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Columbia Business Monthly

The Business Narrative: Lease Agreement

Sep 22, 2022 04:54PM ● By David Dykes

Sonoco ThermoSafe, American Airlines Sign Global Master Lease Agreement

Sonoco ThermoSafe, a unit of Hartsville, S.C.-based Sonoco (NYSE:SON), one of the largest global providers of temperature assurance packaging, and American Airlines Cargo, an airline partner in transporting high-value, time and temperature sensitive shipments, announced a global partnership lease agreement for the new Pegasus ULD passive temperature-controlled bulk shipping container.

The Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Pegasus ULD will join the carrier’s fleet of container products in the coming months.

With a focus on sustainability, Sonoco officials say the Pegasus ULD is engineered with composite materials, offering a lighter solution that is also substantially more damage-resistant than traditional metal containers.

The Pegasus is also the world’s first FAA and EASA-approved advanced passive bulk temperature-controlled ULD container for pharmaceutical use, outfitted with real-time tracking and temperature-measuring capabilities.

“We are delighted to partner with American Airlines Cargo and add Sonoco ThermoSafe products to their ExpediteTC temperature-controlled product solution. Combined with American’s expert care and handling, customers will feel assured their shipments will arrive as promised when using our new temperature-controlled passive container,” said Bourji Mourad, who heads Logistics and Partner Management for Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Bulk Rental Group.

American Airlines Cargo has a long history of transporting life sciences and healthcare shipments, including biologics, vaccines, and other time-critical medical cargo – many of which require temperature-sensitive shipping and handling.

“We look forward to welcoming Sonoco ThermoSafe products to our portfolio in the coming months. We believe this global partnership will further strengthen our industry-certified cold-chain network and offer customers looking to transport temperature-sensitive shipments a new solution,” said Brian Hodges, Head of Customer Insights and Products at American Airlines Cargo.

Sonoco’s temperature assurance packaging is designed for the safe and efficient transport of pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products.


M.G.S., LLC Expanding Operations in Richland County

M.G.S., LLC, a military procurement company, announced plans to expand in Richland County.

The company’s $3 million investment will create 12 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce

Based in the United States, M.G.S., LLC is an international procurement and distribution company that assists the government in the acquisition of police and military equipment and services.

The company offers several products and services including ammunition and components, law enforcement and security, weapon systems and more.

Located at 213 Dawson Road in Columbia, M.G.S., LLC’s expansion includes the construction of a new facility that will accommodate additional office and warehousing space. 

The expansion is expected to be online by April 2023.


Anderson University’s Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute Receives Wells Fargo Grant

Wells Fargo presented a $25,000 grant to the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina (FEISC) at Anderson University to develop programs aimed at helping family owned businesses and enterprises succeed.

Family owned businesses and enterprises are the backbone of the American economy, accounting for 64 percent of U.S. gross domestic product and generate 62 percent of the nation’s employment.

At the same time, disparities exist when it comes to businesses owned and operated by women and minorities.

Funds from the Wells Fargo Foundation grant will go towards launching a program to recruit and provide scholarships to businesses owned by women or minorities to become members of the FEISC.

The funds will also support participation in a one-year affinity group designed exclusively for small businesses owned by women or minorities that are members of the FEISC.

Brad Bechtold, executive director of the FEISC, points out challenges that still face many women- and/or minority-owned, small family businesses.

One big challenge is access to capital and support resources that are essential to long-term success and sustainability of a business.

“One of the strategic goals of the FEISC is to increase the percentage of women- and minority-owned small family businesses in South Carolina and to help them to be successful and have a plan for business continuity,” Bechtold said.

Through its philanthropic efforts, Wells Fargo provides a full array of services to private and family foundations across the country, including grant-making support.

If you are a woman and/or minority small business owner in South Carolina, contact Brad Bechtold at 864-346-0405, or by email at [email protected] and/or submit an application for grant funding online.


The Most Popular Autumn Crops

New research has revealed the fall crop that each American state wants to learn how to grow with garlic being the most popular.

 Garlic is the most popular fall crop in America with 12 states searching how to grow them more than any other fall crop. The states include Delaware, Wyoming, New York and Hawaii.

 Broccoli is the second most popular fall crop with eight states searching for how to grow it. The states include Michigan, California, Georgia and West Virginia.

 Onions are the third most popular fall crop to grow in America.

And South Carolina? Cabbage proved the most popular fall crop in the state. 

The research conducted by gardening experts AllAboutGardening.com analyzed Google Trends data to establish the fall crop that has highest search volume for ‘how to grow’ it in each American state in the past five years.


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