MARLBORO COUNTY -- 5-STAR USA, a venture capital start-up, is bringing a manufacturing campus to Marlboro County. It will provide more than 1,000 jobs over the next five years. 

"We chose Marlboro County first and foremost because of the people and our very warm reception, and because of the positive business climate evidenced by recent economic development projects in the county," said 5-STAR USA Board Chairwoman Dr. Darlene M. Andert in a press release.

The company will build a campus on Maple Street in Bennettsville. It then hopes to lure businesses to set up on its campus.

ECAPS Corp., a manufacturer of "green" building materials, will be the first on the campus. ECAPS plans to invest at least $3.4 million and expects to generate at least 150 jobs over the next five years, with the potential of more jobs and investment added during that time.

The 5-STAR USA campus will be made up of the ECAPS facility. It also plans to renovate the former BORO facility. When its done, the 5-STAR USA campus will encompass 167,000 square feet of five existing structures. The campus will be made up of administrative offices, manufacturing plants, a technical library and more.

The campus will provide companies there with services such as health care, a fitness center, child day care and after school support for single parents. S.C. Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said, "5-STAR is a unique and innovative concept. Their decision to locate here shows South Carolina's business climate provides solid ground for innovative companies."

For more information about 5-STAR USA, please visit www.5-starusa.com.