QTS Data Centers establishing first South Carolina operations in York County
$1 billion investment will generate a robust technology ecosystem
COLUMBIA, S.C. – QTS Data Centers (QTS), a leading global provider of colocation data center infrastructure and related services, today announced it will establish operations in York County. The $1 billion investment is the company’s first South Carolina facility and will help establish a technology hub in York County (which is north-east of Clinton).
Data centers power the internet and the digital economy while serving as an economic anchor in the areas where they operate.
The QTS campus, which will be located near Hands Mill Highway and Campbell Road in unincorporated York County, will utilize carbon-free power when feasible and leverage industry-leading, water-saving technology that uses zero water for cooling its customers’ environments. When available, job opportunities will be posted on the company’s website.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $200,000 Set-Aside grant to York County to assist with the costs of site preparation.
QUOTES
“QTS is pleased to announce our expansion in York County, SC with a new campus that supports growth for QTS and its partners. Our investment in York County is consistent with QTS’ strategy of securing access to infrastructure at scale in strategic markets to support accelerating demand from our hyperscale, enterprise, and government customer base. We look forward to partnering with the community along with local and state leadership, further enhancing South Carolina as a leading technology center." -QTS Chief Executive Officer Chad Williams
“With QTS Data Centers establishing operations in York County, South Carolina continues to add to its already impressive technology industry. We celebrate their significant investment and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have in York County and across the state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Digital infrastructure is critical as our reliance on technology increases. We’re proud that high-tech companies like QTS Data Centers recognize that South Carolina’s assets will enable sustained success and look forward to the impact of this $1 billion investment in York County and beyond.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“QTS Data Centers' $1 billion investment in York County reflects our community's commitment to a brighter future. Their presence here will significantly boost public school funding and broaden our tax base. We extend thanks to our local utility partners for their invaluable support in making this vision a reality. Welcome to York County, QTS." -York County Council Chairwoman Christi Cox
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When available, job opportunities will be posted on the company’s website.
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Silfab Solar growing US presence by establishing flagship operation in York County
$150 million investment will provide 800 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Silfab Solar, a leading North American solar panel manufacturer, today announced plans to expand its U.S. footprint by establishing operations in York County. The company’s $150 million investment will create 800 new jobs.
With more than 40 years of solar experience, Silfab Solar designs, engineers and manufactures its own premium brand of high-efficiency solar panels for both residential and commercial use. The company operates two U.S. facilities in Bellingham and Burlington, Washington, and one in Toronto, Canada. The new facility in York County will manufacture next-generation solar cell technology, boosting U.S solar cell production.
The company is leasing a 785,000-square-foot building located at 7149 Logistics Lane in Fort Mill.
Operations are expected to be online in the third quarter of 2024. Individuals who are interested in joining the Silfab Solar team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $2 million Set-Aside grant to York County to assist with the costs of building improvements.
QUOTES
“Silfab Solar’s investment in South Carolina strengthens our North America manufacturing capabilities, creates good-paying jobs and provides the ideal East Coast location to serve our growing customers. We look forward to expanding our industry-leading position for made-in-America solar. The company specifically chose York County as the ideal location to expand because of the community’s commitment to innovation, its quality of life and the availability of a skilled workforce. Silfab Solar looks forward to hiring and to begin production of next-generation solar modules.”-Silfab Solar CEO Paolo Maccario
“Silfab Solar selecting York County for a project that requires a highly skilled workforce shows that our workforce development investments are paying off in a big way. Our people are South Carolina’s greatest resource, and we are confident they will help Silfab Solar thrive in its latest venture. Congratulations to Silfab Solar on this project and welcome to South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“With an established West Coast presence, we are delighted that Silfab Solar chose South Carolina for its new, East Coast operations. Our state is proud to be a proven destination for growing companies seeking long-term success. Silfab Solar’s 800 new jobs represent incredible opportunities for York County and beyond.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
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2 smaller investments:
Books for Less expanding South Carolina footprint to Oconee County with second distribution facility
$3.9 million investment will create 20 new jobs
Books for Less, a wholesale book distributor, announced it is opening a new warehouse distribution operation in Oconee County. The company’s $3.9 million investment will create 20 new jobs.
Headquartered in Bridgeton, New Jersey, Books for Less sells deeply discounted overstock books from publishers and bookstore returns. The company is in the process of repurposing a 190,000 square-foot facility located at 100 Dunlop Drive in Westminster. In addition, Books for Less has an existing warehouse distribution facility in Easley.
Operations are expected to be online in the first quarter of 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Books for Less team should email Michael Shmuely.
QUOTES
“Books for Less is looking forward to opening our new facility in Oconee County. The building we have purchased is ideal for our operation and will allow us to expand in the future. The location meets the needs of our growing customer base and the workforce is well suited for our operation. We greatly appreciate the support we have received from Oconee County and the State of South Carolina in helping to facilitate our project.” -Books for Less President Michael Shmuely
“With a $3.9 million investment that will generate 20 new jobs, Books for Less is making a substantial impact in Oconee County. This additional Books for Less operation offers the company new opportunities to meet its customers’ informational needs and further expand its impact in South Carolina and beyond.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“We are pleased Books for Less sees such strong potential in South Carolina’s workforce and economic climate that the company chose to open a second warehouse distribution operation in our state. Congratulations to Books for Less on its continued growth and success.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Books For Less and their new distribution facility in Oconee County will be an asset to our area. We welcome their continued expansion in the Upstate and are delighted they will call Westminster home. With this latest investment in our citizens, we look forward to a great partnership and adding to the success of Books for Less.”-Senate President Thomas C. Alexander
“It’s another “top shelf for business” moment in Oconee County with Books for Less selecting Oconee County for their new book distribution facility. The project will be a tremendous benefit to Westminster and Oconee County as the operation will repurpose one of the oldest industrial buildings in Oconee County and brings vitality to it with new jobs and investments. We greatly appreciate Books for Less selecting our community for their operation and wish them tremendous success.” -Jamie Gilbert, President and CEO, Oconee Economic Alliance
PolyQuest expands capabilities with acquisition of Baker Transportation in Williamsburg County
Acquisition will create 25 new jobs
PolyQuest Inc. (PolyQuest), a thermoplastic resin distributor, announced it will acquire Baker Transportation, Inc. (Baker Transportation) in Williamsburg County. Through the acquisition, the company aims to expand its capability to deliver resin products to customers in the bottle, sheet, strapping, film, fiber, compounding and injection molding markets. The acquisition will create 25 new jobs.
PolyQuest has U.S. facilities in Darlington and Florence, South Carolina; Farmingdale, New York; and is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. The company also has a European office in Austria.
Founded in 1987 by Billy and Leila Baker, Baker Transportation is adjacent to the Interstate 95, Interstate 20 and Interstate 26 corridors in Cades, allowing seamless access to domestic distribution routes, as well as the ports of Wilmington, Charleston and Savannah.
The Baker family will continue to oversee all transactional aspects of the business located at 4021 North Williamsburg County Highway, Lake City. Once the transaction is complete in early October, the new entity name will be Baker Transportation, LLC.
QUOTES
“Although PolyQuest will continue buying freight services from existing freight vendors, the Baker acquisition promotes extreme flexibility in tailoring freight and logistics solutions for both PolyQuest’s and Baker Transportation’s current business partners.” -PolyQuest CEO John Marinelli
“South Carolina is proud of the opportunities Baker Transportation has provided for the citizens of Williamsburg County and pleased to see that this acquisition will provide 25 new jobs. We look forward to seeing the company build on its 36-year history.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“By recognizing Baker Transportation’s logistical potential, PolyQuest is taking a significant a step in enhancing its ability to deliver products to its South Carolina customers. As a result, this acquisition will create impactful opportunities in Williamsburg County.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“On behalf of myself and Williamsburg County Council, we extend a warm welcome to PolyQuest as our newest industry partner. We are proud and appreciative of the Baker family and the opportunities they have afforded Williamsburg County citizens over the past four decades. The quality services they have provided in the transportation industry have been exceptional. We appreciate their investment in our community, which has resulted in the creation of 25 new jobs. PolyQuest's partnership with Williamsburg County is a testament to our community's strength and its ability to attract businesses that share our values and commitment to excellence. We look forward to a long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnership with PolyQuest.” -Williamsburg County Supervisor Kelvin C. Washington
Latitude Corp. expands US footprint by establishing first South Carolina operations in Clarendon County
$29 million investment will create 200 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Latitude Corp., a contract manufacturer of precision metal manufacturing solutions, today announced plans to expand its U.S. footprint by establishing operations in Clarendon County. The company's $29 million investment, in its first South Carolina facility, will create 200 new jobs.
Latitude Corp. started in 1990 as a machine shop in Middleton, Wisconsin. Consistent growth prompted the company to expand and diversify into metal fabrication, welding and powder coating services. Today, Latitude Corp. is headquartered in Verona, Wisconsin and works with customers in numerous industries including agriculture, aerospace and defense, commercial appliances, government, healthcare, and is targeting growth in electric vehicles, energy and construction. The company has an additional operation in Tucson, Arizona.
The company is purchasing a 50,000-square-foot facility located at 2414 Joe Rogers Blvd. in Manning. This location will manufacture large metal components.
Operations are expected to be online by June, 2024. Individuals who are interested in joining the Latitude Corp's team should visit the company's careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $400,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Clarendon County to assist with the costs of building improvements.
QUOTES
“We are pleased to be partnering with South Carolina and Clarendon County and look forward to joining the Manning community. Our new facility will allow us to better serve customers regionally and continue the growth story of Latitude Corp. The South Carolina team was very supportive through the due diligence process and Santee Electric, having constructed a spec building suitable to our needs, helped us to narrow down our facility choice. The readySC program, which helps to recruit and train potential employees, convinced us that South Carolina was the right location for our business expansion.” -Latitude Corp. President Tom Verbos
“We are proud that South Carolina's strong business climate helped to bring Latitude Corp. to South Carolina and are confident that Clarendon County will be an ideal location for the company's newest operation. Congratulations to Latitude Corp., and welcome to South Carolina.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Once again, South Carolina's strong workforce helps to reassure a company that the Palmetto State is the right choice. South Carolinians have a reputation for excellence in manufacturing, and we look forward to seeing the impact their talents have on Latitude Corp. and its future. -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“On behalf of Clarendon County Council, we would like to welcome Latitude Corp. to our growing list of successful companies that call Clarendon County home. To be part of the largest single jobs announcement in the history of the county is truly extraordinary. Welcome to Clarendon County, and we wish you many years of success.” -Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight L. Steward Jr.
“Welcome, Latitude Corp., to the Clarendon community. This new facility puts the company in the middle of a phenomenal growth opportunity underway in the heart of the county. We look forward to seeing the progression of the company as it builds its local presence and the positive impact it will have on some of the greatest beneficiaries – the skilled workers of Clarendon County. -Central SC Alliance Chairman Matthew Shaffer
