Copper manufacturer Red Metals  will establish a copper manufacturing operation in Charleston County. The company’s $70 million investment is expected to create at least 45 new jobs, according to the state Department of Commerce.

Red Metals is building a new domestic supply chain for copper products by converting copper raw materials directly into finished goods through an integrated refining and manufacturing process, according to a news release. The company’s Charleston County facility will serve as its first production operation.

Located at 4500 Leeds Ave. in North Charleston, the company’s 42,000-square-foot facility will manufacture high-conductivity copper rod used in wire, cable and other electrical applications.

“Red Metals is building a modern domestic supply of copper products at a time when reliable industrial infrastructure has never been more critical,” Red Metals founder and CEO Jackson Switzer said in the news release. “Charleston County gives us the foundation to scale a new model for copper refining and manufacturing, in close proximity to both the sources of supply and the industries that depend on it. We’re excited to invest in the region, create high-quality jobs and help support the next generation of American manufacturing, energy and defense.”
Copper is a critical input for electrical infrastructure, data centers, electrification, advanced manufacturing and defense applications. S&P Global projects global copper demand will nearly double by 2035, driven by electrification, renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure.

The operation is designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and deliver essential copper products with shorter lead times and reduced supply chain complexity.

“Red Metals’ decision to bring its copper manufacturing to Charleston County delivers a significant advantage for several of our key industries that rely on this essential material,” Charleston County Council Chairman Joe Boykin said in the release. “Aside from strengthening the supply chain for neighboring businesses, this investment also brings high-quality jobs to advance our workforce as it continues to grow.”

Operations are expected to come online in the fourth quarter of this year. Engineers, operators and other entrepreneurial builders interested in joining the Red Metals team should visit redmetals.com to learn more.

“We’re pleased to welcome Red Metals to the Charleston region,” Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman Will Russell said in the release. “Their investment reflects the continued momentum we’re seeing across Charleston and the strength of our regional partnerships. We appreciate their commitment to our community and look forward to supporting their success as they grow here.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

NAI Charleston represented Red Metals Inc. in securing Leeds Avenue industrial facility, which is on more than six acres.

The property is zoned for heavy industrial.

NAI Charleston brokers Dexter Rumsey and Whit Jones represented Red Metals in the transaction. The property ownership was represented by Alex Whittemore and Jon-Michael Brock of Colliers.

“From start to finish it was great working with Red Metals to secure this space,” Whit Jones, associate at NAI Charleston, said in a separate announcement from the firm. “They are revolutionizing the copper industry, and they couldn’t have picked a better market to do so.”

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A manufacturer of energy infrastructure picked Oconee County for its first U.S. operation, a  $44.55 million investment the company says will create 107 new jobs.

Mosdorfer LLC is headquartered in Weiz, Austria, where it was founded more than 300 years ago. Mosdorfer started designing and manufacturing hardware for high voltage transmission lines in 1949, according to a news release.

Today, the company has a global footprint with production facilities in Europe, India and Thailand that employ over 1,100 people, according to the company website. As the competence center for the energy systems business unit within the Knill Energy Group, Mosdorfer designs and manufactures high-voltage transmission line hardware and accessories, including suspension and tension strings, dampening and vibration systems, as well as other solutions that enhance the safety, reliability and efficiency of electricity transmission worldwide.

At the new facility near Westminster, Mosdorfer will design and manufacture high-voltage transmission line hardware and accessories, primarily made from steel and aluminum, the company says.

“It has been an incredible journey over the past year,” Energy Systems Managing Director Erich Kaltmann said in the news release. “During our site selection process, we evaluated numerous locations across several U.S. states, visited many communities and carefully assessed a wide range of opportunities. From the very beginning, we felt welcomed and supported in Oconee County. We found the perfect combination of a skilled workforce, excellent training facilities, the right building and, most importantly, genuinely kind people. It already starts to feel like a second home away from home.”

Mosdorfer’s new facility at 444 Oconee Business Parkway in Westminster will support machining, steel fabrication, assembly, testing and related production activities for high-voltage transmission line components and infrastructure solutions. The site also is intended to serve as the company’s North American production and operational hub, supporting long-term growth in the U.S. market while creating skilled manufacturing, engineering and administrative jobs within South Carolina.

“This new factory in Oconee marks another major milestone in our long history,” Kaltmann said in the release. “As a company that thinks in generations, we are making a long-term commitment to this community and have come here to stay.”

Operations are expected to be online by the third quarter of 2027.

“It is another top shelf for business day in Oconee County with Mosdorfer’s decision to locate in our community,” Oconee Economic Alliance President and CEO Jamie Gilbert said in the release. “Recruitment of Mosdorfer was the highest of priorities for us from day one, as they are an incredible, 12th generation family-owned business. Mosdorfer aligns well with the county’s economic development goal of attracting high quality, stable manufacturers that complement our workforce strengths and have a growing and reliable customer base. The OEA has built a strong and trusting relationship with the Mosdorfer executive team and we can’t thank them enough for making this significant commitment in Oconee.”
The state Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

“It is exciting that Mosdorfer has chosen Oconee as its first North American location,” state Senate President Thomas C. Alexander said in the release. “Mosdorfer recognized what we have long known: Oconee’s pro-business climate, skilled workforce and exceptional quality of life make it an outstanding place to do business, live and raise a family. As the company grows and succeeds here, I am confident its leadership will view this as a great decision.”

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A global player in rare earth materials says it has selected Cherokee County for a $1.2 billion operation that will create nearly 500 jobs in the state.

It will be the first operation in South Carolina for USA Rare Earth Inc., which works in rare earths, critical minerals and advanced materials.

With operations in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as a planned acquisition of a major rare earth mine in Brazil, USA Rare Earth is building a global rare earth and permanent magnet value chain to serve advanced manufacturing for both commercial and defense technologies supporting the U.S. and its allies, according to a news release from the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

China currently manufactures approximately 92% of the world’s sintered NdFeB permanent magnets, according to USA Rare Earth.

“Cherokee County is the next critical link in the rare earth and magnet value chain we’re building across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and around the globe,” USA Rare Earth CEO Barbara Humpton said in the news release. “South Carolina offered the workforce, the infrastructure and the partners we needed to move quickly. With this investment, we’re bringing home the advanced manufacturing capabilities that America and its allies depend on, from the factory floor to the front lines.”

The new facility, which will be located at Bailey Park in Blacksburg, will produce neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets and refined rare earth metals, according to the release. This South Carolina advanced manufacturing campus will perform critical functions including electrolysis, metallothermic reduction, strip casting, jet milling, dry pressing, sintering, heat treatment, machining and coating.

“Two hundred and fifty years ago, Cherokee County helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War and today we are proud to once again stand on the front lines of American independence by welcoming USA Rare Earth to the Bailey Park,” Cherokee County Councilman Tim Spencer said in the release. “This project strengthens our nation’s future by reducing our dependence on China for critical rare earth minerals while bringing jobs, investment and opportunity to Cherokee County.”

According to a separate announcement from Duke Energy, USA Rare Earth’s announcement highlights the impact of Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program, which helped prepare the Bailey Industrial Site for major economic development. Through upfront due diligence, infrastructure planning and site marketing, the program made Bailey more competitive for companies looking to move quickly on a new project, according to Duke.

Since 2005, the program has helped attract significant investment across South Carolina, and Bailey is the latest example. After completing the site-readiness process, the Cherokee County property was better positioned to compete for transformative projects – culminating in USA Rare Earth’s announcement that it will build a facility there, bringing a $1.2 billion investment and 490 new jobs in one of the county’s biggest economic wins.

“Duke Energy is proud to help bring USA Rare Earth to Cherokee County and strengthen America’s domestic rare earth supply chain,” Duke Energy South Carolina President Tim Pearson said in the release. “Through our close collaboration with state and local economic development partners, we worked to position this site with the upfront diligence, coordination and energy planning that companies need to move with confidence and speed. As we continue to prioritize reliable power at the lowest possible cost for our customers, we stand ready to welcome more industries like this to call South Carolina home.”

The Duke Energy Site Readiness Program includes detailed site assessments by partners in site selection and engineering to identify opportunities, address challenges and improve a property’s competitiveness before a prospect is on the table, according to the energy company. That proactive work can help communities shorten timelines, reduce uncertainty and better position sites like Bailey for major industrial announcements.

Operations at the USA Rare Earth site are expected to be online in April 2028.

“South Carolina continues to attract investments that strengthen our economy and create meaningful opportunities for our people,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “USA Rare Earth’s $1.2 billion investment and the creation of approximately 490 new jobs will have a significant impact on Cherokee County and reinforce our state’s position as a leader in American manufacturing.”

The Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

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In 1985, Tracey Richardson and Kellye Wicker’s father opened a restaurant called The Rib Shack, with menu items featuring a ribs entree for $4.89 and a seafood platter for $5.29.

Though The Rib Shack has long since closed, and taken its $5 ribs with it, the flavors of its menu are carried on through Richardson and Wicker’s Lillie’s of Charleston, a retailer of sauces and spices inspired by Lowcountry cuisine.

The sister duo, along with Richardson’s husband, carries the workload of the small business entirely on their own shoulders.

Lillie’s is sold in large chain grocery stores, Charleston and Columbia airports, markets, and Amazon. The products are also used nationally, with South Carolina locations in colleges and universities, hotels, resorts and restaurants. Recently, the trio added popcorn to their portfolio, which Wicker said puts them back into a startup funding mindset.

“We’re competing against the other consumer product goods companies that have big marketing budgets and influencers, whereas we don’t have that to be able to get our brand out there. So, that’s a challenge in terms of the growth,” Wicker said.

Across the state of South Carolina, businesses like Lillie’s are taking out loans, purchasing a brick-and-mortar, and opening the door each day to both fresh and seasoned small businesses.

Qualified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as an establishment with less than 500 employees, small businesses make up for 99% of businesses in South Carolina. Between 1998 and 2022, small businesses in South Carolina increased by 21%, with the population growth around 40% in that same period, according to Federal Reserve Economic Data.

For Frank Knapp, president and CEO of the South Carolina Small Businesses Chamber of Commerce, a major focus for the chamber is to address financial strain, like the increase in the cost of energy and access to affordable health care for owners and employees. To keep South Carolina businesses afloat, Knapp notes that these strains have been a fight for most of his career.

Between March 2023 and March 2024, SBA said small businesses contributed a net increase of 25,358 jobs in that time frame, 71% of the total job growth in the state.

“We’ve got to remember that our employees are the customers of small businesses, and we want them to have money to spend in the local economy,” Knapp said. “That has been our work for the past 26 years and it continues today.”

Making up for 43% of employes in the state, small businesses employ 863,326 South Carolinians. According to SBA data, of the 530,402 small businesses, 83% operate with no employees and 98% have less than 20 employees.

Richardson said that even with the accessibility to grow a business in the state, there are still struggles to managing Lillie’s.

“I think South Carolina is a great state to be a part of that actually supports small businesses because there’s opportunities to have manufacturing locations here and offices’ headquarters,” Richardson said. “I think that one of the main things I would like to see is more support for health care. We have to pay for our own health care, so there’s not a lot of options and there’s also very high thresholds.”

Knapp said that South Carolina is a great place to start a small business; the sector is performing well. He said there is no lack of success for small businesses in the more urban areas of the state, but the rural areas require a bit more attention to maintain a strong small business presence.

“Overall, I do not hear a lot of complaints from small businesses. Maybe some have their concern about this and that, but in general, small businesses are healthy, and their numbers are growing in South Carolina. That’s a good thing, and our job is to be an advocate for them,” Knapp said.

Founded in 1953, SBA opened following World War II to help revitalize the country’s economy by making sure those that returned had opportunities for wealth development, as well as job opportunities.

Melissa Lindler, district director of the SBA of South Carolina, said that though the country may not be recovering from a war, the purpose remains the same, connecting business owners with information and direction to capital.

As some industries, such as manufacturing, thrive in the state, sectors such as retail and agriculture are seeing more struggle. At the end of the day, Lindler said the primary challenge remains capital.

“I think one of the biggest struggles right now is trying to figure out tomorrow by understanding where you are today,” Lindler said. “That tomorrow may not look like it does today for you, but it may be what’s needed in terms of adjustments that will help you survive and continue as a small business owner.”

Top industries for the state include scientific and technical services, administration and waste management, real estate, transportation, health care, and retail. In 2025, 1,042 loans totaling $692 million were granted to top industries of food services, retail, health care and construction.

Lindler said the South Carolina government has done well to both draw new businesses into the state, as well as helping to sustain the businesses that are already here. Small businesses have a lot of room to play a role in the larger companies’ operations by understanding the needs and aiming to fill the hole for products that could begin being made in the U.S.

“That’s one thing about our small businesses here in South Carolina; they’re strong, they’re resilient, but they’re also constantly looking for ways to modify, pivot and make sure they’re ready for what’s to come,” Lindler said.

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The South Carolina Ports Authority is expanding ro-ro operations at the North Charleston Terminal, which has Palmetto Railways railroad access.

SC Ports said the first step has been project design approval, which came May 15. The ro-ro terminal is now under construction and expected to begin operations in 2027, with full completion in 2028.

“South Carolina is home to some of the world’s largest advanced manufacturers, who rely on the Port of Charleston to keep their supply chains fluid and businesses competitive,” Micah Mallace, SC Ports president and CEO, said in a news release. “SC Ports cares deeply about serving our customers. This plan demonstrates our commitment to investing in timely projects to meet their needs, and it ensures capacity to meet their growth every step of the way.”

Ro-ro terminals load and unload wheeled cargo. Instead of using cranes, cargo is driven or towed on and off the vessel on ramps.

By adding the terminal, SC Ports said it can expand container capacity at the North Charleston Terminal. It will be built following the demolition of a former paper mill site, which SC Ports acquired in 2024.

“We are committed to growth, and we will use every acre of our real estate to welcome new cargo opportunities to Charleston,” Mallace said. “Growth at the port drives opportunity within our maritime community and creates jobs around our state.”

The Columbus Street Terminal currently has breakbulk and ro-ro operations, allowing a capacity of more than 250,000 vehicles annually through the Port of Charleston. According to the release, South Carolina contributes to 18% of completed passenger vehicle export sales, the largest U.S. market share.

“As a trusted partner of SC Ports, Palmetto Railways is dedicated to providing efficient rail cargo handling and terminal switching services across all SC Ports marine terminals,” Patrick McCrory, president and CEO of Palmetto Railways, said in the release. “SC Ports’ initiative to provide expanded rail services at its North Charleston Terminal builds on robust existing rail infrastructure and improves capacity for future cargo growth. Together, we will continue working seamlessly to enhance service for our shared customers for ro-ro operations at North Charleston Terminal, while also collaborating on future business growth opportunities at Columbus Street Terminal.”

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After more than 10 years in the cocktailer mixer industry, Bittermilk is investing $8.2 million in new Charleston County operations.

Joe and MariElena Raya began the company from the small space of their original business; The Gin Joint. Today, the pair operates four lines: Bittermilk, Barcoop Bevy, Drinkmanship and Tippleman’s.

“We’re proud to continue growing Bittermilk in Charleston County, where our business began and where we’ve built strong roots over the past two decades,” Joe and MariElena Raya, Bittermilk owners and co-founders, said in a news release. “Being born and raised in Charleston, and growing up in the food and beverage industry here, has given us a deep appreciation for this community. It’s an honor to keep building our future here while continuing to make high-quality, American-made products.”

The expansion to a new facility located at 5340 Savannah Highway in Ravenel will create 12 new jobs while remaining family owned and operated, the release said. Currently, the team manufactures their all-natural products in a North Charleston facility.

“Bittermilk is a South Carolina success story, and their expansion is great news for the state. Forward-looking small agribusinesses are essential to the future of the industry, and we celebrate their growth,” Hugh Weathers, commissioner of agriculture, said in the release.

The new facility will be 12,000 square feet and is expected to be online this summer.

“Bittermilk’s expansion underscores how Charleston County is both an ideal location to establish operations and plan next-step opportunities that support long-term growth,” Joe Boykin, Charleston County Council chairman, said in the release. “This investment in Ravenel brings significant potential for future facility development, while creating high quality workforce opportunities and new amenities for the community.”

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Scout Motors marked a big milestone both for the company and for Midlands workforce development on April 20 with the opening of its new training center on the site of the Scout Motors Production Center in Blythewood.

The new 32,500-square-foot, $25 million training center is a collaboration with readySC, the workforce development division of the South Carolina Technical College System.

Designed to prepare workers for advanced manufacturing careers, the new training center will serve as the primary hub for onboarding, upskilling and continuous workforce development as Scout Motors ramps toward production, estimated to begin by the end of 2027.

The facility reflects a long-term strategy to align training directly with modern manufacturing needs, ensuring South Carolinians are equipped for high‑quality, sustainable jobs, officials said.

“The training center represents a promise ­­– if you show up ready to build something great, we will give you modern tools, real coaching and clear pathways to growth,” said Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Scout Motors. “At Scout Motors, we don’t see the American worker as a cost to remove – we see people as an asset to invest in. The careers that begin here will support families, strengthen communities, and equip generations of South Carolinians with valuable new skills.”

Keogh attended the opening event along with South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, members of the Richland County Council and other community educators and leaders.

Scott Keogh called the training site a “front door to thousands of careers,” and marked the project’s development with a symbolic brick from the original International Harvester Scout factory in Fort Wayne, Ind., where the original iconic vehicles were produced from 1961-1980.

Funded through the $25 million investment by readySC and supported by the South Carolina Technical College System, the training center represents a significant expansion of workforce training infrastructure in the Midlands, built specifically to support Scout’s ongoing needs as the automotive manufacturer works toward the opening of its facility off Interstate 77 in Blythewood.

“Every person who walks through these doors is stepping into more than a job,” said Tim Hardee, president of the South Carolina Technical College System. “They are gaining skills that lead to real careers, the ability to support their families, and the opportunity to change what’s possible for the next generation.”

The training center is a cornerstone of Scout Motors’ broader commitment to South Carolina, where the company is investing more than $2 billion in the state‑of‑the‑art production center expected to create more than 4,000 jobs.

“South Carolina’s success is driven by our people, and this new training center ensures they have the skills needed to succeed in today’s advanced manufacturing environment,” McMaster said. “Scout Motors’ investment is a long-term commitment to our workforce, our families and the continued strength of our state’s economy.”

During the event, Scout Motors employees shared personal stories of how access to training, mentorship, and new career pathways are changing what’s possible for their families and futures.

“Before Scout Motors, I didn’t think a career in manufacturing was accessible to someone like me with no previous experience,” said Tashay Bates, a recently hired production associate, who came to manufacturing from a job in retail investigations. “This training center didn’t just give me a job — it gave me confidence, skills and a real pathway forward. Knowing that a company is willing to invest this much time and care into its people makes me proud to be part of what we’re building here.”

The company is making steady progress on its Blythewood facility, with construction advancing on more than 5 million square feet of buildings, ongoing installation of equipment and hiring underway for early production and maintenance roles.

Company officials said Scout has already hired more than 600 people in South Carolina and almost 1,400 companywide.

Once completed, the production facility will make all-electric Scout Traveler SUVs and Terra trucks. Both vehicles offer hybrid options.

The company announced plans to begin making early design validation prototype vehicles by the end of 2026 followed by a gradual ramp-up toward full production, tentatively slated for late 2027 or early 2028.

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Airsys took a big step to making Woodruff the coolest spot in the Upstate today with the official opening of its new global headquarters.

The company is bringing a big investment and 215 jobs to a small Spartanburg County town but intends to impact a hot industry around the world.

Airsys is a global player in mission-critical cooling for data centers, AI, and high-performing digital infrastructure.

The site will serve as the company’s global hub for high-efficiency, zero-water cooling technologies supporting the rapid growth of AI and edge infrastructure.

The 60-acre campus, situated in the heart of South Carolina’s “manufacturing alley,” marks a major milestone in thermal management innovation, the company said in a news release. The facility will play a vital role in the company’s manufacturing and engineering operations, significantly expanding domestic production capabilities.

With corporate teams now operating on-site, the campus represents a $60 million investment in the region. Manufacturing at the facility is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

Airsys says the Woodruff campus serves as a strategic cornerstone in addressing the rapid growth of AI infrastructure and global data center demand. By centering the development of high-density thermal management and liquid cooling innovations at this facility, Airsys is positioned to accelerate the delivery of next-generation solutions as digital requirements continue to evolve.

“Today marks a major milestone for Airsys as we establish our global headquarters here in Woodruff, South Carolina,” Yunshui Chen, founder and CEO of Airsys, said in the news release. “This investment reflects our commitment to advancing cooling innovation across the entire spectrum of mission-critical infrastructure. We have built a foundation on this 60-acre site that is designed to support our domestic and international customers and partners, Airsys’ rapidly expanding team, and the local community for decades to come.”

To commemorate the opening, local, state and federal dignitaries attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside key partners in bringing the vision of the new campus to life, including Sara Hazzard, president and CEO of South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce, and Allen Smith, president and CEO of OneSpartanburg Inc. The project team featured Choate Construction Co. as general contractor and LS3P as the architect.

“South Carolina has a long history of manufacturing excellence, and Airsys’ decision to anchor its global headquarters right here in the Upstate is a testament to our state’s world-class workforce and pro-business environment,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “By choosing to expand their advanced manufacturing expertise and corporate leadership in Woodruff, Airsys is reinforcing our reputation as a global leader in innovation.”

The new facility enables Airsys to scale its diverse cooling portfolio across air, liquid and hybrid technologies, according to the release. From supporting legacy environments to high-density AI workloads, Airsys provides a bridge between current infrastructure and next-generation demands.

Enhancing Power Compute Effectiveness (PCE) is a central focus of the new Airsys campus. PCE is a framework that explains how a data center’s provisioned power is distributed — specifically, how much is structurally available for IT compute after accounting for cooling, electrical losses and auxiliary systems.

By localizing production and engineering in South Carolina, Airsys is positioning operations closer to its North American customers while strengthening control over its global manufacturing processes, the company said in the release, to enhance supply chain resilience and support consistent quality for customers operating critical infrastructure.

“What an incredible day for both Airsys and our community,” Woodruff Mayor Kenneth E. Gist said in the release. “We are beyond excited to officially welcome the Airsys global headquarters into the Woodruff family. They are a world-class company, and we look forward to seeing prosperity and innovation continue to shine on them as they grow right here with us.”

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The maker of some of the most familiar brands on the candy aisle plans to sweeten the air and the employment rolls in Orangeburg County.

Ferrara Candy Co., a sugar confectioner in the United States, Brazil and Europe, says it will open its first South Carolina operation with a $675 million investment that will create 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs over the next 10 years.

Headquartered in Chicago for 118 years, Ferrara operates a network of more than 30 facilities worldwide and employs more than 9,400 people, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Its products are sold in more than 60 countries and span a portfolio of more than 40 iconic brands including Nerds, SweeTarts, Laffy Taffy, Trolli, Brach’s and Jelly Belly in the United States; Terry’s and Carambar in Europe; and Dori in Brazil. The company did not say which of its products would be made in Orangeburg.

Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero-affiliated company.

Ferrara’s new operation will be located at Highway 21 and Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, where the company plans to construct a 750,000-square-foot manufacturing facility including processing and packaging, a warehouse for raw and pack materials, and an administrative office, according to a news release. The investment will support Ferrara’s high level of consumer demand and strengthen its position as a leader in sugar confections, the company says.

“Our new Orangeburg facility represents a major step forward in transforming Ferrara’s manufacturing scale and capability, positioning the company for long-term global leadership,” CEO Marco Capurso said in the release. “We are excited about the opportunity to inspire sweetness in the Palmetto State, and we are grateful to the leadership of Gov. McMaster, Secretary Lightsey and their teams, and the Orangeburg County officials, in their partnership and effort to bring us to South Carolina.”

The first production lines in the new facility are expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2029, and the company is hiring through ReadySC. The company also will be seeking suppliers and vendors.

After the Joint Bond Review Committee recommended approval, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority authorized the issuance of General Obligation State Economic Development Bonds in a principal amount not exceeding $85 million to offset the cost of acquiring the site, site improvements and related infrastructure.

“Today marks a transformative moment for Orangeburg County and all of South Carolina,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “Ferrara Candy Company’s $675 million investment in the Midlands is a powerful vote of confidence in our state that will bring many new opportunities for our people. We are proud Ferrara has chosen South Carolina as a place to build their future and look forward to the company’s continued success here.”

The Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development also approved job development credits related to the project.

“We are excited to welcome Ferrara Candy Co. to the Palmetto State,” Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III said in the release. “This milestone investment in Orangeburg County, as well as the addition of 1,000 new quality jobs in South Carolina, is set to transform the community, strengthen the workforce and fuel economic prosperity for generations to come.”
County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright took part in the announcement.

“Orangeburg County is excited to add Ferrara Candy Co. to a growing list of international companies that have discovered the advantages we offer business and industry,” he said in the release. “We look forward to partnering with them as we strive together to make our community a better place to live and work.”

County Administrator Harold Young said Orangeburg County put in the work to earn an investment of this scale.

“Ferrara Candy Company’s $675 million investment and the creation of 1,000 jobs mark a significant moment for Orangeburg County,” Young said in a separate news release from the Orangeburg County Development Commission. “This is the kind of project that expands opportunities for our residents and strengthens what we’re able to support as a county. We’ve put in the work to be ready for an investment of this scale, and we will continue doing our part to ensure it delivers long-term benefits for the people of Orangeburg County.”

The general manager of Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities said his department has been working on that site specifically.

“The city of Orangeburg’s Department of Public Utilities is proud that this transformational company has chosen our community,” Warren Harley said in the release. “We have prepared for this day by making significant investments in our infrastructure in the area of their planned location. Our team, in coordination with their consultants, has spent countless hours making sure that the DPU was the perfect choice for this project. We believe this announcement to be one of many future successes for our community. The DPU is committed to being ready, willing and able to assist state, county and local development in coordinating with various projects to better understand the value of locating here. We truly welcome them to Orangeburg and look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.”

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More than 1,300 South Carolina workers have lost or will lose their jobs since March due to plant closures or permanent layoffs at businesses that will continue operating.

The April WARN report from South Carolina Works includes the April 17 closure of a Milliken textile plant in Union County and the closure of the International Paper Co. in Georgetown with those layoffs coming between May 1 and the end of the year. Each of those sites provided 126 jobs.

The WARN Act —Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification — requires employers to provide notice 60 days  prior to closing or mass layoff. The act generally applies to employers with 100 or more employees.

The largest job losses in the report are from eRev Supply Chain and DLH Solutions, two businesses that share a Commerce Parkway address in Charleston. According to the WARN report, DHL Solutions laid off 194 and eRev laid off 133, both on Feb. 28. The WARN report says those events are permanent layoffs, not closures.

According to the DLH website, the two companies were connected through a partnership that combined “digital transformation, cyber security, scientific research and development, systems engineering, supply chain management, and more for civilian and military U.S. federal government agencies.”

Saddle Creek Logistics Services in Duncan, Spartanburg County, reported permanent layoffs of 130 workers on March 5, and ABM Industry Groups in North Charleston reported permanent layoffs to take place between April 13 and July 7.

ABM Industry Groups of North Charleston is laying off 122 during a period that started April 13 and concludes July 7. KPR US in Camden reported closure for May 15 and May 19, impacting 19 and 23 employees respectively.

Other companies reporting layoffs and closures included:

• James Hardie Building Products in Summerville, 78 employees, layoffs
• Koppers Inc. in Florence, 66 employees, layoffs
• First Brands Group in East Marion, 64 employees, closure
• Parsec LL in Charleston, 39 employees, closure
• Charter Communications in Lexington, 62 employees, closure
• Textron Systems Corp. in Goose Creek, 58 employees, layoffs
• Industrial Plastics Group in Liberty, 74 employees, layoffs.

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