CHARLESTON — A southern California-based manufacturer of water-filtration systems plans to create more than 230 jobs in Colleton County as it sets up shop on the East Coast.

The S.C. Commerce Department announced Oct. 21 that QMP Inc . will invest $5.1 million in the cross-country expansion.

The family-owned company has purchased a 22,000-square-foot industrial building on 5.1 acres at 153 Anderson Road a few miles from downtown Walterboro “to support increased production capacity and faster distribution to East Coast customers,” according to an written statement from the state.

The $850,000 sale from Illinois Tool Works was finalized in August, county real estate records show.

QMP expected to begin operations in January. Hiring is underway.

Formed in 1994, QMP is headquartered in

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