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.

May 2024 marks a monumental milestone for Sonoco — globally headquartered in Hartsville, S.C. — 125 fantastic years in the packaging industry. From a team of 12 in a rented warehouse to Fortune 500 status with an international team of approximately 23,000 across more than 300 operations, Sonoco proudly serves some of the world’s best-known brands in industrial, consumer and several other markets.

South Carolina’s business success stories are not limited to global manufacturers or household names. 

The Palmetto State is the new home of American innovation, and its small businesses are among the proven leaders in embracing change to enable sustained growth.

The automotive industry has grown over several decades, establishing itself as one of South Carolina’s major economic drivers. 

In 2023 alone, it accounted for $4.3 billion in announced capital investment — the state’s leading industry cluster, including the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) and EV battery sub-sectors. To celebrate and promote this cornerstone industry, the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is hosting its 13th Annual SC Automotive Summit in Greenville, S.C., Tuesday-Thursday, Feb. 13-15, 2024.