Council approves fee-in-lieu agreement for Camden Copper (formerly Denki site); new U.S.-owned operator pledges investment and jobs

Kershaw County Council on April 22 unanimously approved a resolution and related fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILO) paperwork connected to the sale and restart of the former Denki (Denkai) America facility in Camden. The vote clears local approvals tied to a privately led purchase and the incoming operator’s planned operations.

Economic development administrator Jeff Burgess introduced Adam Johnson (CEO) and Colonel Wesley Spurlock (COO) of PMC, the group acquiring the assets and relaunching the facility under the Camden Copper name. Burgess said Denkai had invested roughly $30 million in the site and the county previously negotiated a $14 million FILO in connection with an expansion. The incoming operator told council its plan is to continue producing copper foil at the site under American ownership and to preserve local jobs, with an anticipated workforce of about 50 people.

Council discussed the FILO’s term and structure in general terms during the meeting. Burgess explained the FILO tied to the prior ownership was a 20-year agreement; the newly proposed documents would place the new sponsor (Camden Copper/PMC) into the position of the prior sponsor to maintain the investment terms attached to the project. Council members welcomed the buyers and encouraged them to work with county staff and local leadership; several council members thanked Burgess for facilitating the transition.

The resolution and associated FILO documents passed unanimously. Burgess and company representatives said an official public announcement and broader unveiling would occur the following day.