Aerospace

Eaton expanding Charleston County operations

ctrammell@sccommerce.com — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 19:25:21 +0000

Eaton expanding Charleston County operations ctrammell@scco… Fri, 09/26/2025 - 15:25

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Eaton, an intelligent power management company, today announced it is expanding its aerospace manufacturing operations in Charleston County. The company’s $46 million investment will create more than 50 new jobs.

In the aerospace industry, Eaton is a leading provider of hydraulic, fuel, oxygen, fluid and air conveyance, electrical, motion control and engine solutions, as well as aftermarket service and support, for commercial and military aircraft.

Eaton will construct a new facility adjacent to its existing facility, located at 7230 Cross County Road in North Charleston, to expand its capability in additive manufacturing, machining, assembly and testing to support a new program win and increase capacity and readiness for future program wins. The new facility will produce complex hydraulic pumps and motors serving U.S. commercial and defense aerospace platforms.

Operations are expected to be online in 2028. Individuals interested in joining the Eaton 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 $125,000 Set-Aside grant to Charleston County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

QUOTES

“Our investment in North Charleston demonstrates our commitment to serving our customers and the communities where we live and work. The expansion in North Charleston will enable Eaton to add machining, assembly and test capabilities and expand our existing additive manufacturing capability to support a key customer’s accelerated delivery schedule on a new program win.”
-Eaton’s Armando Tellez, President, Fuel and Motion Control Systems

“We are thrilled that Eaton has continued to find success in South Carolina and is expanding once again with an investment of $46 million. With the creation of 50 new jobs, this announcement is a great accomplishment for both the company and Charleston County.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“Eaton’s expansion in Charleston County underscores the strength of South Carolina’s business environment which is conducive for a company’s long-term success. We are pleased Eaton chose to further its legacy in our state with this notable investment in the Lowcountry and congratulate the company on this announcement.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

"By investing in a new facility, Eaton is not only strengthening its future but also creating new opportunities that will enrich our local economy and further cement our reputation as a leader in advancement."
-Charleston County Council Chairman Rev. Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton

Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Advanced Manufacturing Aerospace $46 million investment in aerospace manufacturing will create more than 50 new jobsExpansions

Eaton is expanding its operations in Charleston County.

The company's $46 million investment will create more than 50 new jobs.

Eaton is a leading provider of hydraulic, fuel, oxygen, fluid and air conveyance, electrical, motion control and engine solutions, as well as aftermarket service and support, for commercial and military aircraft.

The company is located at 7230 Cross County Road in North Charleston, S.C.

Individuals interested in joining the Eaton team should visit the company's careers page.

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Woodward, Inc. selects Spartanburg County to establish a new manufacturing site in South Carolina

ctrammell@sccommerce.com — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:00:01 +0000

Woodward, Inc. selects Spartanburg County to establish a new manufacturing site in South Carolina ctrammell@scco… Mon, 09/15/2025 - 16:00

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Woodward, Inc. (Woodward), a global leader in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets, today announced it selects Spartanburg County to establish a new manufacturing operation in South Carolina. The nearly $200 million investment will create approximately 275 new jobs.

Founded in 1870, Woodward is a global company specializing in the design, manufacture, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for aerospace and industrial applications. The company’s products are used to increase efficiency and reliability in a range of challenging environments, including aviation, power generation, marine and on-highway transportation, and oil and gas operations.

Woodward plans to build a 300,000-square-foot precision manufacturing facility located within Smith Farms Industrial Park in Greer. The new factory will focus on the production of servo-hydraulic actuation systems used in aircraft flight control.

Operations are expected to go online in 2027. Individuals interested in joining the Woodward 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 $1.75 million Closing Fund grant to Spartanburg County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

QUOTES

“The selection of Woodward to supply Airbus with spoiler actuation systems and this investment in South Carolina represent a major milestone for Woodward and our commitment to delivering leading controls solutions to our customers and creating value for our shareholders. This will be a showcase manufacturing site, much like our Rock Cut, Illinois, campus, vertically integrated, highly automated, and built on the capabilities and methodologies in operational excellence we’ve developed through our LEAP and GTF aircraft engine programs. Beyond supporting the Airbus A350, this facility positions us to extend our hydraulic flight control design and industrialization expertise to additional applications as well as other commercial aircraft manufacturers. We’re proud to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Spartanburg County as we fulfill our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.”
-Woodward, Inc. Chairman and CEO Chip Blankenship

“When global companies like Woodward, Inc. decide to invest in our state, it further solidifies South Carolina’s impressive reputation in the manufacturing industry. We look forward to creating a long-standing partnership with the company and seeing the strong impact of these approximately 275 new jobs in Spartanburg County.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“Today’s announcement by Woodward, Inc. is another major victory for the booming manufacturing industry in the Upstate and across South Carolina. We are confident our strong business climate will reinforce that Spartanburg County is the ideal location for Woodward’s new operation.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Woodward, Inc. is a global leader whose investment in Spartanburg County will increase our presence in the aerospace industry and will provide meaningful economic-advancement opportunity for the people of our county. Recruiting these world-class companies to Spartanburg and being able to provide new jobs opportunities to our residents is what it’s all about.”
-Spartanburg County Council Chairman Manning Lynch

"Congratulations to Woodward, Inc. on their decision to invest in Upstate SC. This industry leader’s choice to bring its innovations to our region validates the Upstate as a location with access to talent and market connectivity, and we’re excited to see them grow here.”
-Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO John Lummus

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Advanced Manufacturing Aerospace Nearly $200 million investment will create approximately 275 new jobsNew Business

Woodward, Inc. (Woodward) selects Spartanburg County to establish the company's new South Carolina operation.

The company's nearly $200 million investment will create approximately 275 new jobs.

Woodward is a global leader in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets.

The company will be located within Smith Farms Industrial Park in Greer, S.C.

Individuals interested in joining the Woodward team should visit the company's careers page.

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ATI grows South Carolina footprint with new operation in Chesterfield County

ctrammell@sccommerce.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:02:15 +0000

ATI grows South Carolina footprint with new operation in Chesterfield County ctrammell@scco… Tue, 08/12/2025 - 16:02

COLUMBIA, S.C. – ATI Inc. (ATI), a global aerospace and defense leader, today celebrated its growth in South Carolina with a new operation in Chesterfield County. At full production capacity, the facility will operate with a workforce of nearly 70 newly created jobs.

ATI’s new facility, located at 340 Industrial Park Lane in Pageland, produces titanium alloy sheet. Technically challenging to produce, this material is critical to airframe manufacturers, bringing strength and durability to aerostructure components and assemblies. The company recently announced long-term agreements with Airbus and Boeing for materials produced at this facility.

Headquartered in Texas, ATI produces materials and solutions for the aerospace and defense markets, as well as applications used in the electronics, medical and energy industries. The company’s existing presence in South Carolina includes a specialty materials production facility in Richburg.

Operations at the Pageland facility are already online. Individuals interested in joining the ATI 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 $550,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Chesterfield County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

"With our Pageland facility fully online and in production, ATI now offers a full complement of titanium materials, producing quality titanium sheets wider and longer than anyone in the industry. We appreciate South Carolina’s support for our expansion and look forward to partnering with them for decades to come. This new offering further extends both ATI’s and South Carolina’s position as an aerospace leader, giving customers extraordinary manufacturing capability and flexibility.”
-ATI President and CEO Kimberly A. Fields

“ATI’s latest investment in our state and our people is a testament to South Carolina’s capabilities in the manufacturing industry. We applaud the company on creating nearly 70 new job opportunities in one of our state’s rural communities and congratulate ATI and Chesterfield County on this announcement.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina continues to prove itself as a state that provides businesses with the support needed to grow and succeed, from launch to legacy. We are proud to see ATI establishing another manufacturing facility in our state and look forward to continuing our partnership with the company as it invests in Chesterfield County.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Chesterfield County celebrates ATI’s global specialty materials business located in Lynches River Industrial Park in Pageland. This facility underscores our county’s strengths in workforce readiness, infrastructure and business climate. ATI’s transformative investment here reflects confidence in our ability to support advanced manufacturing for the critical sectors of aerospace and defense.”
-Chesterfield County Council Chairwoman Mary Anderson

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 Advanced Manufacturing Aerospace Manufacturing facility will operate with nearly 70 new jobsNew Business

ATI Inc. (ATI) is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Chesterfield County.

ATI is a global aerospace and defense company.

The company's manufacturing facility will employ nearly 70 people when at full production.

The new operation, producing titanium alloy sheet, is located at 340 Industrial Park Lane in Pageland, S.C.

Individuals interested in joining the ATI team should visit the company's careers page.

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Boeing commits to expand Charleston County operations

ctrammell@sccommerce.com — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 14:59:49 +0000

Boeing commits to expand Charleston County operations ctrammell@scco… Thu, 12/12/2024 - 09:59

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Boeing (NYSE:BA) today announced it plans to expand its operations in Charleston County. The company plans to invest $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades at its existing site and create 500 new jobs over the next five years.

For more than a decade, Boeing South Carolina (BSC) has been the home of the full 787 Dreamliner production cycle and fabricates, assembles, and delivers, the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 to customers globally. The company established operations in South Carolina in 2009 and currently employs more than 7,800 people across its Airport and North Campuses in North Charleston, and its West Campus in Orangeburg. Boeing acquired the operations in Orangeburg, located at 174 Millennium Drive, earlier this year, though those facilities will not be affected by the expansion plans.

Boeing will expand both of its North Charleston campuses, located at 5400 International Blvd. and 9775 Patriot Blvd., to support increased 787 Dreamliner production targets and potential future rate increases driven by market demand. The 787 Dreamliner program plans to increase to a rate of 10 airplanes per month by 2026.

Operations are expected to be online in early 2027. Individuals interested in joining the Boeing team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“Since the creation of Boeing South Carolina in 2009, we’ve marked many important milestones – including consolidating 787 Dreamliner production to South Carolina. I’m thrilled for this next phase of growth, which is made possible by our incredible teammates and the confidence our customers have in our airplanes. This decision reflects Boeing’s commitment to the workforce, the 787 program and the community. We are building a legacy at BSC, for ourselves and for future generations in the Palmetto State.”
-Vice President and General Manager of the 787 Program and BSC Site Leader Scott Stocker

“Boeing’s decision to expand in Charleston County further solidifies South Carolina’s position as a leader in the aerospace industry. This significant investment and the 500 new jobs it will bring to the Lowcountry reflect Boeing’s confidence in our workforce and highlights the strength of our pro-business environment. We look forward to continuing to build our partnership and the opportunities this expansion will bring to our state.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“The legacy Boeing has built in South Carolina is truly something worth celebrating, and we are thrilled the company is continuing to invest in our state. Congratulations to Boeing and Charleston County on this substantial investment of $1 billion and the new opportunities it will create in the Lowcountry.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Boeing has been a cornerstone of economic growth and innovation in Charleston County for over a decade, and this latest investment underscores their deep commitment to our community. Creating 500 new jobs and a $1 billion expansion solidify Charleston County’s position as a leader in the global aerospace industry. We proudly support Boeing’s continued success and the opportunities it brings to our residents and businesses.”
-Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III

Thursday, December 12, 2024 Advanced Manufacturing Aerospace Additional investment will create 500 new jobsExpansions

Boeing is expanding its operations in Charleston County.

The company's $1 billion investment will create 500 new jobs.

Boeing South Carolina is the home of the full 787 Dreamliner production cycle.

The company is located at 5400 International Blvd. and 9775 Patriot Blvd. in North Charleston, S.C. and 174 Millenium Drive in Orangeburg, S.C.

Individuals interested in joining the Boeing team should visit the company's careers page.

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South Carolina Recognized in Business Facilities’ Latest Rankings

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:57:57 +0000

South Carolina Recognized in Business Facilities’ Latest Rankings Tuesday, August 13, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 09/10/2024 - 12:57

South Carolina is built for the new economy. Industry magazine Business Facilities recently recognized the state for many of the attributes C-Suite executives and small business owners alike have already come to appreciate. From a business-friendly climate and favorable corporate tax climate and beyond, there’s a reason South Carolina remains the leading destination for inbound movers in 2024. S.C. Commerce is ready to help businesses looking to begin their success story in South Carolina today.

Why SC L2L small business headquarters relocation success storiesAdvanced ManufacturingAdvanced MaterialsAerospaceAgribusinessAutomotiveDistribution & LogisticsElectric VehiclesExportingHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechLife SciencesOffice & Shared ServicesRecyclingResearch & DevelopmentSmall BusinessNewsletterOff

Aerospace Shines at 2024 Farnborough Airshow

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:48:59 +0000

Aerospace Shines at 2024 Farnborough Airshow Tuesday, August 13, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 08/13/2024 - 12:48

South Carolina’s dominant aerospace industry was well-represented at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, one of the largest global aerospace and defense industry events. The state delegation, led by S.C. Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III, included economic development professionals, existing industry and aerospace suppliers, as well as research and strategic industry partners.

The South Carolina delegation poses between two F-16 Fighting Falcon jets at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow.

It takes a team of diversified resources and stakeholders to support a major industry — and that network is helping South Carolina aerospace companies reach new heights every day. In Farnborough, Boeing announced new 787 Dreamliner orders from both Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The state delegation also saw a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets — the same model produced at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, S.C., facility. This year marks the jet’s 50th year, with the company recently celebrating the 4,600th F-16 delivered out of South Carolina.

As an industry that employs more than 136,000 people, the aerospace industry is elevating the state’s economy. Explore S.C.’s aerospace industry or contact S.C. Commerce for more information.

aerospace Farnborough Harry Lightsey Boeing Japan Korea Lockheed Martin supplierAerospaceNewsletterOff

For Business Growth and Success, SelectUSA

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:51:31 +0000

For Business Growth and Success, SelectUSA Tuesday, June 11, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 06/11/2024 - 11:51

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is pivotal to South Carolina’s economy, accounting for more than 30% of announced economic development investments in 2023 alone. Today, over 1,100 internationally owned operations exist statewide — even for those with locations throughout the world, South Carolina-based operations stand out in helping drive global success.

To share the benefits of locating in South Carolina with the world, S.C. Commerce and economic developers from across the state are heading to SelectUSA Summit, the nation’s largest, concentrated showcase of the benefits of investing in the United States.

Meet with state and economic development leadership at Booth 1010 in the exhibit hall to explore South Carolina’s strategic approaches to support FDI and new and existing industry growth, from launch to legacy. Be on the lookout for S.C. representatives at the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) booth in the U.S. Government Pavilion who will share more about the South Carolina Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy Tech Hub.

FDI GBD international SelectUSA Tech Hub SC NexusAdvanced ManufacturingAdvanced MaterialsAerospaceAgribusinessAutomotiveDistribution & LogisticsElectric VehiclesExportingHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechLife SciencesOffice & Shared ServicesRecyclingResearch & DevelopmentSmall BusinessNewsletterOff

Tourism Economy Creates Long-Term Impact, Opportunities

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:43:09 +0000

Tourism Economy Creates Long-Term Impact, Opportunities Tuesday, June 11, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 06/11/2024 - 11:43

Source: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Perry Baker

When a state is rich in natural beauty, from the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to scenic sandy beaches, it’s hard to keep many destinations a secret. The word has long been out that South Carolina is a top stop, with its world-class golf courses and reigning destination cities, to name just a few.

To celebrate the economic impact, cultural contributions and career opportunities the tourism industry generates statewide, Governor Henry McMaster joined the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to designate May 19-25, 2024, as “South Carolina Travel and Tourism Week.” This proclamation aligned with National Travel and Tourism Week, established by Congress in 1983 to “elevate the power of travel.”

Governor Henry McMaster joins state, recreation and tourism leaders to celebrate the designation of May 19-25, 2024, as “South Carolina Travel and Tourism Week.” Source: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

One in 10 jobs is attributed to the hospitality industry, totaling more than 200,000 economic opportunities throughout South Carolina. As a whole, tourism is estimated to contribute more than $29 billion in economic impact to the state, with tourism-related tax collections reducing the tax burden per resident by nearly $1,000.

Visitors are also finding that South Carolina isn’t just a great place to visit or vacation; it’s a great place to live. Last month, both Charleston and Greenville made the U.S. News’ annual “25 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” rankings. The recognitions don’t stop there — the same cities cracked the top five of Southern Living’s “15 Friendliest Cities in the South” list. Meanwhile, Beaufort and Spartanburg placed in the top five, respectively, of the leisure magazine’s complementary ranking of the South’s 20 friendliest towns.

From bountiful tourism-related job and career opportunities to communities where people love to live, work and play, it’s no wonder South Carolina saw 1.7% growth in 2023, the highest in the nation. For businesses looking to find their next new home, hear firsthand from local executives about the state’s opportunities for businesses, from launch to legacy.

Why SC tourism L2LAdvanced ManufacturingAdvanced MaterialsAerospaceAgribusinessAutomotiveDistribution & LogisticsElectric VehiclesExportingHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechLife SciencesOffice & Shared ServicesRecyclingResearch & DevelopmentSmall Business

S.C. Commerce Names New Global Business Development Director

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:27:09 +0000

S.C. Commerce Names New Global Business Development Director Tuesday, April 9, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 04/09/2024 - 11:27

On April 1, 2024, S.C. Commerce named Annie Caggiano the agency’s new Global Business Development director. Caggiano, who is on her second stint with S.C. Commerce and previously served as a business recruitment manager, brings nearly 20 years of economic development experience to the role.

“South Carolina has a proven track record of helping businesses achieve success from launch to legacy, and Annie Caggiano’s expertise and passion for creating opportunities for all South Carolinians through economic development will help ensure that S.C. Commerce’s industry recruitment track record remains strong,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

South Carolina achieves impressive economic development in 2023, including $9.22B announced capital investment

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 13:44:14 +0000

South Carolina achieves impressive economic development in 2023, including $9.22B announced capital investment Tuesday, January 9, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 01/09/2024 - 08:44

On the heels of a record-setting 2022, economic development throughout South Carolina showed few signs of slowing down in 2023. On Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, S.C. Commerce announced its 2023 recruitment results, highlighted by a total capital investment of $9.22 billion — the second-highest amount in state history.

Of note, 2023 saw the most individual projects with a capital investment of $1 billion or more. Scout Motors’ $2 billion investment, Albemarle Corporation’s $1.3 billion investment and QTS Data Centers’ $1 billion investment show the continued interest across some of South Carolina’s key industries. Automotive, electric vehicles (EV) and EV batteries, and alternative energy and fuels were the state’s leading industries by capital investment, respectively.

At left, Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh speaks during the company’s investment announcement press conference on the state capitol grounds Friday, March 3, 2023. At right, AESC US Managing Director Jeff Deaton speaks during AESC Florence’s groundbreaking event Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Both companies announced capital investment that contributed to making automotive, electric vehicles (EV) and EV batteries the state’s leading industry in 2023.

“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. I’m extremely proud of the economic development professionals representing our state who continue to work relentlessly to position us for ongoing success. The announcement of over 14,000 jobs and billions of dollars to be invested into local communities will help increase the economic choices and opportunities for every South Carolinian. Our people remain a key component of our business success, and S.C. Commerce is eager to help create exciting career pathways for current and future residents.”

Investments from both newly announced companies and expansions of existing operations benefit communities of all sizes. Capital investments in rural communities, described as counties categorized as Tier III and IV according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue’s annual county development rankings, accounted for nearly 34% of all statewide investment.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) also continued to play an important role in South Carolina’s economy, accounting for more than 32% of all capital investment in 2023. Familiar global partners made up the state’s top FDI sources, led by Japan, Germany and Canada, respectively.

See the full 2023 Recruitment Overview, including the year’s top 10 projects by capital investment.

capital investment Scout Motors Albermarle Corporation QTS Data Centers automotive EV advanced energy rural FD Japan Germany CanadaAdvanced ManufacturingAdvanced MaterialsAerospaceAgribusinessAutomotiveDistribution & LogisticsElectric VehiclesExportingHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechLife SciencesOffice & Shared ServicesRecyclingResearch & DevelopmentSmall BusinessNewsletterOff