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The new Economic Development Director brings global trade experience and a world of contacts

Brian Fulk
Brian Fulk, Economic Development Director, Lancaster County, SC

Brian Fulk sees a lot of potential for Lancaster County and is looking forward to building on the considerable success the county already has seen in recent years as one of the fastest-growing areas in South Carolina.

Fulk took the reins as the county’s Economic Development Director in October, bringing with him more than three decades of international and domestic trade and business development experience. He’s relocated from Richmond, where he was principal consultant for The Fulk Group, specializing in economic development and trade finance advising.

He also had been senior vice president for business development with the Greater Richmond Partnership. Before that, he spent more than 30 years with Wells Fargo and Wachovia Bank in trade financing and business development roles in England, Brazil, and Switzerland.  

Here Fulk shares his ideas and vision for Lancaster County:


Q. What made the Lancaster County Economic Development Director role an attractive opportunity for you?

Brian Fulk: My career plan was always to find an economic development leadership opportunity, preferably in a largely rural location, in order to give back to the community. Lancaster County offered the perfect opportunity. The county has so many things going for it and has already found success in attracting new corporations to the area.


Q. You have extensive international finance and trade experience as well as economic development experience in Virginia. How will that help you in your new role with Lancaster County?

Brian Fulk: I plan to use my international prospecting experience and worldwide contacts to elevate Lancaster County on the world stage as a great place to locate a new manufacturing facility or office. For example, while demand for new headquarters buildings may not be as strong in the U.S. today versus five years ago (given the work-from-home phenomenon), many overseas corporations are still likely to want a central U.S. headquarters operation with employees located on-site.

Founders Federal Credit Union Headquarters in Lancaster County SC

Q. What are your immediate and long-term goals for Lancaster County?

Brian Fulk: My immediate goal is to meet with all of our stakeholders and listen carefully to understand the desires and concerns of the community. Longer term, I hope to work with community leaders, the region, and with the South Carolina Department of Commerce to bring Lancaster a number of right-fitting companies to offer new and interesting employment opportunities, as well as to build a solid and diverse tax base for the county.


What is your vision for Lancaster County and what can you and your department do to fulfill that vision?

Brian Fulk:  I would like to see Lancaster known worldwide as a pro-business and welcoming area for new companies, and for companies already here looking to expand. I want to do my part to improve the economic livelihood of all citizens. Good-paying jobs are key to achieving this. Ideally, I would like to see Lancaster known as an innovation hub, helping to support new technologies.

My vision also includes, importantly, providing access to various resources for start-up companies, entrepreneurs, and those wishing to export their products abroad. We want to do our part to keep and attract talented individuals by helping to provide the resources, to include working space, they need.

Compucom Lancaster County SC

Q. What are the county’s strengths right now in terms of attractiveness to new and expanding industries?

Brian Fulk: Lancaster County is fortunate to have several successful industry clusters. These will continue to expand and create job opportunities in future years. Healthcare and Biomedical, Finance and Professional Services, Advanced Manufacturing (including Metalworking, Textiles and Advanced Fibers), Mining and Agricultural Solutions are thriving here now.

We’re also well-positioned to attract new industries. For example, we have seen recent interest from the Electric (or alternative energy) Vehicle space, especially those supplying the larger OEM manufacturers.

Here is a list of some of Lancaster County’s strengths as I see them today.

  1. First, its citizens. Lancaster is a welcoming community and almost everyone I have met shares a vision to see the county prosper and grow in a balanced way without overtaxing our infrastructure. Having nearly 100,000 county residents of all ages promoting Lancaster as a good place to live, learn, work and play is a nice, large salesforce to have.
  2. Highway and air service. Lancaster County is located close to major interstate highways. A company located and producing here can reach over 45% of the U.S. population within a day’s truck drive. Lancaster County also has superior air service with the local executive airfield (and nearby Air-Rail Park) and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport less than an hour away. 
  3. Rail access. For those importing or exporting, rail access is often essential. Lancaster provides access to two major service providers, CSX and Norfolk Southern.
  4. Workforce and training. Unlike many rural areas, Lancaster County can easily draw employees from the Charlotte area. We have access to a talented workforce. I’ve met with local educators who are very willing to help with specialized training for new companies coming here. Of course, we’re also fortunate to have some successful existing workforce programs and supporters, including readySC™.
  5. Land prices and leasing costs. Those two key factors are lower here than in many areas of the country and this will continue to keep us on the radar for companies looking for a new location.
  6. High quality of life. Lancaster County offers access to a vast array of cultural and sports activities, and to many great eating establishments. One can golf, play tennis, ride a bike, ride a horse, or walk on a trail. Add to this some of the state’s top schools, and you have a great place to live, learn, work, and play.
Red Ventures World Headquarters in Lancaster County SC

Q. What do you see as the greatest economic development opportunities for the county and how do you foresee you and your department leveraging those opportunities?

Brian Fulk: There’s always room to improve. For example, I would like to see us enhance our tourism/visitor activities. We have a lot to offer in the area and we need to broadcast this fact. We have the largest commercial gold mine on the East Coast. There is soon to be a state-of-the-art whitewater center going in nearby on the Catawba River.

Also, the City of Lancaster has enormous potential as a destination. We may be lacking some basics now, but these will come as our collective visions are realized. I can imagine a day when people drive from outside the state to stay at a nice hotel, eat a world-class meal on Main Street or nearby, and stroll the downtown area for shopping and cultural entertainment. This will happen … I just want to do my part to help speed up the process.

As for our greatest challenge, we need to determine as a community how we want to grow in the future. We need to have the infrastructure for this growth. This includes adequate water and sewer capacity, as well as roads able to handle increasing traffic. It also includes having schools with space available for new students.

From my perspective, we also need more “on-site” utilities at our several industrial parks to accommodate the industrial growth we expect to attract. Supply chain and other issues now require as much as 24 months or more to bring services to our sites.


Q. How does participation in the S.C. I-77 Alliance bolster your economic development efforts and what does Lancaster County’s participation add to the whole?

Brian Fulk: Lancaster County is a member and financial supporter of both the S.C. I-77 Alliance and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. These organizations help by marketing the region through various means, to include the organization of prospecting trips. We are stronger together, and I believe a win for one county or city is eventually a win for all. 

Nutramax Labs in Lancaster County SC

As the saying goes, we live in interesting times. While change is a constant, the kind of change certainly is not. The unique mix of rising interest rates and inflation, supply change disruption, and pandemic recovery creates unprecedented challenges for private and public stakeholders alike in the realm of economic recruitment and development.

Yet where lies challenges opportunity emerges, and those who respond quickly with smart strategies will lay the groundwork for long-term success for those companies and communities that are relying on them to create a prosperous future.

Of course, no company or county is an island, and collaboration among private and public players has been and continues to be a critical part of success in this arena. So is data, the kind that helps inform both those communicating the attributes of a community and those who need to understand the potential the community offers their expanding or relocating enterprises.

The South Carolina I-77 Alliance offers the mix of analytics and people needed to help attract capital investment and high-quality manufacturing, distribution, and office jobs to the five-county corridor between Charlotte and Columbia.

A Staff of Two, A Team of Dozens

We’re a staff of two – President/CEO Steven Pearce and Christopher Finn, our Director of Research & Marketing – however, we’re in fact a much larger team, with an impressive board and a growing list of partners contributing their expertise from such roles as energy, manufacturing, and bank executives, attorneys, private and public engineers, landowners and infrastructure providers, and government and education leaders.

Steven Pearce - I77 Alliance
Steven Pearce
Chris Finn - I77 Alliance
Chris Finn

Together, we’re executing a multi-faceted strategy to elevate the corridor’s visibility and reputation as a premier place to do business. This year, that includes growing our Alliance-sourced and external leads by 15% and 10% respectively while simultaneously growing online engagement and interaction by 10%.

Site-selection consultant visits also are a priority, and we keep our Economic Data Center – a dynamic database of key demographic and site availability information – as current as possible. Importantly, too, we’ll continue to build on incorporating the experience and commitment of our region’s business community into the recruitment effort.

A Whole Greater Than Its Parts

I-77 Alliance 11 Hour Drive Time

York, Lancaster, Chester, Fairfield, and Richland counties already are enjoying an impressive run of new projects and expansions by international and domestic firms alike, companies from across the industrial spectrum who recognize the area’s ideal mix of location, logistics, workforce, and living options from urban to suburban to rural.

We encourage you to consider joining the effort. The Alliance offers four levels of direct investor opportunity, with a list of benefits that grows with the financial commitment. Your participation helps ensure that rather than duplicating marketing efforts, we build on a synergy – a whole greater than its parts – that already has produced notable progress and the expectation of much more in the years ahead.

Check out our 2021-2022 annual plan here. Contact us to find out more about investing in the Alliance and the economic future of South Carolina’s I-77 Corridor. Together we can leverage those opportunities as together we invest locally and compete globally.

What a difference a decade can make. When the Great Recession hit, Lancaster County was already reeling from the loss of Springs Industries and its thousands of textile jobs that had sustained generations of local families.

Unemployment skyrocketed and income levels dropped to among the lowest in the state. “We had become a poster child for what can happen to communities overly dependent on one industry or employer,” says county Economic Development Director Jamie Gilbert. “Lancaster County was so distressed that Forbes called us ‘the most vulnerable community in America.’”

A decade later, Lancaster County is enjoying an economic boom that has seen its economy diversify across multiple industries while also becoming one of the premier office markets in the booming Charlotte region.

Movement Mortgage Headquarters in Lancaster

Gilbert says that boom began when county leaders began actively leveraging their ideal location — a mix of rural, small town and suburban — to aggressively recruit corporate offices to the northern end of the county, comprising the Fort Mill and Indian Land communities just south of Charlotte.

Digital marketing leader Red Ventures, Sharonview Federal Credit Union and Continental Tire of the Americas paved the way in 2010, followed soon by other corporate brand names such as CompuCom, Honeywell, Movement Mortgage and ServiceMac.

White- and Blue-Collar Growth

There now are more than 6,400 employees in the professional & business service sectors in Lancaster County, primarily clustered in the county’s northern panhandle, a number expected to grow by 50 percent over the next several years. That white-collar explosion is occurring alongside the renaissance of goods-producing sectors in the county, a cluster of industries that has nearly doubled employment since cratering in 2010, now employing almost 4,700 people in Lancaster County.

“Lancaster County’s heart and soul has always been manufacturing and since 2010 we’ve attracted a number of new firms that have played a major role in reshaping our economy,” Gilbert says. They range from animal health products maker Nutramax Laboratories to Fab Fours, a maker of premium bumpers and truck accessories. Textiles also remain a player, including Keer America, a spinning mill that plays a key role in the cotton yarn supply chain. In the southern end of the county, there’s even a new gold mine, operated by OceanaGold.

The numbers also tell the story. Since 2012, Lancaster County has facilitated 59 new and expanding industrial projects that represent a $1.52 billion investment and nearly 11,200 expected jobs. In the past year alone, the county ranked first in the Palmetto State for new jobs, sixth for announced new investments (excluding solar farms), and second for announced new jobs and investment combined.

“Per capita income is now third-highest in the state and we’ve moved from being a tier four county to tier two. Smart Asset has just ranked us as the third-best county in South Carolina for new investment,” Gilbert says. “To call it remarkable is an understatement.”

More People, Places, Possibilities

Commercial, retail and residential growth has accompanied that manufacturing and office expansion. The county’s population was 76,972 in 2010. It’s expected to surpass 100,000 in 2020. That makes Lancaster County the second-fastest growing county in the state (behind only Horry County/Myrtle Beach on the coast) and the 32nd fastest in the country among counties with populations of more than 10,000.

“Our growth boom has brought new shopping centers, service businesses, restaurants, subdivisions and apartments that support the needs of our residents and businesses. This keeps spending local and generates additional tax revenue for our schools and county services,” Gilbert says.

Red Ventures World Headquarters

The development of new areas and redevelopment of the town of Lancaster aims to attract both knowledge and trade workers, which are so crucial to companies facing a tight labor market and national competition for talented people who have a lot of options.

Along with smoothing the way for multiple infrastructure, industrial/office/commercial and residential lifestyle projects, county leaders are working closely with companies and local institutions of higher learning to close the loop on all that’s needed to ensure Lancaster County remains a compelling choice for those looking to choose a new home for their enterprise of the future.

Investing in the South Carolina I-77 Alliance is more than just a financial decision—it’s a strategic move that can benefit any business looking to establish or expand its footprint in a rapidly growing region.

The Alliance, a county-driven, non-profit economic development organization, is dedicated to promoting and positioning five counties – Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Richland, and York – as world-class business locations.

Investing in that makes sense for Chuck Whipple, Vice President and Director of Business Development for ECS Southeast, LLC. Whipple has been with the company for the past few years, contributing to its growth as a nationwide geotechnical, construction materials, environmental, and facilities engineering consulting firm with a clientele from coast to coast. The Columbia, SC, and Charlotte, NC offices serve the I-77 Alliance.

Whipple has nearly 40 years of economic development and finance experience in the Midlands, with previous stints with the S.C. Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA), Lexington County, and Midlands Technical College.

He sees investing in the Alliance as a powerful way for his company to join the boats lifting the tide created by the economic growth now surging from Columbia to Charlotte.

A Corridor of Opportunity at an Inflection Point

Whipple points to major developments, such as the E.& J. Gallo Winery production and shipping facility in Chester County and the ongoing construction of the Scout plant just north of Columbia.

Whipple sees the Scout plant as a particular inflection point, which will employ up to 4,000 people to produce electric pickup trucks and SUVs. “I think it’s comparable, in many aspects, to the impact BMW had on the Upstate beginning three decades ago,” he says. “Looking at what’s happening across the EV automotive sector and the potential over the next several decades, it’s clear where the activity will go.”

These developments are not isolated events; they are part of a broader trend of growth across the region, bringing with them a multitude of spin-offs and supply chain investments set to transform the corridor economy.

The Alliance’s aggressive marketing, branding, and data work helps bring new leads and activities to the five-county region, creating opportunities that far exceed what individual investors and counties could achieve on their own.

Sneak Previews and Positioning for Opportunities

“By being involved with the Alliance, we gain a sneak preview of corridors and markets they are targeting,” Whipple adds. “This allows us to participate in various aspects, including mission trips targeting these entities and positioning our company to take advantage of opportunities once they present themselves.”

ECS focuses on various aspects of development – including site assessments, material testing, and building life cycle evaluations – for pre- and post-construction projects. “As industrial parks and sites are being developed along the corridor, our involvement ensures ECS is strategically positioned to offer our services and expertise to companies looking to establish a presence in the Southeast,” Whipple says.

He also encourages others to get involved.

“Selfishly, I’d prefer not to have competition, but while competition can be challenging,” Whipple concludes, “it ultimately raises the standard for everyone, creating more opportunities for businesses like ours and others that provide essential services to the corridor. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats, and a thriving economic environment along I-77 means more projects and possibilities for all stakeholders.”

$5.5 million investment will create 33 new jobs

US Brick, a closely held manufacturer and direct supplier of residential and commercial brick, today announced it is expanding its Richland County operations. The company’s $5.5 million investment will create 33 new jobs.

To continue the legacy of “Born Here. Built Here,” US Brick will modernize its facility, located at 9931 Two Notch Road in Columbia, with a secondary kiln and manufacturing line, doubling capacity and strengthening its position as one of the leading clay brick manufacturers in the United States.

  • Founded as Carolina Ceramics in Columbia in 1939, the company became US Brick when it was acquired in 2020.
  • Now headquartered in Charleston, US Brick has the capacity to produce 350 million bricks annually across its manufacturing facilities in South Carolina, Alabama, Indiana and Tennessee.
  • Operations are being phased in and will be completely online by the end of 2025.
  • Individuals interested in joining the US Brick team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to expand our operations in Richland County and consider this a significant milestone for US Brick. As we phase in operations to be fully online in 2025, we remain committed to supporting our local community and are excited to build a brighter future together with the people of South Carolina.”

-US Brick LLC Columbia President Robert E. Coker

“Congratulations to US Brick on its $5.5 million investment in Richland County. The 33 jobs this expansion brings offer new opportunities to South Carolinians, and we look forward to partnering with this longstanding South Carolina company for years to come.”

-Gov. Henry McMaster

“With an 85-year legacy in South Carolina, US Brick serves as a prime example that companies can start, grow and thrive in South Carolina. We applaud the company’s commitment to our state and look forward to offering continued support throughout its business life cycle.”

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“US Brick’s roots run deep in Richland County, and county council is thrilled to be able to assist the company in its reinvestment efforts here. We are particularly excited because US Brick’s previous agreement with the county has benefited both of our entities immensely over the past 25 years. We look forward to their continued success.”

Senate President Thomas C. Alexander

“Schneider Electric has been operating in our community for over 30 years and is one of our most respected employers. We are thrilled and appreciative of their decision to invest in the Seneca plant. The expansion is a strong testament to the county’s outstanding business climate and talented manufacturing workforce. Companies like Schneider Electric are what make Oconee a top shelf for business location.”

-Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • US Brick is expanding its Richland County operations.
  • The company’s $5.5 million investment will create 33 new jobs.
  • US Brick is a closely held manufacturer and direct supplier of residential and commercial brick.
  • The company is located at 9931 Two Notch Road in Columbia, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the US Brick team should visit the company’s careers page.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998

kcoakley@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

$15.7 million investment will create 79 new jobs

Palmetto Corporation, a site development and construction company, today announced it is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Fairfield County. The company’s $15.7 million investment will create 79 new jobs.

Palmetto Corporation’s new, state-of-the-art asphalt plant located at 5471 State Highway 34 E. in Ridgeway will be the company’s seventh in South Carolina.

  • Founded in 1987, Palmetto Corporation is a family-owned company that delivers the materials, services and solutions needed for paving and site development.
  • The company has over 1,000 employees at its six, existing South Carolina plants in Bishopville, Conway, Florence, Greer, Lugoff and Orangeburg.
  • The new Fairfield County plant will produce asphalt for road construction, resurfacing and infrastructure development.
  • Operations are expected to be online in January 2025.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Palmetto Corporation team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“As a critical next step in our growth plan, we are thrilled to announce the establishment of our new asphalt plant in Fairfield County. This strategic location will enhance our ability to serve the local community, support regional infrastructure projects and attract top local talent. Our continued growth underscores the importance of strong partnerships and our commitment to providing top-quality construction services throughout South Carolina.”

-Palmetto Corporation Chief Growth Officer Eric Faulk

“Palmetto Corporation’s new operation, $15.7 million investment and 79 new jobs underscore the lasting success that is possible in South Carolina. This announcement is a tremendous win for Fairfield County, and we look forward to the impact it will have in the community.”

-Gov. Henry McMaster

“We are proud that Palmetto Corporation continues to do business in our state. The company’s decision to establish a seventh plant in South Carolina is another example of businesses finding success from launch to legacy, and we congratulate the company on this new Fairfield County operation.”

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“On behalf of the Fairfield County Council Chairman and council members, we would like to welcome Palmetto Corporation to Fairfield County. They will be a great asset to the Fairfield County community.”

Fairfield County Council Vice Chairman Clarence Gilbert

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Palmetto Corporation is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Fairfield County.
  • The company’s $15.7 million investment will create 79 new jobs.
  • Palmetto Corporation is a site development and construction company.
  • The company will be located at 5471 State Highway 34 E. in Ridgeway, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Palmetto Corporation team should visit the company’s careers page.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alex Clark
Deputy Director of Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

Combined investment of $23.8 million will create 280 new jobs

Schneider Electric, a leader in energy management and automation, today announced it is expanding operations in Oconee and Richland counties. The company’s combined investment of $23.8 million will create 280 new jobs throughout 2024. Schneider Electric is a global industrial technology leader, producing energy efficient and sustainability solutions for customers in 150 countries. A consortium member of The South Carolina Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), Schneider Electric is committed to supporting advanced energy generation, transmission, distribution and storage in South Carolina and advancing the clean energy transition nationwide.

The company’s Oconee County engineer-to-order facility, located at 1990 Sandifer Blvd. in Seneca, manufactures low-voltage motor control centers, panelboard box and trim, and lighting and PowerLink panelboards. The investment will include HVAC electrification and create 130 new jobs.

In Richland County, Schneider Electric will invest in its engineer-to-order facility, located at 8821 Garners Ferry Road in Hopkins, and add 150 new jobs. This operation manufactures NW breakers, low-voltage switchgear and switchboards.

Hiring for both facilities will take place throughout 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Schneider Electric team should visit the company’s Seneca careers page for Oconee County opportunities or the Columbia careers page for Richland County opportunities.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to both projects.

QUOTES

“As our economy becomes more digitized and electrified, Schneider Electric is spearheading this transformation through investments in a robust domestic supply chain of key technologies. By improving our factory efficiency and growing our talented South Carolina workforce, we’re further contributing to the revitalization of American manufacturing. Thank you to Governor McMaster and the many local leaders who have fostered a welcoming, innovative business environment and continue to be invaluable partners for Schneider Electric’s growth in the Palmetto State.””

-Schneider Electric President of North America Operations Aamir Paul

“As a result of our state’s skilled workforce and business-friendly environment, global leaders like Schneider Electric are finding success. We congratulate Schneider Electric on these expansions and look forward to the 280 new opportunities they will create in the Oconee and Richland communities.”

-Gov. Henry McMaster

“We are excited to witness the impact these investments have in Oconee and Richland counties and applaud Schneider Electric’s commitment to grid resilience in our state. SC NEXUS is poised to lead the advanced energy transition across the country, and we are proud to have Schneider Electric as a part of this effort.”

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Today’s expansion announcement by Schneider Electric in Oconee County is wonderful news. For nearly 40 years Schneider Electric has been an integral part of our community, and we look forward to them continuing to grow with us. This announcement, including 130 new jobs, again highlights the highly skilled knowledgeable workforce we have in Oconee County and the business-friendly climate that makes announcements like this possible.”

Senate President Thomas C. Alexander

“Schneider Electric has been operating in our community for over 30 years and is one of our most respected employers. We are thrilled and appreciative of their decision to invest in the Seneca plant. The expansion is a strong testament to the county’s outstanding business climate and talented manufacturing workforce. Companies like Schneider Electric are what make Oconee a top shelf for business location.”

-Oconee Economic Alliance President Jamie Gilbert

“Schneider Electric has a long history in Richland County and has become an integral part of our community. It is always exciting to hear that a successful company is expanding, but county council is especially thrilled to have an established business partner continuing to add to the impressive economic growth in Southeast Richland. We look forward to supporting Schneider Electric’s future success.”

Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Schneider Electric is expanding operations in Oconee and Richland counties.
  • The company’s combined investment of $23.8 million will create 280 new jobs.
  • Schneider Electric is a leader in energy management and automation.
  • The company is located at 1990 Sandifer Blvd. in Seneca, S.C. and 8821 Garners Ferry Road in Hopkins, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Schneider Electric team should visit the company’s Seneca careers page for Oconee County opportunities or the Columbia careers page for Richland County opportunities.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998

kcoakley@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

Successful economic development is multifaceted, requiring the alignment of various public and private interests. Successful alignment requires a team of players with specialized skills and critical resources for turning large industrial and commercial prospects into reality.

These players include utilities, railway companies, state and local officials, engineers, real estate and other professionals, and tying these all together: attorneys experienced in guiding these entities through dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s in these complex endeavors.

The I-77 Corridor itself significantly benefits from such experienced counsel in these matters, and so does the SC I-77 Alliance, which counts among its investors such prestigious partners as Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP in Columbia.

Edward Kluiters is co-chair of the Economic Development Practice Group at Nelson Mullins and for more than 30 years has worked closely with state and local economic development authorities and governments in advising businesses and industries on economic development incentives, real estate acquisition, leasing, and financing. His clients include a diverse collection of major companies such as Continental Tire, E.& J. Gallo, Mark Anthony Brewing, Roseburg Forest Products, and BOMAG.

Kluiters also regularly represents lenders and borrowers in financing transactions and other real estate matters, and he generously shares his extensive experience and strategic vision as a valued member of the Alliance Board of Directors.

His work has given him an appreciation for both the work of the Alliance and the value of his firm’s investment in the five-county economic development marketing coalition. He points to the organization’s efficient, low-overhead operation and specific focus on data-informed marketing as two of the value-adds for Alliance investors.

“The I-77 Alliance does not duplicate services; it is complementary to the economic development efforts of each of the counties in the area,” Kluiters says.

He also highlights the Alliance’s role in trade missions, shows, and other networking aimed at enhancing the region’s exposure to national and international businesses, resulting in more companies locating in the area and providing new economic opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

“By working together, investors in the Alliance create new economic opportunities that far exceed what they could achieve independently. The Alliance’s aggressive marketing and branding campaign is made possible by its member county governments and private sector investors, and we’re pleased to be a part of it,” he says.

Kluiters also sees a bright future, pointing to I-77 Corridor strengths such as available sites and buildings, a business-friendly regulatory and labor environment, urban populations and rural settings, and robust transportation infrastructure as supports for the region’s continued strong growth.

Meanwhile, Nelson Mullins’ support for the South Carolina I-77 Alliance, as exemplified by Edward Kluiters’ leadership and involvement, underscores the firm’s commitment to its own role in fostering economic growth.

By committing their expertise and resources, Nelson Mullins and the other investors in the I-77 Alliance are helping to continue accelerating economic expansion that will ensure a prosperous future for the Corridor and its communities large and small.

$11 million investment will create 41 new jobs

Princeton NuEnergy (PNE), an innovative clean technology company, today announced it selects Chester County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $11 million investment will create 41 new jobs.

PNE’s 25,000-square-foot facility, located at 564 Ecology Lane in Chester, will recycle lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) and manufacturing scrap to produce advanced blackmass and rejuvenated cathode active material.

  • Founded out of Princeton University in 2019, PNE recycles lithium-ion batteries from EVs, consumer electronics, energy storage batteries and manufacturing scrap.
  • The company’s patented direct recycling technology enables high-quality battery materials to be produced at a lower cost and environmental impact than traditional recycling processes.
  • Operations are expected to be online in the third quarter of 2024.
  • Individuals interested in joining the PNE team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $500,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Chester County.

QUOTES

“Princeton NuEnergy is excited to establish the first Cathode Active Material (CAM) direct recycling manufacturing center in South Carolina. We will utilize our innovative pre-processing and Cathode-to-Cathode technologies we have developed for lithium-ion battery direct recycling and critical materials recovery. The advanced blackmass and rejuvenated battery-grade cathode active materials will play a crucial role in achieving a true domestic circular economy and supporting the growing number of auto manufacturers transitioning to electric vehicles. South Carolina is rapidly becoming a leader in the EV industry, and we are proud to partner with the state and Chester County on this transformative journey.”

-Princeton NuEnergy Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Chao Yan

“We are pleased to welcome Princeton NuEnergy to Chester County and South Carolina. The company’s new operation will have a significant impact in the community by creating 41 new jobs and advancing our state’s alternative energy sector.”

-Gov. Henry McMaster

“Having innovative companies like Princeton NuEnergy in South Carolina furthers our state’s contribution to the circular economy. Given sustainability’s important role in remaining competitive, this partnership advances South Carolina’s reputation as an alternative energy leader”

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Congratulations to Princeton NuEnergy on selecting Chester County for their first cathode active material direct recycling manufacturing center. Several of our council members were able to tour their production line in McKinney, Texas and witness the technology first-hand. Their inventive solutions are impressive and showcase the company’s commitment to sustainable development and safety. We continue to see growth opportunities with EV-related projects.”

-Chester County Council Chairman Joe Branham

“With Princeton NuEnergy’s new manufacturing operation in Chester, the EV sector continues to grow alongside the I-77 corridor. We have seen several significant EV sector investments in our region in recent years. With a location between Columbia and Charlotte, our region is an ideal location for EV-related and supply chain projects!”

-South Carolina I-77 Alliance Interim President and CEO Christopher Finn

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) selects Chester County for its first South Carolina operation.
  • The company’s $11 million investment will create 41 new jobs.
  • Princeton NuEnergy is an innovative clean technology company.
  • The company will be located at 564 Ecology Lane in Chester, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the PNE team should visit the company’s careers page.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998

kcoakley@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

$26.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs

McEntire Produce, a full-service fresh produce supplier, today announced the continued development of its state-of-the-art facility in Richland County. The company’s $26.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.

The company will upfit its existing facility located at 2040 American Italian Way in Columbia with automation advancements that will improve production capacity.

  • Operating in Richland County since 1938, McEntire Produce is a family-owned fresh produce processor, repacker and wholesaler.
  • The company also handles the general processing of lettuce, tomatoes, onions and coleslaw mix for numerous fast-food restaurants.
  • Operations will be phased in over five years.
  • Individuals interested in joining the McEntire Produce team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“The McEntire family is pleased to further invest in its Richland County manufacturing facility. The investments placed over the next five years will improve the capacity, enable customer expansion and create more jobs for South Carolinians.”

-McEntire Produce President and CEO Carter McEntire

“We are proud to see a company with such a long-standing history in our state continuing to succeed. After over eighty years of operations in South Carolina, McEntire Produce’s announcement today is further proof that our state has the tools businesses need to find long-term success.”

-Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina has a rich history in agribusiness, and thriving companies like McEntire Produce are a huge reason why this industry continues to flourish in our state. Congratulations on this impressive $26.2 million investment in Richland County.”

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“McEntire Produce’s expansion will create more agribusiness jobs for South Carolinians and more opportunities for South Carolina farmers. I’m glad to see this respected, multi-generational local business solidifying its commitment to our state.”

-South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

“Richland County is proud to invest in homegrown, family-owned businesses like McEntire Produce. The company’s multi-million dollar expansion will not only expand the county’s workforce with the creation of new jobs, but also afford future growth and strengthen our roots nationally and globally.”

-Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • McEntire Produce will continue development of its state-of-the-art facility in Richland County.
  • The company’s $26.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.
  • McEntire Produce is a full-service fresh produce supplier.
  • The company is located at 2040 Italian American Way in Columbia, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the McEntire Produce team should visit the company’s careers page.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Clark
Deputy Director of Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

Economic development is a complex endeavor that requires successfully aligning the interests and requirements of multiple public and private stakeholders. It can be a dizzying dance, and the steady hand of experienced legal counsel is vital to the process.Sam Moses, a Partner with the Columbia office of Charlotte-based Parker Poe

Sam Moses, a Partner with the Columbia office of Charlotte-based Parker Poe, is such a hand. After a decade of working in Columbia and Germany for the S.C. Department of Commerce, Moses joined Parker Poe in 2007. Since then, he has been deeply involved in such major projects in the I-77 Corridor including one involving the conversion of the old Mack Truck plant in Fairfield County to a mattress factory operated by international manufacturer Healthcare Co. Ltd.

That’s just two from an extensive, growing, and diverse list of engagements for his firm’s Business Expansion and Location Solutions team. “The vast majority of our team’s work involves corporate economic development, representing manufacturing businesses, large and small, with their expansions,” Moses said. “We help them nationwide with site evaluation and selection, incentives and real estate negotiations, and all legal aspects to get such projects done.”

Parker Poe is representing industrial and commercial developers as well as local governments in economic development matters as well, including structuring incentive packages and coordinating bond and other financing transactions to fund critical infrastructure improvements in the I-77 Corridor. Parker Poe, for instance, has a lead economic development counsel for Richland County, where Volkswagen’s Scout Motors is building a $2 billion electric vehicle assembly plant.

Parker Poe also is one of the few law firms in the country that has an affiliated site selection company with consultants who provide national site selection and incentives negotiation services.  The consultants team together with the attorneys in the law firm to provide a comprehensive suite of legal and law related business services to industrial developers and companies to right location and site for expansion or relocation.

The team supports projects nationwide with a primary focus on the Carolinas and Georgia. That combination of legal and on-the-ground business development expertise also helps fuel the firm’s support for the S.C. I-77 Alliance as an investing partner.

Alliance Engagement is a Natural Fit

Moses says his association with the I-77 Alliance is a natural fit to Parker Poe’s commitment to supporting and engaging with the primary economic development organizations in the communities and markets where his firm’s clients work and live.

“There are so many disciplines involved in the process, from real estate to permitting to infrastructure development and workforce and just a lot more,” Moses said. “The Alliance helps bring together the public and private sectors, all those local resources and skill sets to match a company’s needs.”

It’s also good for business. “The Alliance is a great networking platform for all of us locally to share and information and our individual capabilities to better engage companies unfamiliar with the region, and for companies already here that may not be aware of all that’s available to them,” Moses said.

That includes the Alliance’s strategic planning, workforce assessment, and research services, and its data platforms that provide vital information that helps attract new corporate investment to the five-county corridor.

Moses concluded that engaging with the Alliance “a critical way we can all contribute to creating jobs, growing tax revenue, and helping our region continue to grow and prosper.”

Investor Spotlight is a series that focuses on investors in the S.C. I-77 Alliance, organizations that include the range of stakeholders, including utilities, law firms, educational institutions, developers, and more. For more information, contact us here.

$8.25 million investment will create 17 new jobs

Capital Concrete Co., a construction materials supplier, today announced it is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Fairfield County. The company’s $8.25 million investment will create 17 new jobs.

Founded in 2006, Capital Concrete Co. has four, existing South Carolina locations providing ready-mix concrete products for all project types. The new plant, located at 355 Commerce Blvd. in Ridgeway, will be the company’s fifth location, giving it closer proximity to serve customers in Fairfield County.

Operations will be online in the third quarter of 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Capital Concrete Co. team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“Capital Concrete Co. is excited to partner with Fairfield County and South Carolina for our continuing expansion plans in the Midlands. The site in the Walter Brown Industrial Park is well situated for future growth and will further job creation and investment in the region, and we look forward to being a good corporate citizen in this regard.”

-Capital Concrete Co. President Rusty Shealy

“Capital Concrete Co.’s continued success in South Carolina is a testament to the state’s positive economic climate. The company’s $8.25 million investment in Fairfield County will reinforce its commitment to building a South Carolina-based brand.”

-Gov. Henry McMaster

“We congratulate Capital Concrete Co. on its latest expansion and look forward to the development opportunities this new operation brings to Fairfield County.”

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“I am excited that Capital Concrete chose to locate in Fairfield County! They’ve demonstrated to us that they want to be a good industrial partner in Fairfield County, and I look forward to watching the citizens benefiting from the new jobs created.”

-Fairfield County Council Chair Doug Pauley

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Capital Concrete Co. is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Fairfield County.
  • The company’s $8.25 million investment will create 17 new jobs.
  • Capital Concrete Co. is a construction materials supplier.
  • The company will be located at 355 Commerce Blvd. in Ridgeway, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Capital Concrete Co. team should visit the company’s careers page.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
kcoakley@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

$9.22 billion announced capital investment on the heels of a record-setting 2022

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today released its 2023 industry recruitment results which reflect sustained economic activity. From January to December 2023, the state announced total capital investment of $9.22 billion, the second largest amount in state history. That investment represents 81 projects and 14,120 announced jobs.

“Once again, South Carolina has proven that it is among the best places in the world to do business,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “Over the past year, our state proactively prioritized trends and topics that are crucial to maintaining a vibrant and competitive economy. Recording the second-highest year for industry recruitment in state history not only confirms the sustained interest for doing business here, but also signals to the global business community that South Carolina is a trusted partner for successful businesses.”

The announced capital investment of $9.22 billion includes major investments in the state’s two leading industry sectors by total investment, Automotive, Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV Batteries with $4.3 billion investment, and Alternative Energy and Fuels with $1.56 billion investment. Notably, in 2023, there were three announcements with investments of $1 billion or more — the highest such year in state history:

Scout Motors
Albemarle Corporation
QTS Data Centers

The previous record, of two projects with an investment of $1 billion or more in a single year, was set in 2014 and tied again in 2022.

“After a record-breaking 2022, South Carolina has remained committed to ensuring its long-term economic competitiveness and growing reputation as an established destination for transformational industry,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Back-to-back years of strong industry recruitment reinforces South Carolina’s commitment to the success of our existing and new businesses, alike.”

To access the complete recruitment report, click here. For more details on the state’s announced economic activity, visit S.C. Commerce’s newsroom.


About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
kcoakley@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

Dig Deeper into the Numbers. Visit the Economic Data Center