News | February 10 2023
Region’s economy experiences record growth
STAFF REPORTS
FLORENCE – Counties in South Carolina’s northeastern region reported more than 1 billion dollars in new investment with over 2,400 jobs created.
“This has been a monumental year of announcements, job creation and developing projects for our region,” said Yancey McGill, a former S.C. lieutenant governor and North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) executive committee chairman, “We are excited to see the amazing opportunities these announcements provide and the high potential for further growth and development.”
According to NESA – the non-profit regional economic development group serving Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties – the region had a record year with over $1.106 billion in new investment in 2022, as well as the creation of 2,440 jobs.
The regional unemployment rate was 3.8% as of December 2022. The lowest recorded unemployment rate for the year was in April at 3.2% and the highest was in February at 5.2%. Up until October 2022, the region averaged around 320 initial unemployment claims per week and a total of 13,471 claims were made. Employment in the NESA region at the end of December was at 316,088 which represented a 0.6% increase from December 2019.
Regionally, there were 15 announcements: seven were existing industry expansions and eight were new locations.
“There were many exciting announcements throughout the year in 2022,” McGill said. “We want to congratulate and commend each of these companies for making investments in our communities. To everyone, particularly the economic developers and county leaders, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring these projects to fruition, we want to thank each and every one of you.”
“We are thrilled to welcome companies like Envision AESC and DC Blox that are bringing cutting-edge technology to the state of South Carolina and the NESA region,” McGill said. “Each company that either expanded or announced new investment are recognizing the opportunities here and the value of our hardworking people.”
Looking forward, McGill said he is optimistic about the year ahead.
“We will continue to proactively work with county economic developers, allied partners and entities at the state level to promote product development in the region,” he said. “We will continue to employ strategic recruiting initiatives and stay fully engaged to support each of our counties’ economic development efforts.”
McGill noted that the NESA staff provide tools to make it easier for searching and virtually touring available sites in the region. All of these tools, along with NESA’s 2022 Annual Report, can be found at nesasc.org. NESA had their annual meeting on February 9, 2023.
Here are county-by-county updates and outlooks:
Chesterfield County
Population: 43,655
Unemployment rate: 4.1%
Average annual wages: $42,732
GDP: $1,413,635,000
2022 in review:
Effects from COVID-19 initially slowed down growth within the county during the first six months. This was followed by rapid growth as housing and industries started filtering down U.S. Highway 601 from North Carolina and several industries expanded. The MDT Speculative building, located in the Lynches River Industrial Park, Pageland, S.C., was completed and now has a purchase sale agreement with due diligence in process by the potential purchaser.
Planning, engineering and grant applications were completed on a comprehensive plan for water upgrades and upsizing lines throughout the county, especially within the rapidly growing western end. Planning, engineering and grant applications are also in the process for water and sewer upgrades on the eastern side of the county.
2023 expectations:
Chesterfield County Economic Development plans to assist in developing a countywide transportation system to provide transportation for employees to and from work. They will also partner with state and local workforce development agencies, technical college and high schools to develop workforce training for existing industries.
Lynches River Industrial Park, located on S.C. Highway 601 just south of the North Carolina line, is within an hour drive to Charlotte Douglas International Airport and SC Inland Port Dillon. It has six available sites and there are plans for construction of a 100,000-square-foot speculative building.
Darlington County
Population: 63,433
Unemployment rate: 3.9%
Average annual wages: $51,200
GDP: $2,442,221,000
2022 in review:
Darlington County completed certification for the Darlington County I-20 Industrial Park, located on Partnership Drive just off exit 137 on Interstate 20. This county-owned site is being marketed to recruit new industry to the area.
Workforce development committees were established to promote dialog among leaders in local private industry, Darlington County public schools, Florence-Darlington Technical College and Coker University.
Multiple solar farm projects were announced with combined investments of approximately $37 million.
2023 expectations:
The Darlington County Economic Development Partnership is assessing and working to meet the needs of existing industries within the county. As part of this initiative, they are engaging business, community and education leaders to create innovative employee training.
Dillon County
Population: 28,527
Unemployment rate: 5.1%
Average annual wages: $36,404
GDP: $727,734,000
2022 in review:
Dillon County welcomed its new economic development director, Matthew Elvington, in early 2022. The county continues to be a hotspot for traditional manufacturing and distribution operations. Arclin, a custom manufacturing and environment solutions company, went fully operational in 2022 following their announcement of their new facility in 2021.
2023 expectations:
Dillon County Economic Development anticipates an announcement in early 2023.
Economic development efforts are currently underway at exit 190 on Interstate 95, including the widening of S.C. Highway 34 and the construction of a QT convenience store, which should be completed this year.
In addition, efforts are underway to develop acreage that was recently acquired by a private real estate developer in the industrial park that houses Harbor Freight Tools’ distribution center and Inland Port Dillon.
Florence County
Population: 137,276
Unemployment rate: 3.6%
Average annual wages: $46,795
GDP: $6,623,945,000
2022 in review:
Even with 8% inflation, Florence County had the biggest year economically in the history of the county. 2022 represented over $936 million in announced capital investment and over 1,872 new jobs to the county.
Cheney Brothers is locating its newest facility at Pee Dee Commerce City East Industrial Park in Florence to meet the growing demand of the region and their $66 million investment will create 280 new jobs. Carolina Precision Foods, LLC announced plans to establish operations in Florence County and their $10 million investment will create 402 new jobs. Innovative Construction Group had their grand opening and their $35.6 million will create 179 jobs. Envision AESC is building a state-of-the-art 30GWh gigafactory and their $810 million investment will create 1,170 jobs. There were four total announcements for 2022.
2023 expectations:
2022 was an outstanding year and Florence County Economic Development Partnership enters 2023 with a ton of momentum. Florence County Council approved the issuance of a twenty-two million dollar bond to support industrial product development initiatives.
Florence County Industrial Park East is a 330-acre rail-served industrial park located off U.S. Highway 76, less than ten miles from Interstate 95. Site work is now complete with the addition of an industrial park entrance and deceleration lane on U.S. Highway 76, an extension of water and sewer infrastructure to a future speculative building site, and mass grading of a 100,000-square-foot speculative building pad.
A 100,107-square-foot speculative building within the newly developed Florence Industrial Park South is currently under construction with expected completion in early 2023.
Marlboro Development Team's 117,180-square-foot speculative building at Pee Dee Commerce City West, located on S.C. Highway 327 at exit 170 on Interstate 95, is under construction. It is expected to be completed in 2023.
Finally, the newly branded Envision Technology and Commerce Park is a partnership between Florence County and the City of Florence. The new industrial park will be anchored by the County's most recent announcement, Envision AESC.
Georgetown County
Population: 62,992
Unemployment rate: 3.9%
Average annual wages: $45,365
GDP: $2,383,763,000
2022 in review:
Georgetown County hired a new Economic Development Director, Tiffany Harrison, in January. There were several new developments and announcements throughout the year representing over $30 million in capital investment and over 150 jobs created.
Sherpa 6, a service-disabled veteran-owned technology company, started construction at the Georgetown County Airport. Investing $6.1 million and creating 41 jobs, this company is participating in the effort to create a new Aviation Economic Development Area at the airport. They also plan to partner with Horry-Georgetown Technical College to develop an apprenticeship program for students.
Envirosep, a manufacturing and full-service engineering company, announced and had a ribbon cutting for its new four-story, 100,000-square-foot building. This project was the second largest one for the company in the last 10 years with $18 million invested and 100 jobs created. This project allows Envirosep to add project managers, production managers, industrial electricians, welders, millwrights, and pipefitters, creating a range of employment opportunities in Georgetown County.
WingIts Innovations, a specialty designer and manufacturer, purchased the 50,000-square-foot speculative building at the Georgetown County Business Center on January 31, 2022. WingIts committed to investing $7.4 million and creating 41 jobs. It will have its ribbon cutting ceremony on February 15, 2023.
2023 expectations:
2022 had great successes for Georgetown County and in 2023 that momentum continues. Various projects and development are in process, pushing a continuous positive message for growth in Georgetown County.
Georgetown County Business Center (GCBC) is a 633-acre industrial park located off U.S. Highway 521 between Andrews, S.C. and the City of Georgetown. Rail access for the site is under construction and expected to be complete before the end of the year. At completion, the eastern portion of the Business Center will be served by rail. Through a partnership with Santee Electric Cooperative, a 100,000-square-foot speculative building is currently under construction in Georgetown County at the Business Center and is expected to be complete mid- to late 2023.
Pennyroyal Industrial Park on Pennyroyal Road boasts 560 developable acres. This industrial park provides Georgetown County with a unique opportunity as it is the largest site of only a few located on the East Coast with barge and rail access. With access to electricity, natural gas, water and sewer, and telecommunications, the Pennyroyal Industrial Site continues to spark interest among potential projects. Due Diligence for this site has been completed. Currently, Georgetown County Economic Development is working with a civil engineering firm to update the design and permitting to provide rail access to the park.
The Georgetown County Airport continues to thrive after COVID-19 caused an increase in tourism and business coming into Georgetown County. With the operations of Sherpa 6, the airport has become a viable site for future aviation-related businesses. With this, Georgetown County Economic Development and the Georgetown County Airport have partnered to secure a consultant to complete a market feasibility study and master plan to attract complementary businesses to locate at sites on the airport property. This opportunity allows Georgetown County Economic Development to market the airport property as its third industrial site.
Before mid-year, the South Carolina Ports Authority is expected to transfer the Georgetown Port property to Georgetown County. This property sits on over 246 acres. Currently, Georgetown County Economic Development is overseeing all of the due diligence and master planning concerning the property. It has secured an engineering firm that is performing environmental and structural due diligence for the project. Once the property’s transfer is complete, Georgetown County will coordinate with its procurement department to select a team of consultants for the master planning of this project.
In late January, Georgetown County Council gave the approval for Silicon Ranch, a solar energy company that is one of the largest independent power producers in the country, to have a zoning change that allows a solar farm to be built on 2,075 acres in Georgetown County. This site will provide an accommodation of 150 to 200 megawatts of solar that will serve within the Santee Cooper and Central Electric power service areas.
In early 2020, Georgetown County Economic Development partnered with Guerry Green, owner of ScreenTight and G2 Composites, companies in Georgetown County, to construct a speculative building on U.S. Highway 17 toward Charleston. This will be known as the Eagle Commerce Speculative building, a 40,000-square-foot flex space building. This site is currently under construction.
Horry County
Population: 344,865
Unemployment rate: 4.1%
Average annual wages: $42,508
GDP: $13,008,089,000
2022 in review:
Horry County experienced strong economic activity with over $124 million in announced capital investment and 268 new jobs to the county.
Carolina Food Service of Loris, S.C. announced plans to expand operations in Horry County and their $3.78 million investment will create 71 new jobs. Carolina Refractories, Inc. announced plans to expand operations with a new 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Ascott Valley Industrial Park in Conway and their $3.72 million investment will create approximately 38 jobs. DC Blox, Inc. announced plans to establish a data center/subsea cable landing station at the International Technology & Aerospace Park (ITAP). This will be the first subsea landing station established in South Carolina. DC Blox will invest over $31.5 million and hire several positions to operate the data center. FedEx Ground, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., expanded operations in Horry County in time for the holiday shopping season, bringing a $64 million investment and new jobs to the area. Moose Logistics & Distribution announced plans to establish operations in Loris, S.C. and their $2.6 million investment will create approximately 75 jobs. Pepsi Bottling Ventures, LLC (PBV) announced plans to expand operations and their $15 million investment will create 27 new jobs. Shed Windows & More, Inc. announced plans to expand operations and their $4.28 million investment will create approximately 42 new jobs. There were a total of seven announcements for 2022.
2023 expectations:
Entering 2023, the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation anticipates another great year for Horry County with several site and speculative building development projects already underway.
The Marlboro Development Spec Building at Ascott Valley is being built at the Ascott Valley Industrial Park. This will be a 99,360-sqaure-foot speculative building, expandable up to 153,360 square feet, on 10 acres and has an expected completion date in early 2024.
The Palmetto Coast Industrial Park is 69 acres is located in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. A private developer is constructing four speculative buildings ranging from 157,000 square feet to 217,000 square feet. Palmetto Coast Industrial Park will be able to accommodate users needing from 25,000 square feet to 217,000 square feet. One of the spec buildings already has Pepsi Bottling Ventures set to be a future tenant.
For the Ascott Valley Industrial Park Phase II, Horry County has acquired an additional 49 acres to develop a new industrial park right outside of Conway, S.C. The industrial park is deemed a “Palmetto Site” with all due diligence completed.
Marion County
Population: 29,585
Unemployment rate: 5.6%
Average annual wages: $38,270
GDP: $554,381,000
22022 in review:
Marion County had approximately $20 million in new investment, including a $5 million expansion of DMA Sales, LLC which also created 30 new jobs.
The county is also in the process of acquiring approximately 400 acres near the county’s airport to develop for industrial use. In addition, the runway at the airport is being extended to 5,000 feet.
2023 expectations:
Marion County Economic Development Commission is working on a streamlined workforce initiative with leaders in the county, schools and local industry in an effort to strengthen and broaden the workforce pipeline. This collaborative effort will establish various avenues to assist residents with developing skills and certifications while building awareness of available jobs.
Marlboro County
Population: 26,912
Unemployment rate: 7.7%
Average annual wages: $50,507
GDP: $714,898,000
2022 in review:
Marlboro County’s 50,000-square-foot speculative building in the Marlboro County Industrial Park was completed in 2022 and is available.
Following the closure of Mohawk Flooring’s Oak River Mills’ plant in the Blenheim, S.C. area, the county, along with South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), successfully assisted the displaced workers with landing new jobs. With heavy infrastructure and rail access, the remaining building is 800,000 square feet and has potential for a new economic development opportunity.
2023 expectations:
The Marlboro County Economic Development Partnership enters 2023 with efforts in place to support existing industries in the county. They are also developing Delta Site, the former Delta textile facility in Wallace, S.C. for heavy duty industrial use.
Williamsburg County
Population: 31,279
Unemployment rate: 5.3%
Average annual wages: $45,062
GDP: $679,602,000
2022 in review:
Hemingway Sewing Solutions, a textile products manufacturer, announced its plans to establish operations in Hemingway, S.C. in early 2022. The company’s $3.3 million investment will create 242 jobs.
Additionally, construction of the MUSC Health Black River Medical Center in Cades, S.C. was completed with diagnostic and treatment options that include CT, MRI, nuclear medicine and mammography.
The county also started construction on a 52,000-square-foot speculative building in the Williamsburg Cooperative Commerce Centre South, located on U.S. Highway 52 in Kingstree, S.C.
2023 expectations:
Moving forward, the Williamsburg County Economic Development Board will focus its efforts on expanding the county transit system to further aid local industry. The county is also managing several active projects with prospects from various sectors.
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