OREANDA-NEWS. Duke Energy Carolinas has chosen a 48-acre site near Anderson, S.C., to participate in the utility's 2013 Site Readiness Program to prepare the location for potential industrial development.

Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program is designed to help communities served by the utility compete for new companies and jobs.

"We are thrilled that Duke Energy has picked this location for the Site Readiness Program. It puts this area on a fast track for marketing," said Burriss Nelson, president and CEO of the Anderson Economic Development Corporation.

The Coleman site in Anderson has direct access to Interstate 85 and is near the Georgia state line.

As part of the four-month assessment, Duke Energy has hired McCallum Sweeney, a nationally known consulting firm, to conduct a site study. McCallum Sweeney has been instrumental in many high-profile industrial locations and expansions.

Duke Energy will work with professional land-use planners to develop conceptual plans for the site. Duke Energy, McCallum Sweeney and the planners will present recommendations in a final report to Anderson County leaders.

"There are many factors that influence manufacturing companies considering a site location. Low-cost electric service and access to transportation infrastructure are always at the top of that list," said Steve West, Duke Energy's economic development manager for Anderson County.

After the site's state of readiness has advanced, Duke Energy's Business Development Team will actively market the site nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.

Duke Energy's economic development team forges strategic relationships with prospective industries nationally and globally.

"Our approach to economic development is unique to the utility business. Not only are we involved in getting a site shovel-ready, we also have industry recruiters travel nationwide to bring new industries to these locations," said Stu Heishman, Duke Energy's vice president of economic development.

More than 35 counties submitted applications for Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program in North Carolina and South Carolina.

The Anderson County site was one of eight South Carolina sites chosen by the utility.