PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WBTW) – Technology firm Mercom Corporation is investing almost $6 million and expanding existing operations in Georgetown County. The company is expected to create 152 new jobs with hiring projected to begin in fourth quarter of 2016.

The announcement comes less than a year after the Georgetown Steel Mill stop production cutting more than 200 jobs.

“This announcement marks really a transition for Georgetown County. As tough as the closure of the Steel Mill was. The addition of these job, completely different jobs, completely different skill-sets,” Economic Director Brian Tucker said.

Mercom will be construct a new 20,000 square foot building across the street from its existing complex, which is located at 313 Commerce Drive in Pawleys Island, SC.

“I mean it’s a business reason so it’s part of the growth, the federal government is the largest customer in the world. Quality of life is the most important part of our business and work life balance for our employees is critical,” Mercom CEO and President Stella Mercado said.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $400,000 grant to assist with the costs of real property improvements and job development credits related to the project. The grant is to be used for property acquisition and improvements.

The project will be part of a bigger plan for a technology park in Georgetown County.

“Well I do believe that it helps us make our mark. It helps us show folks on the outside that this is the type of community we want to be. We want to be able to recruit jobs into the community,” Tucker said.

The estimated completion date of the project is 2020.