South Carolina posted another solid business recruitment year in 2017, with capital investment recruited to the state topping $5 billion for the fourth time in seven years.
From January to December 2017, the state won 157 economic development projects, accounting for $5.24 billion in capital investment and 18,445 new jobs.
“Our state’s future prosperity is dependent on providing opportunities for every South Carolinian, and we have shown that the best way to do that is to create a competitive business environment and a strong workforce that attracts companies and jobs,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “2017 was a fantastic year, but with a commitment to further developing our workforce, I know that South Carolina’s best days are ahead.”
By recruiting companies representing a variety of industry sectors, locations and project types, South Carolina continued to diversify its economy in 2017:
“South Carolina has become an industrial powerhouse,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “To recruit more than $5 billion in capital investment – a feat which had never occurred prior to 2011 – takes a remarkable amount of collaboration and teamwork from many partners across this state.”
Although manufacturing is heavily-represented, South Carolina’s list of top announcements from last year reflects a diverse economy. From energy to logistics, manufacturing to office and shared services, 2017 proved that the Palmetto State remains ‘Just right’ for companies of all types.
Top Economic Development Announcements of 2017*:
By Capital Investment
1) Volvo Cars – Berkeley County ($620 million)
2) BMW – Spartanburg County ($600 million)
3) WestRock – Florence County ($470 million)
4) Samsung – Newberry County ($380 million)
T5) Electrolux – Anderson County ($200 million)
T5) Roseburg Forest Products – Chester County ($200 million)
7) Robert Bosch – Anderson County ($152 million)
8) Cypress Creek Renewables – Orangeburg County ($115 million)
T9) Adger Solar – Aiken County ($100 million)
T9) Dominion – Jasper County ($100 million)
By Job Creation
1) Volvo Cars – Berkeley County (1,910 jobs)
T2) Arthrex – Anderson County (1,000 jobs)
T2) BMW – Spartanburg County (1,000 jobs)
T2) LuLaRoe – Richland County (1,000 jobs)
5) Samsung – Newberry County (950 jobs)
6) Ruiz Food Products – Florence County (705 jobs)
T7) Movement Mortgage – Lancaster County (700 jobs)
T7) Trane – Richland County (700 jobs)
T9) Black and Decker – York County (500 jobs)
T9) Harbor Freight Tools – Dillon County (500 jobs)
*Recruited figures represent projects that were won during the year 2017. Announcements made in 2017 may include projects that were recruited in a previous year and announced later