Greenwood County - SCBIZ

Spring 2019

The road ahead Growth and change in 2019 for S.C. automotive industry

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County Spotlight: Greenwood | S.C. Business Hall of Fame | Cities Mean Business

county spotlight

GREENWOOD

Uptown Greenwood was named one of 15 Great Places in America by the American Planning Association in 2017.

GLOBAL REACH, HISTORIC CHARM

By Elizabeth Hodges, Contributing Writer | Photos provided by Greenwood Partnership Alliance

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reenwood County has grown from its roots as a rail and agricultural hub into a modern and diverse economy. Since 1950, the county has experienced diversified industrial growth with the construction and expansion of factories and production facilities by major corporations.

According to U.S. Census data, 26% of the workforce is in the manufacturing sector and 19% in health care and social services. Greenwood’s Self Regional Healthcare, a medical center providing advanced health care services and leading-edge technology, is the county’s largest employer, with more than 2,200 employees.

Greenwood Co by the numbersunty Populat

ion........................ ......70,355 Per capita income.. .............. $35,829 Median household income.... $39,196 Age distribution Median age.............. ................... 39.3 18 and older............ .................... 60% 65 and older............ .................... 18%

Source: Greenwoo

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COUNTY SPOTLIGHT: GREENWOOD

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COUNTY SPOTLIGHT: GREENWOOD Kevin Moore, Mechatronics Technology instructor at Piedmont Technical College, teaches a future Mechatronics tech.

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Fujifilm Manufacturing’s Greenwood facility is a global manufacturing hub that plays a key role in the company’s strategic vision. Fujifilm was established in Greenwood in 1988 and employees over 1,000 people with a total investment of more than $1.8 billion.

The company is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Greenwood this year with a

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Fujifilm takes part in the Business & Industry Showcase, which is designed to help young students in Greenwood County explore career options.

$3.9 million expansion, and president Todd Croker recently reflected on this milestone.

“I cannot think of anything better for our associates, the community and the company than to announce this expansion, which demonstrates Fujifilm’s continued commitment to Greenwood County. We appreciate the support from the state and local governments, as well as the Greenwood Partner-

ship Alliance for facilitating investments in existing industries.”

A wave of recent economic development projects has been announced by major corporations. Caterpillar Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment, announced it will locate a casting facility in Greenwood County. The company’s $13.5 million proj-

COUNTY SPOTLIGHT: GREENWOOD

Dr. Boccuto, a clinical geneticist at The Greenwood Genetic Center, analyses a sample (top). The center’s diagnostic labs use cutting-edge technologies to make accurate diagnoses for patients (bottom).

Doctoral student Sneha Mokashi (left) shows a sample to a guest at the opening of the Clemson Human Genetics Center.

ect is expected to create 85 jobs.

Another global manufacturer, Ascend Performance Materials, provides high-quality fibers, chemicals and plastics worldwide.

It recently announced plans to expand its Greenwood County operations to accom-

modate the company’s continued growth.

This $35.2 million expansion is expected to create 30 new jobs.

“The polymer we make at Ascend in Greenwood forms the building blocks for things we use every day, from air bags to

high-end carpet to tennis balls,” Senior Site Director Hal McCord said. “Thanks to the hard work of our employees and the support of leaders in Greenwood County and South Carolina, this expansion will allow us to increase our polymer production by 50 per-

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COUNTY SPOTLIGHT: GREENWOOD

Established in Greenwood in 1988, Fujifilm Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc. is their North American manufacturing and R&D headquarters.

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Named one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events in June for nine years running, the S.C. Festival of Flowers offers a monthlong schedule of activities the whole family can enjoy.

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Featuring over 200 miles of shoreline and 11,000 acres of water, Lake Greenwood provides a vital source of water for Greenwood County as well as a variety of recreational options. The lake was created in the late 1930s by construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Saluda River near Chappells.

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cent, creating more jobs for local residents.”

Central Packaging and Crating, Inc., a manufacturer of wooden, heat-treated pallets, recently announced plans to expand operations in Greenwood County at a cost of $6 million with a projected 37 new jobs.

“I would like to thank the community of Greenwood for supporting us now for the past 20 years,” company president Kevin Neuman said. “We are proud of our continued growth and look forward to being a partner for success in both Greenwood County and the state of South Carolina.”

Manufacturing jobs require a skilled and talented workforce with hands-on training and experience. Lonza Specialist Ingredients COO Sven Avend spoke to the high quality he sees in Greenwood’s workforce.

“Lonza is making a significant investment in our operations in Greenwood, further demonstrating our commitment to providing high-quality products and services to our customers worldwide. Greenwood County is rich with talented, skilled individuals who will enhance our global and regional footprint, particularly in the area of consumer health and nutrition.”

Piedmont Technical College is a comprehensive two-year college with an enrollment of over 6,000 students. The college offers university-level education and associate degrees, as well as hands-on career training. It is part of the South Carolina State Technical College System, which has partnered with readySC and Apprenticeship

COUNTY SPOTLIGHT: GREENWOOD

Eaton Corp. is Greenwood’s largest manufacturer.

The global provider of power management systems has 1,275 employees.

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Carolina to provide well-trained employees to qualifying companies that invest in South Carolina.

Lander University is a four-year university with an enrollment of 3,000 students.

Lander offers educational opportunities within its traditional liberal arts and science programs, and professional programs in business, education and nursing.

Greenwood County has three public school districts: Greenwood School District 50 (Greenwood Metro), Greenwood School District 51 (Ware Shoals), and Greenwood School District 52 (Ninety-Six). The largest of the three is Greenwood School District 50, which serves over 9,000 students in two high schools, three middle schools and eight elementary schools, an early childhood center, a technology center and one alternative center.

Greenwood County’s mild temperatures and picturesque terrain provide endless avenues for outdoor recreation. With over 200 miles of shoreline and 11,000 acres of water, Lake Greenwood offers recreational boating, fishing, camping, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities. Parks and gardens are abundant in Greenwood County, including Magnolia Park, Heritage Trail and Greenwood City Garden. The South Carolina Festival of Flowers, named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events in June for nine years running, has been held annually in Greenwood County for 51 years.

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