Milo's Tea Company, a 76-year-old Alabama-based national beverage company, announced it will invest over $130 million initially to build a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Spartanburg County, S.C.

In the beginning, the new facility will bring more than 100 jobs to the area, company officials said. The new investment is a direct response to the growth of the Milo's brand, the officials said.

Milo's expects to break ground by mid-March 2023 and start production of its tea and lemonade in fall 2024.

After a multi-year site selection process, the company chose the 48-acre campus at the corner of U.S. Highway 290 and U.S. Highway 221 in Moore, S.C. 

The 110,000 square-foot facility will be the fourth production plant for the company.  Milo's other manufacturing facilities are located in the Tulsa, Okla., and Bessemer and Homewood, Ala.

Company officials said the move to South Carolina supports the company's goal of expanding its production of all-natural teas and beverages. Milo's also plans on adding additional lines of production over the coming years.  

"South Carolina was the optimal location to efficiently serve our customers up and down the east coast. Like our selection journey for our Oklahoma facility, we immediately felt at home in the Spartanburg area as we received a warm welcome from state and local community partners," CEO Tricia Wallwork said.

"South Carolina and Spartanburg County in particular proved to be the right ecosystem to help us advance our People First culture by offering an excellent standard of living for our associates and robust workforce development resources to drive economic prosperity not only for our people but also for the region." 

Milo's said it was diligent to ensure the region’s water quality could match its consistent taste and quality, sending multiple tanker trucks of water to its Bessemer plant to validate flavor consistency. 

Most of the common errors taxpayers make on their tax returns are easily avoidable, the Internal Revenue Service says.

By carefully reviewing their return, taxpayers can save time and effort by not having to correct it later, IRS officials say. Filing electronically also helps prevent mistakes. Tax software does the math, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. It can also help taxpayers claim valuable credits and deductions.

Taxpayers who qualify may use IRS Free File to file their return electronically for free.

Some mistakes to avoid, according to the IRS:

Filing too early. While taxpayers should not file late, they also should not file prematurely. They should wait to file until they’re certain they’ve received all their tax reporting documents, or they risk making a mistake that may lead to a processing delay.

Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers. Each SSN on a tax return should appear exactly as printed on the Social Security card.

Misspelled names. The names of all taxpayers and dependents listed on the return should match the names on their Social Security cards.

Inaccurate information. Taxpayers should carefully enter any wages, dividends, bank interest and other income they received to make sure they report the correct amounts. This includes any information taxpayers need to calculate credits and deductions.

Incorrect filing status. Some taxpayers choose the wrong filing status. Publication 501 has detailed information about filing statuses.

Math mistakes. Math errors are some of the most common mistakes. They range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex calculations. Taxpayers should always double check their math. Better yet, tax prep software will check it automatically.

Figuring credits or deductions. Taxpayers can make mistakes figuring things like their earned income tax credit, child and dependent care credit and child tax credit. Tax software will calculate these credits and deductions and include any required forms and schedules.

Incorrect bank account numbers. Taxpayers who are due a refund should choose direct deposit. This is the fastest way for them to get their money. However, taxpayers need to make sure they use the correct routing and account numbers on their tax return.

Unsigned forms. An unsigned tax return isn't valid. In most cases, both spouses must sign a joint return. Exceptions may apply for members of the armed forces or other taxpayers who have a valid power of attorney.

Disreputable tax preparers. Taxpayers should remember they, not the tax preparer, are responsible for the information on their tax return. The IRS has resources to help taxpayers find someone to prepare their tax return.

Some taxpayers may even be able to get free help from IRS-certified volunteers. Certified public accountants, enrolled agents or other tax professionals can also help taxpayers avoid errors.

Fifth District Survey of Manufacturing Activity

Manufacturing firms in the Fifth District, which includes South Carolina, reported deterioration in business conditions in January, according to the most recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

The composite manufacturing index fell noticeably into negative territory, decreasing from 1 in December to −11 in January. Each of its three component indexes: shipments, new orders, and employment declined.

Alongside a slightly negative employment index, the wage index increased from 37 to 41 in January.

The local business conditions index also decreased, moving further into negative territory with a reading of −13 in January. Although the local business conditions expectations index rose slightly from December, firms generally reported pessimism about conditions over the next six months.

January survey results indicated continued easing of supply chain constraints. The index for order backlogs retreated further into negative territory, indicating that businesses continued to see declining backlogs. Meanwhile, the index for vendor lead time also remained well below 0, suggesting a continued decline in lead times.

The average growth rates of both prices paid and prices received decreased in January. Expectations for both price growth measures over the next 12 months also decreased to a level much lower than last year.

Elsewhere, Fifth District service sector activity improved slightly but remained soft in January, according to the most recent survey by the Richmond Fed.

The revenues and demand indexes both rose in December. Firms' expectations for revenues and demand over the next six months also improved somewhat in January.

Similarly, firms' assessments of current and anticipated local business conditions improved slightly but remained low.

Most firms reported continued spending in capital, equipment/ software, and services, but the share of firms increasing capital and equipment/software spending decreased from last month.

A larger share of firms reported increased hiring in January. Nonetheless, firms' ability to find workers with the necessary skills saw little improvement. Firms continued to increase wages and expect further wage increases in the near term.

Average growth in prices paid increased slightly in January, while growth in prices received decreased somewhat. Firms expect both to moderate over the coming year.

Allow us to tell your company's Business Narrative. Send your press release to David Dykes or for more information email ddykes@intmedpub.com