Advanced Materials Manufacturing Industry | South Carolina Department of Commerce

Approximately 960 advanced materials companies call South Carolina home.

South Carolina was once known primarily as a textile state. While the textile industry is still strong, the manufacturing of advanced materials—including more advanced textiles—has shifted the state's economy into high gear. From plastics and optics to photonics and composite materials, South Carolina now supplies the world's manufacturers with the items needed to make some of the industry's most complex products. Innovative polymer and advanced composites research facilities and an exceptional workforce allow the Palmetto State to support an increasingly significant cluster of advanced materials companies.

Advanced Materials Feature Story

China Jushi

South Carolina is home to the US fiberglass manufacturing operation for China Jushi, a global manufacturer and promoter of fiberglass products. China Jushi is a leading supplier of fiberglass reinforcements and fabrics to the reinforced plastics industry worldwide.

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Advanced Materials Facts

5,272

new jobs announced by advanced materials firms from 2017–2023

$2.9 billion

in the export sales of plastics in 2023

$1.5 billion

capital investment announced by advanced materials firms from 2017–2023

$1 billion

investment from carbon fiber producer Toray, continues to be one of the largest investments in state history

969

advanced materials companies

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Advanced Materials Snapshots

“The thermoplastic composite solutions that will be manufactured in our Greenville facility will help our energy, aerospace and automotive customers achieve better environmental responsibility and affordability by offering more lightweight solutions that deliver superior performance.”

-Solvay President of Growth Platforms Mike Finelli

“Our economic impact in South Carolina is significant and spans more than a century. We created skilled job opportunities, bolstered manufacturing operations in the state and continued to invest at a time when those jobs were leaving for other locations. Milliken employs over 3,200 associates in South Carolina in 16 locations. Milliken’s associates live across 23 different counties in South Carolina. In addition to our associates and plants, we spend over $350 million in South Carolina annually. We understand our responsibility to our communities in operating each of these facilities. Milliken values the opportunity to support South Carolina through both economic investments and community giving.”

- Milliken & Company CEO Halsey Cook

"At the heart of our business is our people. Since the day we decided to locate our business in S.C., we have been delighted with the skill and commitment of the local people we've brought on board, and that's what made our decision to invest further into S.C. an easy one. The plant in Orangeburg will be our flagship operation, with industry-leading equipment, innovative new products and highly capable people. We believe it will be a recipe for success. We are grateful for the support of the Orangeburg County Development Commission and the South Carolina Department of Commerce and look forward to a thrilling next six months as we bring our plans to fruition."

-Sigmatex CEO Paul McMullan

“After an extensive site selection process that included six states, Teijin selected Greenwood, S.C. because of its pro-business atmosphere and proactive support from Governor Haley and her team, as well as local government officials. We were also attracted to the diversity of Greenwood’s citizens, the community’s rich history of welcoming foreign investment and the excellent training opportunities available at Piedmont Technical College. We plan to invest in resources to develop new and innovative products to meet the increasing demands of the global carbon fiber market.”

–Teijin Director of Government Relations Wayne Trotter

"South Carolina offers Toray Industries an ideal location for our next North American manufacturing facility. Here we will have proximity to major customers, both in the U.S. and in Latin American markets. We appreciate the great working relationship we have established with the state and local officials, and we look forward to becoming part of the South Carolina business community."

-Toray Industries President Akihiro Nikkaku