The History of Phoenix

by Robert Hurst

In 1966, a separate company, Phoenix Southern Washer & Gasket was incorporated in Bamberg, South Carolina to increase production and improve our competitive position in manufacturing standard, stainless steel washers for the distributor trade. Mr. Robert Hurst, Sr. chose Bamberg because of his great friendship with Ziggy Hartzog. They served together during WW 11 aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific and continued visiting each other after the War. Ziggy & "Barg" were the best of friends and Bamberg became a special place for Mr. Hurst. The initial building was 14,000 square feet and is the main room where visitors enter the factory. Initially there was a small machine shop servicing 15 automatic presses. In 1976, Phoenix relocated all manufacturing to Bamberg, South Carolina.

© 2003 by The Historic Society of Bamberg County, Inc.
An original publication, 2003 The Reprint Company, Publishers, All rights reserved.
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