A Sumter business owner is seeking approval to develop a manufacturing site on two acres of land at 1560 S Guignard Pkwy, but the proposal is facing opposition from nearby residents who live adjacent to the property.

Raymond Smith, owner of Mobile Audio Network, is requesting that Sumter County Council rezone the land from agricultural to heavy industrial so he can expand his operations and bring manufacturing to the site. Smith’s company currently installs high-end car audio systems and produces its own line of products overseas. He says the proposed facility would allow him to shift that manufacturing locally.

“It’s going to require additional machinery, extra materials, manufacturing equipment, and extra labor,” Smith said.

The property is located next to longtime homeowners. During

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