South Carolina Department of Commerce
Welcome To Your Future
Join us in South Carolina, where innovation and a focus on sustained, long-term growth represent the strength of doing business here. We embrace new technologies and welcome industries that are leading the way in this time of great transformation.
SC is Just Right for Advanced Manufacturing
From premium automobiles and appliances to boats and aircraft, each time a finished product rolls off an assembly line in this state, it helps solidify South Carolina's reputation as a location just right for advanced manufacturing.
Existing manufacturers announced expansions in 2021
New manufacturing jobs announced from 2017–2021
Sportsman Boats
“It is refreshing to live and work in a state that is pro-business and to be able to work with local and state officials to help provide good jobs for our fellow citizens.”
—Sportsman Boats President Tommy Hancock
Data not seasonally adjusted
SC is Just Right for Advanced Materials
From plastics and optics to photonics and composite material, we are supplying advanced textiles and substrates.
Advanced materials and composites firms
Capital investments since 2017
Fiber Industries
"The management team has been very impressed with the local workforce capabilities."
—Fiber Industries Officers Andrew Rosenfeld and Leandro Carboni
Source: World Trade Atlas
SC is Just Right for Aerospace
With an economic impact of $28.8 billion, the aerospace sector has evolved into a major pillar of the state's economy.
Firms in the private sector component of the SC aerospace
South Carolinians employed in the aerospace industry
GKN
"GKN is proud to be a part of the South Carolina aerospace community. We continue growing our strong partnership with the state of South Carolina."
—GKN Aerostructures North America CEO Daniele Cagnatel
Source: World Trade Atlas
SC is Just Right for Agribusiness
With approximately 25,000 farms and 12.9 million acres of forestland, we are in the business of growing.
In capital investments announced by agribusiness firms in 2021
Jobs directly supported by South Carolina's agribusiness industry
Ruiz Food Products
“We are honored how the Florence community and the State of South Carolina have embraced our joining their business community.”
—Ruiz Food Products, Inc. President and CEO Rachel Cullen
SC is Just Right for Automotive
Manufacturing of motor vehicles, bodies, trailers and parts accounts for more than $5.3 billion in state.
in the export sales of both tires and completed passenger vehicles
in capital investment from 2017 to 2021
Mercedes-Benz Vans
"The region has very highly skilled workers, a dense network of reliable suppliers and an outstanding logistics infrastructure that includes good transport connections to the nearby harbor."
—Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans Volker Mornhinweg
South Carolina accounts for 21% of the total US automotive export sales market.
Source: US Department of Commerce
SC is Just Right for Distribution & Logistics
More than 208 million people are within a two days’ drive of South Carolina.
of state-maintained highways
of rail
Dollar Tree
“Dollar Tree has been extremely impressed with the South Carolina transportation infrastructure which will support the Upstate distribution center. The current project to widen Interstate 85 and the efficiencies associated with the Greer Inland Port were instrumental in our site selection process.”
—Dollar Tree Chief Logistics Officer Stephen W. White
Source: US Department of Commerce
SC is Just Right for Life Sciences
Recent investments by leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies make South Carolina a top destination for the life sciences industry.
Life sciences companies currently operating in SC
South Carolinians employed in the life sciences sector
The Ritedose Corporation
"Since 1995, South Carolina's commitment to our success has allowed our company to continue to expand."
—The Ritedose Corp. President and CEO Dr. Umesh Dalvi
SC is Just Right for Office/Shared Services
South Carolina's office and shared services industry prove that the Palmetto State is home to a diversified and dynamic economy.
new jobs announced by office and shared services firms from 2017-2021
economic development projects announced by office and shared services firms from 2017 through 2021
Verizon Wireless
“With access to an outstanding workforce and an ‘open for business’ policy by state and local officials, we are truly looking forward to expanding our presence in Greenville.”
—Verizon Wireless Customer Care Senior Vice President Christine Baron
SC is Just Right for Start-Ups
With an advantageous work climate, corporate tax structure and location opportunities, South Carolina is just right for growing a new business.
of SC startups are in business one year after founding -- one of the highest rates in the Southeast
Bidr
"South Carolina’s quality of life is a major advantage for start-ups competing for top talent with Silicon Valley and other hotspots."
—Bidr Founder Sam Staley
SC is Just Right for Small Business
Percentage of South Carolina's private employers that are small
Percentage of South Carolina's total employment works for a small business
Newbold Services
"We've been able to succeed and grow in South Carolina because the workforce has been exceptional."
—Newbold Services President and CEO Erwin Carter
Small and medium-sized enterprises account for 84% of South Carolina goods exports.
Source: US Small Business Administration
SC is Just Right for Large Companies
From BMW to Google, we are a state that's prepared to move your company forward.
announced capital investment in South Carolina from 2011-2018
in port-related capital investments will be executed over the next decade
Honda of South Carolina
"Our most recent investment and the current plant expansion reaffirms our commitment to our customers, the state of South Carolina and our local communities.”
—Honda of South Carolina President Gary Mabrey
SC is Just Right for Business
Here in SC, both entrepreneurial local businesses and global enterprise industries find a home where they can flourish.
of SC's 2018 job recruitment total can be attributed to the state's existing industries
apprentices served by Apprenticeship Carolina
Blackbaud, Inc.
"For nearly 30 years we’ve called South Carolina home, and this community is very important to us."
—Blackbaud President and CEO Mike Gianoni
Expansion projects accounted for 48% of capital investment recruited in 2018.
Source: SC Department of Commerce
SC is Just Right for Your US Headquarters
The location of our state makes it ideal for product distribution across the continental US.
median single-family home sales price in SC
fastest growing state population in the nation
BMW
"The production of our 4 millionth vehicle in South Carolina reflects the commitment and dedication of every associate to produce premium quality vehicles."
—BMW Manufacturing President and CEO Knudt Flor
SC is Just Right for Global Business
Global business is all about ports and good international relationships. We have both.
Percentage of South Carolina's workforce that's employed by international firms
countries served by vessels that use South Carolina's ports
Komatsu
“Before, we were importing through Savannah and Long Beach. Then I decided to consolidate all our imports via Charleston, giving us an advantage of better control of our shipments and better communication with Port managers."
—Komatsu Senior Manager Isamu Hamai
