BAMBERG, S.C. - One South Carolina town hopes a company's expansion will help ease its high unemployment rate. Bamberg has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state at 17 percent.

Rockland Industries says a grant from South Carolina closed the deal for the company to close down its headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland and expand in Bamberg.

The move will bring at least 30 new jobs to the area. These jobs are just one of several new prospects city leaders are excited about.

"I'm just as excited as can be. Do you want to see me jump up and down?" Mayor Alton McCollum, Bamberg.

It's news that the small and empty downtown of Bamberg has been waiting to hear. Rockland Industries, one of the main employment sources, is not only staying in Bamberg, but the company is expanding.

“It means hopes and dreams for employment,” said Alzena Robinson, Bamberg County Council.

"We're committed to this area. 30 jobs are a lot for our area. We hope that's just the beginning. Once the economy gets better, we want to hire more," Mark Berman, Rockland Industries.

News of more jobs doesn't excite one life long resident of Bamberg.

"Ninety percent of the jobs are minimum wage. There is no way people can make a living on seven or eight dollars an hour,” said Larry Sanders, Bamberg.

Larry Sanders says the empty buildings along Main Street keep the city and its people from thriving. But city leaders say hope is just around the corner.

“We keep the city clean and we are modernizing downtown to bring more businesses,” said McCollum.

If one comes, others will come if I build a dream, other dreams will come. I truly believe that," said Robinson.

Rockland Industries is expected to finish renovations and building in the next ninety days. Then they'll start hiring. Most of the jobs are factory positions, but there are some supervisor positions that will also open.

The good news for Bamberg doesn't stop there. The Mayor tells NBC Augusta 26 News he's been working with a developer who's already bought 14 of the downtown businesses.

If you are interested in applying for a position at Rockland Industries, call (803) 245-2486.

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