Major economic development Announcements of projects involving the automotive and transportation sectors in 2024 have demonstrated that the Upstate continues to be a manufacturing powerhouse.
Nearly a billion dollars in new manufacturing projects
The year started in February with EnerSysa global manufacturer of energy storage systems, announces an investment of 500 million dollars it will create 500 new jobs with a lithium-ion battery production plant in Greenville County.
The new 500,000 square foot facility will be located on 140 acres in the Augusta Grove Business Park near Bracken Road in the southern part of the county.
According to the company, the new facility will be the second in South Carolina and will focus on the production of lithium-ion cells for commercial, industrial and defense applications.
Another round of $400 million investment announcements took place in December with two expansions by Magna International of its Piedmont operations, totaling $194 million and expected to create approximately 200 new jobs.
Another $216 million announcement was from an as-yet-unnamed company for a new motor vehicle production plant, also in Piedmont, that is expected to create more than 700 new jobs.
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Phase 2 of County Square redevelopment begins
The second billion dollar phase County Square The project started earlier this year with demolition and infrastructure works.
The demolition of the former Greenville County Administration Building was followed by site work, which involved the reconfiguration of University Ridge and infrastructure improvements.
Once completed, the project will involve approximately a dozen new mixed-use buildings incorporating residential, office, hotel, restaurant and other retail uses.
Clemson College of Veterinary Medicine breaks ground
The State first school of veterinary medicine moved firmly from the drawing board to reality with the November dedication of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University. Clemson’s Board of Trustees approved the college’s 2023 plans and hired the college’s first dean, Steven Marks.
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program curriculum was approved this year and the college continues to hire faculty and seek accreditation for the program through the American Veterinary Medical Association. The first class of 80 students is expected to enroll in 2026.
Alcohol liability insurance puts strain on food and beverage industry
Skyrocketing alcohol liability insurance costs continued to strain the state’s $22 billion food and beverage industry and reform this year. hopes were disappointed when the General Assembly adjourned without taking a decision on the matter.
This issue has not yet generated widespread public concern and has been overshadowed by other issues leading up to the November general election. Leaders in the sector are organizing to make this subject a priority during the next legislature.
BMW and Michelin celebrate milestones
Two of the state’s most important corporate citizens celebrated major milestones. BMW Manufacturing celebrated its 30th anniversary in the Palmetto State in June, and Michelin North America celebrated its 50th anniversary in September.
For several decades, both companies had a profound impact on the state’s economy and helped fuel South Carolina’s drive to become a manufacturing powerhouse.