Advanced Manufacturing

COLUMBIA, S.C. – AGRU America, a U.S. manufacturer of engineering plastics solutions, announced today it is expanding operations in Williamsburg County. The company’s $7.8 million investment will create approximately six new jobs.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Leonardo DRS, through its subsidiary, DRS Naval Power Systems, today announced it selects Berkeley County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The company’s approximate net investment of $120 million is expected to create 58 new jobs. 

Leonardo DRS is a leading provider of defense products and technologies. Its subsidiary, DRS Naval Power Systems, provides naval power and control technology solutions for the U.S. Navy and allied navies, and for commercial applications.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – EnerSys (NYSE:ENS), a global leader in energy storage systems and solutions, today announced it plans to grow the company’s South Carolina footprint by establishing new operations in Greenville County. The $500 million investment has the potential to create 500 new jobs.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Omron Automation (OMRON), a global leader in industrial automation technology, today announced it selects Spartanburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $9.2 million investment will create 162 new jobs in five years.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Nova Molecular Technologies (Nova), a high-purity solvents manufacturer, today announced it is expanding its operations in Sumter County. The company’s $23.75 million investment will create 20 new jobs.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Flame Spray North America, a thermal spray coatings manufacturer, today announced it is expanding its operations in Laurens County. The company’s $2.5 million investment will create 40 new jobs. 

Part of Flame Spray S.p.A., Flame Spray North America offers a complete portfolio of thermal spray coating and heat treatment services. The company’s only North American facility, located at 576 International Blvd. in Fountain Inn, primarily aims to serve the industrial gas turbine and aerospace markets.

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.

Carolina Structural Systems, a manufacturer of structural wood component systems, is establishing its first South Carolina operation in Anderson County. The $4.7 million investment will create 60 new jobs.

AESC, a world-leading electric vehicle battery technology company, today announced the expansion of its state-of-the-art battery cell facility in Florence County. The $810 million investment will create 450 new jobs. Expected to be complete by 2026, this new commitment follows AESC’s initial announcement in December 2022 of $810 million and 1,170 jobs, resulting in a total investment of $1.62 billion and 1,620 new jobs.