SUMTER, S.C. –SAFE Federal Credit Union celebrated the start of construction on its new operations building here. The 36,000-square-foot structure is being built across the street from SAFE’s headquarters on West Wesmark Boulevard. With the addition of this facility, SAFE said it will double the square footage of their operations space.
“We have outgrown our space for the second time in 12 years. That is a very good problem to have,” said SAFE FCU President and CEO Darrell Merkel. “As our membership and our footprint in the community continue to grow, this new facility will allow for unimpeded back office support growth to continue elevating the service we provide our members.”
Anticipated construction time is about 13 months on the facility being built by M.B. Kahn Construction Company and designed by Design Collaborative. The building will house a large portion of SAFE FCU’s non-branch operations with ample space for growth and cutting edge technology. All staff who conduct face-to-face member or vendor service will move to the new facility, while the remaining support staff will continue to work from the current operations building, SAFE said.
Local dignitaries who attended the ground breaking include Sumter City Manager Deron McCormick and Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Chris Hardy. Representing SAFE FCU at the ground breaking were: President and CEO Darrell Merkel; EVP Michael Baker; Board Chair Kay Oldhouser Davis; Board Vice Chair Ken PriVette; Board Secretary Helga Hamlin; Board Director Paul Hilton and Supervisory Committee Member William Strickland.