News

Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner

Media Contact: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 31, 2024

Lowcountry Oyster Co. to Expand Production with Colleton County Facility

COLUMBIA –  Lowcountry Oyster Company is expanding its operations with the construction of a $6.4 million seafood processing and cross-dock facility in Green Pond, South Carolina. The Colleton County facility is projected to create 30 new jobs.

With a state-of-the-art chilled water wet storage system and climate-controlled processing and holding areas, including over 10,000 square feet of refrigerated space, the facility will be the first of its kind in the state.

In addition to increasing Lowcountry Oyster Co.’s production from 5,000 oysters to 20,000 oysters an hour, the new facility can also serve other seafood producers and buyers.

“This expansion will allow us to reach more oyster lovers than ever before in the Southeast and beyond,” said Trey McMillan, Lowcountry Oyster Co. founder and owner. “Giving back to the community has always been important to us as a company, so we are excited about bringing economic opportunity to this area.”

The project is supported in part by a grant from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Growing Agribusiness Fund, which was created in 2023 to increase the capacity of companies in South Carolina engaged in the processing, packaging, manufacturing, distribution, storage, and transportation of agricultural products.

“Lowcountry Oyster Co. is a true South Carolina agribusiness success story,” said South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. “I’m thrilled that their continuing success will benefit rural South Carolina and our seafood industry as a whole.”

The project was also supported by Colleton County and the SouthernCarolina Alliance.

“Colleton County salutes Lowcountry Oyster Company for their commitment to grow their seafood production operations in our community, and we are proud of both the fine workforce and the beautiful Lowcountry landscape that work together to bring their oysters and other seafood to market,” said Steve Murdaugh, Chairman of Colleton County Council. “We are grateful for the 30 full-time jobs that are being created, and we look forward to working with the LowCo team to expand their opportunities in Colleton County for years to come.”

“Congratulations to Colleton County on the announcement of new jobs and additional investment by Lowcountry Oyster Company!” said Marty Sauls, chairman of SouthernCarolina Alliance. “SouthernCarolina Alliance appreciates the 30 new jobs created by Lowcountry Oyster Company’s expanded oyster production and seafood crossdocking facility, as every good job provides an opportunity for a family in our region. We extend our gratitude to the company for investing in our community and our people and to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture for supporting SouthernCarolina Alliance’s thriving agribusiness sector. We look forward to working with the Lowcountry Oyster Co. team and enjoying their delicious products in the years to come.” –

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To view more news releases from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, visit agriculture.sc.gov/category/press-releases.