A global leader in pipe and pipe tobacco is based and Horry County. And it’s about to expand

Laudisi Enterprises, a global leader of pipes and pipe tobacco, is planning a $3.7 million facility upgrade, retaining 112 jobs as part of the venture, according to county documents.

A company representative was not immediately available for comment but CEO Sykes Wilford said during a 2018 expansion his company is “deeply committed” to remaining in Horry County. A 20-year property tax break could be on the way this spring to aid in its growth.

In 2005, Wilford opened Low Country Pipe and Cigar in Little River. Seven years later, Italy-based pipe manufacturer Savinelli asked Laudisi to become its sole domestic distributor.

Sykes’ company in 2014 merged with Cornell & Diehl, a North Carolina tobacco manufacturer.

Laudisi Enterprises continues to experience growth, moving to new and larger buildings on a regular basis and adding employees at a pace that some might consider dizzying,” the company says on its website. “Pipe smokers are out there, they’re enthusiastic, and Laudisi continues to be better and better every year, acting as a dependable conduit for pipe consumers to achieve their goals.”