Project Sunshine shone through April 13 at the Laurens County Council’s regular monthly meeting.
On 3rd and final reading, and a required public hearing, Council cleared the way for tax incentives that have landed the $350 Million investment by Suniva, to build renewable energy solar cells.
The City of Laurens reacted with this statement:
“Today is a historic day for the City of Laurens. Suniva’s decision to locate its first South Carolina manufacturing facility within our city limits at Hunter Industrial Park represents one of the most significant industrial investments in our history. A $350 million investment and 564 new jobs will have a transformative impact on Laurens for years to come.This announcement is more than a number—it is a clear signal that Laurens is positioned to compete and succeed in advanced manufacturing and energy production. A U.S.-owned solar manufacturer choosing our city underscores the strength of our workforce, the value of our location, and the confidence that industry leaders have in Laurens. For our residents, this means opportunity. It means jobs, investment, and a stronger economic position and more customers for local businesses. For our city, it reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in infrastructure, planning, and smart growth so that we are ready not just for this project, but for what comes next. Thank you to our partners at the Laurens County Development Corporation, Laurens County, Laurens CPW, and the hardworking staff at The City of Laurens, SC who came together to make this historic investment a reality. We are proud to welcome Suniva to the City of Laurens. We look forward to being a strong partner as they establish operations and grow here, and we are committed to ensuring that this announcement and all that it brings will benefit our community for generations to come. Today, Laurens moves forward. #LaurensisOpenforBusiness”
There were 13 items of business on the council’s regular meeting agenda related to industrial matters. Members were guided through these by Jon Coleman, President & CEO of the Laurens County Development Cirporation, and Wes Meetze, county attorney. In addition to Suniva, council authorized incentives for Aptiv Services US, LLC, a tier one automotive industry supplier that will invest $120.8 Million and create 277 jobs in the Connexial Center, on I-385 at Gray Court.
This investment was known as Project Oracle.
Council also took action authorizing the expansion of Connexial for Aptiv and the expansion of the Hunter Industrial Park for Suniva. The overall agreement between Laurens and Greenville counties for Hunter has been re-drafted and was approved by council vote. Coleman said the Hunter expansion will involve land along the I-385 frontage road.
Council also took action to bring about a new industrial park in Clinton. This will be an agreement between Laurens and Spartanburg counties, and is being done to accommodate Coastal Precast Systems, LLC which is building between Hwys 56 and 72 just past I-26, in the Clinton city limits.
Meetze said the new Clinton industrial park mimics the Hunter Industrial Park as it provides designated spaces for industries.
In announcing the Suniva project, Coleman introduced the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Card, and the council with the meeting audience gave him a hearty rounds of applause.
Finally, council took action to authorize a Joinder Agreement with Suniva; Coleman said it involves a separate company that handles the company’s real estate.
Suniva’s $350M investment is Laurens County’s 3rd largest-ever industrial investment.
Wages will start at about $23 per hour for entry-level positions. Skilled technicians can earn between $26 and $36 per hour, while managers on the manufacturing line can earn up to $53 per hour, Card told the SC Daily Gazette.
