A diverse economy cultivated in South Carolina
This month, we celebrate the anniversary of two important events in the state's recent economic development history. On this week in 2015, Mercedes-Benz Vans announced plans to establish a new $500 million manufacturing plant in Charleston County. And, several weeks later, on March 23, Movement Mortgage held the official groundbreaking for its $22 million national headquarters in Lancaster County. Creating thousands of jobs, collectively, these two very different projects are a testament to the diverse economy that has been cultivated in South Carolina.
From manufacturing and logistics to agribusiness and shared services, various industries are thriving in the Palmetto State. Illustrating this is S.C. Commerce's annual report, which was released in February. While we recruited an impressive 7,000 new manufacturing jobs to South Carolina last year, our other sectors were strong as well, representing nearly half of the state's job recruitment total. The office and shared services sector, for example, accounted for five of our top 10 announcements, by job creation.
In economic development, I truly believe that our purpose is to create choices. By recruiting a variety of job types to communities of all shapes and sizes, we can improve the quality of life for citizens in every corner of our state, giving them the freedom to choose their own path.