At the age of 19 Albert Weber started his business in the former hen-house of his father’s farm. The first products were complex turning parts for MTU – former Maybach Motorenbau – and the transmission company ZF. This was the starting point of a development that led the company to the cutting edge of the automotive supply industry.  In 1976, Weber was able to take over the company Kyburz KG, where he learned his profession; Manufacturing of special purpose machines, special fixtures, prototypes and complex cubic parts as well as cylinder blocks.  By the 1980's Weber became prime manufacturer of engine parts for VW and moving forward into the 90's, for Audi and Chrysler.  Today, Albert Weber has many divisions of his original company, one of which is the US based Weber USA.

Weber currently owns a manufacturing plant in Summerville, S.C. and also owns approximately 1800 acres of undeveloped land in a tract called Ingleside Plantation near near Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 78 in North Charleston, SC.

Weber has partnered with The Weiser Companies, a South Carolina development firm, to initially develop about 300 acres of its approximately 1,800 acres.

The first phase of development calls for 1.12 million square feet of retail, office, hotel and residential space along a new road called Future Drive that will extend off U.S. 78, near where it meets I-26.

No leases have been signed for any of the space, but construction on roads and utilities could start in about seven months on the first 110-acre parcel, said Eric Meyer, president of Weber USA, the real estate arm of Weber Automotive.

The initial phase will cost about $250 million, and the first buildings, most likely restaurants and hotels, will not be completed for at least two years, said Meyer and Richard Weiser, whose Weiser Cos. is a partner in the deal.

The second phase would include 2.5 million square feet of retail, office, hotel and residential space and sit near the eastern edge of the property near Colony North subdivision. It would not be developed until the first tract is nearly built out.

“Here in Charleston we own a hidden jewel,” Weber, a German auto parts magnate, said through an interpreter. “We are convinced it is time to release the hidden jewel and make its best use for the public.”