35 jobs.

The manufacturer of polyethylene storage tanks, fiberglass structural shapes, and antenna and cell site concealment systems opened a 50,000 square foot production plant to meet East Coast demand for its products across the board.

The company's second facility houses similar equipment and technology as its 32,400 square foot headquarters and manufacturing in California.

The expansion is the next step to strengthen Peabody Engineering's position by shortening lead times and improving regional availability, according to company officials.

"This is a strategic move for Peabody to leverage the distribution and logistics networks in this strategic location on the East Coast," CEO Mark Peabody said in a news release. "It puts us closer to some of our key customers and allows us to tap into the strong labor force in Liberty, South Carolina."

The company is hiring rotational molding machine operators and trainees, welder/fabricators, assemblers, product finishers, purchasing and inventory control staff, customer service representatives, maintenance technicians, CAD designers and office personnel.

Founded in 1952 in Gardena, Calif., Peabody Engineering started out selling agricultural fertilizer equipment then quickly grew into a manufacturer of bulk storage containers and related products for chemicals.

The company now designs and produces containers to store acids, caustics, sodium hypochlorite, biocides, high-purity products, lubricants, cosmetics and more for the water treatment, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and oil and gas markets.

Peabody's other products, like the telecom concealment systems, are made from fiberglass, foam or vinyl and are designed to also serve as clock towers, flag poles, steeples, wind mills and church crosses.

The company also produces structural forms and shapes like fiberglass threaded rods.

"We believe in the value of made-in-the-USA products," Peabody said. "It's good for our employees, our customers and our country."