Issuu

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 10 ■ GSABUSINESS.COM

Part of the

MAY 18 - MAY 31, 2020 ■ $2.25

network

Restaurants start tough climb back

Bringing home the supply chain

Sen. Graham says legislation will madate Made in USA for medical supply. Page 10

By Molly Hulsey

BorgWarner returns to life

Production line restarts after coronavirus measures and tornado in Seneca. Page 16

COVID-19 testing

Safety and health assurance in the workplace takes center stage. Page 6

Cargo expansion

With two large projects nearing completion, ports authority looks for growth. Page 12

INSIDE Leading Off .......................... 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 C-Suite ................................ 4 In Focus: Manufacturing and Aerospace ......................... 13 List: Manufacturing Firms ... 16 Bonus List: Aviation and Aerospace Companies ......... 18 At Work .............................. 21 Viewpoint ...........................23

A masked worker is among the first to return to the production line May 4 at BMW Manufacturing after a temporary shutdown for the new coronavirus was hastened by supply chain disruptions. (Photo/Provided)

Manufacturing RESTART BMW, others, back to work after temporary shutdown By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

he masked workers on BMW Manufacturing’s production line aren’t as close as they were before, physically. They’re back at work, but it’s not the same. It may never be again. BMW’s Spartanburg County plant came back to life May 4 as the automaker led a statewide movement of plants taking their first steps toward full production after shuttering because of a direct threat from COVID-19. BMW’s plant closed in response to the new coronavirus but the closure came earlier than expected when other plants across the country disrupted BMW’s supply chain. The steps toward full production are being taking in phases, according to a BMW news release, after a deep cleaning and a re-thinking of how 1,100 people can work together in uni-

son without working together too closely. During the non-production time, which started March 29, BMW implemented a variety of deep cleaning and safety measures, which included disinfecting equipment, sanitizing workstations, remodeling layouts to enhance social distancing and completing preventive maintenance on equipment, according to a news release. “We return to Plant Spartanburg focused on taking care of each other and taking care of our customers,” Knudt Flor, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, said in the news release. The statement said the plant would “carefully ramp up production as we continue to monitor the supply chain and customer demand around the world” but did not speculate on how long it will take to reach full production. The plant was making 1,500 cars a day before the shutdown. The plant has 300 direct See RESTART, Page 20

In Focus Above the radar

Lockheed Martin has potential customers around the world for F-16. Page 13

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

or a few weeks, constricted revenue dimmed the lights at Powdersville’s Eggs Up Grill, but with fried-eggpatterned masks and a Paycheck Protection Program loan, the sunny breakfast joint snapped back with tenacity. “I found out on April 3 that I was approved and then I got my money on April 9,” owner Debi Brannon said. Sales dropped 90% to 95% when COVID-19 heralded a state of emergency across South Carolina, she said. As the first dining restrictions began to peel back on May 4, staff pushed six patio tables eight feet apart and attracted potential diners with bubble guns, pastel window paint and masked servers under a beach tent. At least three clusters of customers dug into omelets onsite at 10:30 that day, six of the day’s 32 dine-in customers plus 59 to-go orders. “It’s of course, definitely lower than our sales volume before but it’s been our best since all this has happened,” Brannon said. A few weeks after jumping back into the game April 13, her store also has raised $17,000 in donations toward lunches for Anderson District 1 students and $3,000 toward sausage biscuits for front-line workers. “I was able to bring my people back very quickly. I know some business owners and their friends have not had the same experience,” she said. Of the 38 stores overseen by the Spartanburg-based franchise, most have opened or reopened across the state, aside from a few shuttered Columbia locations. See RESTAURANTS, Page 8

Leading Oﬀ

BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | C-SUITE

A LA CARTE

Karen Buchmueller, associate professor of chemistry at Furman University, is the inaugural Undergraduate Teacher of the Year for the S.C. Academy of Sciences.

Small Business Impact

Buchmueller joined the faculty in 2007 after two years as assistant professor at

ecause they make up 99.4% of all businesses in the Palmetto State, when Main Street shops and the “moms and pops” under 500 employees take a sucker punch, we all do. In fact,

Wake Forest.

as the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the economy to a crawl this spring, S.C. small businesses rank in as the fifth most impacted enterprises across the entire nation, behind Mississippi and just ahead of the Magnolia State’s neighbor, Louisiana. South Carolina is also receiving the lowest share of small business loans from the SBA. The small businesses of Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., are the least affected, according to the survey.

States with the Most Affected Small Businesses due to COVID-19

OVERALL RANK

STATE

TOTAL SCORE

‘IMPACT & ACCESS TO RESOURCES’ RANK

‘SMALL-BUSINESS FINANCIAL CONDITIONS’ RANK

‘BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT & WORKFORCE SUPPORT CONDITIONS’ RANK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Hawaii Nevada South Dakota Mississippi South Carolina Louisiana Arizona Nebraska North Carolina North Dakota West Virginia Georgia

69.87 64.86 62.93 60.72 59.63 57.68 56.96 56.77 56.67 56.52 56.15 55.66

2 3 5 10 7 34 13 15 21 18 6 28

22 10 21 9 5 1 28 25 13 23 11 8

2 9 14 10 30 3 7 8 11 12 38 6

Lowest Share of Small Businesses Receiving SBA Loans 1. South Carolina 2. Tennessee 3. District of Columbia 4. Alabama 5. Virginia

Nexsen Pruet law firm celebrated Cinco de Mayo by sponsoring 50 meals from Barberitos Southwestern Grill on South Pleasantburg Drive for health care workers at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital on May 5.

Highest Share of Small Businesses Receiving SBA Loans 47. Massachusetts 48. Rhode Island 49. Ohio 50. New Hampshire 51. Utah Source: WalletHub

ON THE

RECORD

Matthew Koski, an assistant professor of biology in the Clemson University College of Science, is advancing his

“We have to be able to provide employers some kind of assurance that their employees can come back to work without a rapid spread of the virus.”

research with a three-year, $455,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for a study of flower adaptations

— Nate Wilbourne,CEO, Precision Genetics

titled “Modifying the floral microenvironment: elevational divergence in floral thermoregulatory mechanisms.”

WEBSITE: www.GSABusiness.com

@GSABusiness

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May 18 - May 31, 2020

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SC Biz News Briefs

We Build the Essentials

Boeing employees and contractors unload pallets of personal protective equipment from a Boeing Dreamlifter. (Photo/Patrick Hoff)

CHARLESTON

Patrick Hoff, Charleston Regional Business Journal

Boeing delivers protective gear from China for MUSC employees statewide Marlon Kimpson believes when the coronavirus has passed, part of the story to be told will be about South Carolina’s resilience and citizens banding together. A prime example of that, the Democratic state senator from Charleston said, is Tuesday’s delivery of 150,000 face shields and eye goggles from China to the Medical University of South Carolina, facilitated by Boeing. “Today’s delivery is just another example of how the people of South Carolina ... stepped up when faced with adversity,” Kimpson said. Three Boeing Dreamlifters, which are 747-400 jumbo jets converted to large cargo freighters, were used to transport the medical supplies. The supplies were held in the lower section of the planes while 787 component parts were flown in the main deck cargo hold. “Boeing and MUSC have a longstanding partnership, and today’s delivery is yet another example of two great South Carolina institutions coming together in support of our local community,” said Dr. David Cole, president of MUSC.

COLUMBIA

Staff Report, Columbia Regional Business Report

University of South Carolina makes plan to resume in-person classes in August The University of South Carolina will resume in-person instruction on its Columbia campus in mid-August. The plan to resume instruction for the fall 2020 semester includes a phased-in return of some students, faculty and staff during the summer. COVID-19 testing will be available for all students, faculty and staff, according to a news release from the university, and health protocols including social distancing in classrooms, lecture halls and sports activities will be practiced. USC President Bob Caslen said in a letter to the university community that the decision was made after weeks of planning by a university-wide group of public health, medical and academic experts. Debbie Beck, executive director of USC’s Student Health Services, said collaboration with experts from the university’s Arnold School of Public Health and the School of Medicine will continue through the summer and beyond. BEST ADVICE

A passion for innovation Stäubli is a global mechatronics solution provider with three core activities: Connectors, Robotics and Textile. We are an international group, with a presence today in 29 countries and agents in 50 countries on four continents.

Phyllis Martin, Tri-County Cradle to Career

PAGE 4 VOLUME 26 NUMBER 11 ■ CHARLESTONBUSINESS.COM VOLUME 13 NUMBER 7 ■ COLUMBIABUSINESSREPORT.COM

Online review

DHEC food safety checks go virtual during pandemic. Page 2

Part of the

APRIL 27-MAY 10, 2020 ■ $2.25

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Wilcox stepping down after leading transition at USC School of Law By Renée Sexton

rsexton@scbiznews.com

Part of the

MAY 18 - 31, 2020 ■ $2.25

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Reopening a calculated decision for businesses By Patrick Hoff

Pivoting port

S.C. Ports Authority mapping new path to continue business growth. Page 13

of what to do and how to do it well,” said Jeff Brower, regional director of operations for NorthPointe Hospitality Management, which operates Hotel Indigo in Mount Pleasant and the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Charleston. Gov. Henry McMaster lifted an executive order earlier this month that had limited traffic on the road only to commuters going

phoff@scbiznews.com

hough business owners are eager to reopen after weeks of coronavirus-induced closures, they’re doing so with caution to ensure the safety of customers and employees. “First in mind is, obviously, the protocols

Better days ahead

Hotel Trundle co-owner looks forward to reopening. Page 6

Federal funds

Unemployment benefits begin to arrive in S.C. Page 7

Getting creative Koss Creative T-shirts helping fight COVID-19. Page 9

INSIDE

Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 4 In Focus: Law..................... 13 List: Law Firms .................. 14 At Work .............................. 21 Viewpoint ...........................23

hen Robert Wilcox walks into the University of South Carolina School of Law, he enjoys the view of the Dale Chihuly sculpture and sometimes hears someone playing the lobby’s baby grand piano — most often, very well. “Every day when I walk in this building, my brain pauses and thinks ‘Wow, this is special,’ ” he said. “And that’s what I want law students to think every day — that they have an opportunity that is special and they have the opportunity to really do good things for people.” After nine years as dean of the law school, Wilcox is stepping down next month. Although Wilcox guided the law school through the construction of the new building, which included the installation of the Chihuly sculpture, he said he’s most proud of what’s within the walls. “The building was important,” Wilcox said. “But the building without all these other things in it would not have been enough.” After serving as associate dean for academic affairs from 2006 to 2011, Wilcox became dean in 2011. But his connection to the law school goes back to 1981, when he earned his law degree from USC. In 1986 he joined the faculty after

Repaired to reopen

By Patrick Hoff

Online itinerary

Chicken out

Poultry producers keep watch on viral threats that jeopardize U.S. exports. Page 5

INSIDE

See DEAN, Page 20 Robert Wilcox is retiring as USC law school dean in May. (Photo/Kim Truett/USC)

Upfront ................................ 2 Best Advice .......................... 4 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 5 In Focus: Ports, Logistics and Distribution ................. 13 List: Motor Freight Lines..... 19 At Work .............................. 21 Hot Properties .....................27 Viewpoint ........................... 31

SPRING 2020

See IMPACT, Page 6

Is coronavirus a contractual ‘act of God?’

Upstate automotive manufacturer resumes production after one-two punch of coronavirus, tornado. Page 12

Software allows dockworkers to schedule shifts outside union hall. Page 13

to and from work at essential businesses, as well as people visiting family, obtaining essential goods or services, attending religious services and recreating alone or with family outside. Additionally, restaurants were allowed to begin outdoor dining starting May 4.

CRITICAL

CARGO

Photo/Boeing Co.

Boeing S.C. partnered with government and health officials to land three planes loaded with personal protective equipment in North Charleston from China for Medical University of S.C. health workers statewide. Story, Photos Page 8-9

phoff@scbiznews.com

ontracts with force majeure clauses have typically standardized a company’s failure to perform in the event of uncertain circumstances, such as a fire, flood, war, accident or natural disaster. But in facing today’s new normal, companies may have may have a new legal gray area to deal with, when contracts are interrupted by a pandemic. “I think that there’s a lot of concern ... about basically having the buck stop with them financially, particularly if they’re unable to perform and their provision in their contracts ... that make them responsible for delay,” said Kyle Dillard, attorney and shareholder at Ogletree Deakins’ Greenville office. Force majeure is a clause in a contract that removes liability from a company if they are unable to uphold their end of the deal because of unforeseen circumstances. Typically the clauses have certain events spelled out, such as fire, flood, government action and labor disputes, but most clauses also excuse a company

Driving forward

S.C. automotive industry prepares for a future of change

See FORCE, Page 7 ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

Nod of approval

Nephron Pharmaceuticals receives FDA approval to add production line to ramp up COVID-19 response. Page 11

ColumbiaBusinessReport.com

Produce panic

Farmers worry that shoppers may move away from fresh produce as they hunker down in quarantine. Page 14

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DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES, GREENVILLE COUNTY SCHOOLS

THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED Don’t make decisions based on how you think your critics will react. Find your personal and/or professional true north and stay on that path.

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Be humble, be a constant learner, find a way

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? My first job was working as a prep cook in a family owned Italian restaurant in Long Branch, N.J.

WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION DO? The Food and Nutrition Services department of Greenville County Schools provides more than 14 million meals annually to children in our school district with 750 food service staff working in 101 schools and special centers. Our primary objective is to provide students the fuel they need to be successful in the classroom. His team has provided 616,000 meals since schools closed because of the coronavirus.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE? My role is to provide leadership and oversight for the effective operations of the district’s school food service program. I define this as a program that serves the highest quality, safe, and USDA compliant school meals to students and staff; operates in a self-sufficient manner

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network

By Ross

in USMCA

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In Focus

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Industria

l Staff Indicator industry sa ing ys Upstat economy e humming along. Page 17

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May 18 - May 31, 2020

Development underway for COVID-19 testing in the workplace By Molly Hulsey

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

s industry begins to reopen across the state, life science companies turn their sights to expanding COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing options for the workplace. Greenville-based lab Precision Genetics partnered with Prisma Health in early April to process the health care system’s COVID-19 tests within 24 hours of reaching the lab. Now that this processing line is fully automated with the capacity to churn out about 1,000 samples in a matter of hours, the lab is forming plans for the next testing battleground with a high-throughput COVID-19 prevention program called “Precision Worker Safety” and a smartphone employee wellness app developed by Charleston-based Questis that uses an RFID thermometer to report feverish temperatures to employers. “Up here in Greenville, manufacturing is a huge, huge part of our economic situation, so we have to be able to provide employers some kind of assurance that their employees can come back to work without a rapid spread of the virus,” Nate Wilbourne, CEO and president of Precision Genetics said the week of May 1,

Abbott Laboratories, an Illinois-based company with a location in Liberty (above) had its fourth COVID-19 test, a serologic antibody test, approved for emergency use May 11 by the FDA. Unlike many antibody tests on the market, this IgG indicator is 100% accurate in excluding false negatives. (Photo/Ross Norton)

adding that it is “naive” to think the state peaked in mid-April with so little testing. He said Precision is working with several large self-insured manufacturing companies as well as poultry suppliers to develop a salvia-based testing strategy. Pending a state-supported grant that the lab applied for the week of May 1, Preci-

sion will launch saliva-based testing within three weeks. Other methods of testing face a waiting period before they can be implemented, while the app is several months away from release, he said. “What we’ve developed is a combination approach to COVID-19 screening

and an antibody test as it evolves, as the workforce is building up an immunity at the individual level, which reduces the spread over time,” he said. “Until there’s a vaccine or some type of therapy, that is the safest way to go about this.” In late April, Wilbourne said current antibody tests were unreliable, leading to a number of false positives and negatives. “There are still a lot of gaps in the science regarding the sensitivities and specifications,” Wilbourne said. “Right now, there are 50 proteins in the coronavirus. Right now, we (the health science community) are testing for multiple proteins, but there’s no way to guarantee which protein creates immunity.” He also said antibody testing can only detect antibodies a few weeks after individuals have recovered from COVID-19 but noted that professionals like Dr. John Wrangle, Precision’s chief medical oﬃcer and medical oncologist at the Medical University of South Carolina, are heading up research to broaden the window of antibody detection and accuracy of the tests. Since Wilbourne’s interview, Abbott Laboratories, an Illinois-based company with a facility in Liberty, has had its fourth COVID-19 test cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency

May 18 - May 31, 2020

use in labs and hospitals. The test, a serology test using IgG antibodies in the blood to determine whether a patient has or had COVID-19, excluded false positives with 99.6% accuracy and false negatives with 100% accuracy in patients tested 14 days after first showing symptoms, according to a news release. “Having more options of highly reliable tests across our platforms will help health care workers and health oﬃcials as they conduct broad scale testing for COVID-19,” Robert B. Ford, president and chief executive oﬃcer of Abbott, said in the release. Sam Konduros, CEO and president of SCBio, said the life sciences economic development network is working to support continued research and implementation of both diagnostic and antibody testing across the state. “Even from the beginning, we were trying to present every approved and available COVID-19 test kit option we were aware of, and as you can imagine, we are moving heavily into the world of antibody testing now too,” he said. Our primary goal in representing the life sciences industry in the state is to have a very ecumenical approach of what resources are available that can help employers reopen as safely as possible if working remotely is not an option.” One way SCBio hopes to open those options to employers is making test kits readily available to state industries

www.gsabusiness.com 7

through the COVID-19 Emergency Supply Collaborative that SCBio helped develop with the S.C. Manufacturers Extension Partnership, the S.C. Hospital Association and S.C. Department of Commerce. Created in early April with the goal of bridging shortages in personal protective equipment and other critical needs goods to health care systems, Konduros said the online portal also welcomes purchases from businesses, especially manufacturers, in need of South Carolina-made masks, disinfectant, test kits or a host of other high-demand products. On April 7, Konduros also noted that antibody testing tended to be a less reli-

able indicator than diagnostic testing at this point, but he sees potential for companies to use both, especially as antibody testing becomes more sophisticated and “herd immunity” builds. “From a diagnostic standpoint, there doesn’t seem to be a substitution for PCR testing, which is going to be the one way to confirm a diagnosis for someone with COVID-19, either someone who is showing acute symptoms or has had clear exposure, or is working in an environment where an employer would simply need to know there is that issue,” he said. Konduros is intrigued by the potential of workforce antibody testing as research

moves forward, especially with the tests used by Abbott Laboratories. He said that as the state moves into summer, Abbott is planning to release large quantities of IgG tests that are at least 98% accurate. “I certainly think the antibody tests are going to innovate and improve over time, and there’s going to be a lot more data to see how people are responding who have had COVID-19 and what kind of immunity is being developed. There are just so many variables right now,” Konduros said. Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1222 or @mollyhulsey_gsa on Twitter.

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May 18 - May 31, 2020

“I’ve been in this business for close to 40 years, and you always experience diﬃcult times for different reasons,” said Saifi. He contrasted the COVID-19 outbreak to the time Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina’s Lowcountry economy. Then, the Upstate was able to help the state absorb the loss.

RESTAURANTS, from Page 1

Laura Boles, marketing manager at Eggs Up Corporate, credits the company’s survival to its lithe pivot to take-out and delivery options — once 5% of sales at the Spartanburg location — affordable breakfast options and strong brand support. Ramped-up protocol for tamping down infection also plays a role. From the onset of COVID-19 in South Carolina, Eggs Up Grill transitioned to paper menus and one-use condiments, and, due to an agreement with their supplier, Cisco, paper goods prices were locked in. Sanitation is a non-stop routine. Temperatures are taken at the start of each shift. Employees must be masked and gloved. Brannon had even heard that the franchise’s Irmo store has a temperature limit for customers. Employees also can pick a favorite swath of fabric for a handmade cloth mask. This brought the ire of a few customers expecting unmasked servers, but most have been appreciative, Brannon said. Right now, the store is hiring, but Brannon said the effort had been hampered by unemployment benefits of more than $20 an hour. A few of servers didn’t return after reopening, while only one of the nine people she had interviewed followed through. Several told her that they just couldn’t pass up the benefits.

“We can’t go back to where we were at the beginning of March. We just can’t snap our fingers and do that, so we just have to phase things in.” Bobby Williams CEO, Lizard Thicket and SCRLA Chairman Eggs Up Grill uses bubbles, tents and window paint to advertise outdoor seating. (Photo/Molly Hulsey)

Ali Saifi, owner and founder of gourmet Persian bistro Pomegranate on Main, said he didn’t have the heart to lay off any employees during the crisis. Instead of winnowing down payroll and using a third-party delivery service, he developed in-house curbside and takeout options to keep employees busy. Still, Saifi knows delivery and even an open patio with five tables and 25 seats spaced eight feet apart is not sustainable

in the long run. Costs for utilities and — because of supply chain disruptions and demand shifts — ingredients climb even as income losses drop to 20%, Saifi said. High-quality protein prices have skyrocketed, especially salmon and lamb shanks. Saifi said that he is not willing to sacrifice the quality of his meals for “grocery store cuts” and has responded with new menu options.

“This is the first time that I’ve seen an issue, in my lifetime, that it’s attacking globally. There’s nowhere to run. Everyone across the world is having the same issue, so it’s a new one,” he said. City Range co-owner Cory Wilk has changed his menu offerings at least three times over the course of a few months as he transitioned from to family-style “butcher shop” curbside service with Paycheck Pro-

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www.gsabusiness.com 9

Server Michelle Zalinski had taken at least 59 to-go orders by 10:30 a.m. on May 4. (Photo/Molly Hulsey)

Only a few customers dined outside on May 4, but patios were full by May 11. (Photo/Molly Hulsey)

tection Program assistance and away from hard-to-transport ribeye steak and loaded baked potato meals. Seafood, especially salmon, has been hard to come by due to escalating prices and supply chain disruptions, but Wilk remains grateful his meat supply “seemed OK” and his price for quality beef has actually dropped off due to bottomed-out demand. With sales being off by 80% to 90%, City Range has been skirting by with a “skeleton crew,” Wilk said, and due to safety concerns, did not reopen patio seating on May 4. He doesn’t know what

cloth” restaurants have had the hardest time adapting, leading to closures across the state. “That whole segment just about closed up,” he said. Lizard’s Thicket sales tanked by 75% initially but have rebounded some to a 25% decrease in sales. Since Williams’ May 5 interview, dining rooms were permitted to reopen, as he had expected, within the next week. He knew then that outdoor dining and takeout options alone would not be sustainable for long. Meat shortages and high prices hem

the future holds but shares doubts that he can bring back the employees needed from unemployment. He thinks social distancing and gloves might become a feature of “new world dining.” “We know that we can’t go back to where we were at the beginning of March,” said Bobby Williams, CEO of Lizard Thicket and chairman of the S.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We just can’t snap our fingers and do that, so we just have to phase these things in.” He that since Gov. Henry McMaster shuttered dining rooms, “white table-

in restaurant owners on one side, while mounting labor issues present another hurdle. “Unfortunately, my phone has been blown up today with people who have called employees to come back to work and they do not want to come back to work because the unemployment benefits are so much,” Williams said. The federal (benefit) doesn’t run out until July 31, so it’s a huge problem and we’re trying to work on it.” Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1223.

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May 18 - May 31, 2020

Graham says state should lead the way on PPE production By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

ven if the new coronavirus declines this summer, it is expected to return in the fall, said U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and when it does, he wants to be ready. He wants the whole country to be ready. And he wants South Carolina to be a key player in that readiness. The senator stood on a tarmac in Greer on April 26 and was as glad as anyone to see 1.5 million masks arrive from China. He thanked Boeing and Discommon founder Neil Ferrier for their roles in making it happen. Even then, however, he didn’t hide his unhappiness that it took their uncommon efforts to bring personal protective equipment from China. “We don’t want to do this again,” he said at the time. “In the fall we want the masks made in the United States.” Two weeks later he stood on the grounds of a venerable old Milliken mill tucked away in a Pendleton pine forest and spoke of plans make sure certain medical supplies and equipment are manufactured in the United States with protection from the Berry Amendment, which requires the Department of

After speaking from a lecturn, Sen. Lindsey Graham donned a face mask before speaking with reporters and taking a tour of the Milliken & Co. finishing plant in Pendleton. (Photo/Ross Norton)

Defense to buy certain items, such as military uniforms, from U.S. makers. Inside that plant 75 workers were treating fabric that was supposed to be in Asia. The fabric was woven in Greenwood at Greenwood Mills, sent to Milliken & Co.’s Pendleton mill and treated. Later it would go back to Greenwood Mills, be sewn into

hospital gowns and returned to Milliken who would deliver it to the customer — the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “This has been a wakeup call for America and we’re going to answer the call,” Graham said. “As I speak, 2.7 million hospital gowns are being manufac-

tured in this plant. It’s over a $20 million order.” Graham said he hopes to double the order, which runs out in August, and by then he hopes his legislation will mandate that FEMA’s next order is filled on U.S. soil. Graham made the pledge May 8, and a spokesman for his oﬃce said the senator intended to introduce the legislation by May 15. “I talked to the FEMA director yesterday about buying American when it comes to protective equipment, when it comes to health care workers. He said, ‘Count me in.’ This order was going to Vietnam,” Graham said on May 8. “I got a call from Milliken, we weighed in and the right decision was made. People working in there today are making all of us safer because they’re producing the equipment that our front-line health workers need to keep them safe, which, in turn, keeps us safe.” In a national health crisis that also threatens the national economy, personal protective equipment is no different than military uniforms, Graham said. “It would be foolish for any nation to depend on a foreign power to provide military uniforms,” he said. “That is truly a national security imperative. … In my

2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA

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May 18 - May 31, 2020

view the protective equipment to protect pandemics like this needs to be made in America. We cannot rely on China or other foreign powers to take care of our basic health care needs.” He said South Carolina is in a better position than any state to manufacture the equipment. “When you talk about bringing back the medical supply chain to the United States, when it comes to gowns and masks and gloves, South Carolina will benefit the most,” he said. “We have advanced textile manufacturing with advanced manufacturing (so) that we could get into the ventilator business. The bottom line is that this legislation I will introduce next week, I will expect to be bipartisan, and I expect it to be a part of any future package when it comes to coronavirus relief.” Milliken & Co. President and CEO Halsey M. Cook hosted Graham and gave him a tour of the Pendleton plant. Fabric for the contract is being treated in Pendleton and seven other Milliken plants. “Milliken associates are doing important work, like manufacturing fabrics for medical gowns here at Milliken’s Pendleton Plant,” Cook said. “The domestic textile industry has quickly and enthusiastically risen to the occasion to retool and support our nation’s workers on the front line of this pandemic.” Cook said the entire American textile industry — significantly depleted over the last few decades as production moved offshore — will welcome the chance to answer the senator’s call. “We have long been advocates of textiles made in the USA for the USA,” he said. “As our presence expands across the world, we see firsthand the value of local manufacturing. It allows us to be more agile, more eﬃcient and better understand local customers, in addition to realizing long-term benefits of reduced environmental impact.” Jay Self, the CEO of Greenwood Mills, had already made a shift to make face masks in Greenwood when PPE supplies ran low. Making those masks for non-medical customers freed up medical-grade masks for hospital and clinical use. After years of struggle with the move

www.gsabusiness.com 11

One of 75 workers in Milliken’s Pendleton plant finishes fabric that will go to Greenwood Mills, where it will be sewn into hospital gowns. (Photo/Provided)

to go offshore, he said his company and its employees are eager to keep the new business after the crisis subsides. “I think the U.S. is finally waking up to how important manufacturing jobs

Co. of Bamberg rearranged schedules to make parts for ventilators when parts of the country were in short supply. “As long as they need them, we’ll be glad to continue making them,” said Steve

“I think the U.S. is finally waking up to how important manufacturing jobs are here in this country. I hate it takes a crisis to wake everybody up.” Jay Self CEO, Greenwood Mills

are here in this country,” Self said. “I hate it takes a crisis to wake everybody up. If there’s going to be a reshoring of medical products to this country, we certainly want to evaluate that opportunity.” Onshoring the medical supply chain could be more than making end-use supplies such as surgical gowns, however. Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing

Cornforth, sales manager. “We’re always here, willing to help any customer. We make parts to their prints and their specifications, and they are made in America. The material is bought in America. We are very proud of that.” Graham said the quality of American-made products is another reason to bring medical manufacturing to the Unit-

ed States. According to a news release from Graham’s oﬃce, U.S. oﬃcials on May 7 withdrew business from more than 60 Chinese manufacturers who producing defective products. “Today is about turning the phrase ‘made in America’ into a reality,” he said. “If it (COVID-19) comes back in the fall, I don’t want to have to depend on the good graces of the Chinese Communist Party.” “So the purpose of this today is to announce a change in policy,” Graham said. “That if the virus does come back in the fall, that we will be well along in the medical supply chain coming back to America. And the gowns we need and the masks we need to deal with a flare up of the virus won’t have to be flown in from China; they’ll be trucked in from Pendleton.” Reach Ross Norton at 864-720-1222 or @ RossNorton13 on Twitter.

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May 18 - May 31, 2020

SC Ports Authority builds growth strategy on retail By Patrick Hoff

phoff@scbiznews.com

s the S.C. Ports Authority nears completion of two years-long infrastructure projects — the deepening of Charleston Harbor and the new Hugh K. Leatherman Sr. Terminal — port leadership is setting its sights on the future and envisioning how the port can continue to grow. “We just have a firm belief that in any business ... companies prosper by growing,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the ports authority. The ports authority has a $63.4 billion economic impact on South Carolina, including $7.83 billion in the Lowcountry. Much of the port’s growth over the past 10 years is attributable to the growth of advanced manufacturing in the state, but Newsome said he knows that gravy train can’t carry the port for another decade. “Our growth is largely going to be, you know, not so much through a BMW adding onto the facility in Greer or whatever, where we benefited in the last 10 years,” he said. “It’s going to be from expanding our cargo base and new business opportunities.” The port is looking especially at retail to continue its growth, with a focus on bigger omnichannel retailers. Retail has never been a focus for the

port, but Newsome said with consumers demanding increasingly fast delivery speeds, companies are seeing a shortage of distribution centers — a shortage the port hopes to fill. “It’s a large market potential-wise ... and it’s changing,” Newsome said, adding that online retail does not suffer in the same way that brick-and-mortar stores do, which would make it a consistent business for the port. “I think the signs of that are going to be fairly obvious as we work through this recession,” he said. The port’s plans all come together in Ridgeville, where the port purchased a 950-acre industrial property in 2018. One disadvantage that the S.C. Ports Authority faces, Newsome said, is a lack of land next to its terminals, a trade-off for the ports authority having access to the ocean. Ridgeville, however, has plenty of land, with Interstate 26 access and rail service, making the Dorchester County property a good investment for the port, according to Newsome. “So that’s really our laboratory, if you will, for this concept, and I think it’s going to be really successful,” Newsome said. “I think it’s an area where there’s a good labor shed ... the land is plentiful, the infrastructure is really good, the county is really supportive.”

Newsome said the current economic environment isn’t much of a factor in the port’s plans because of the long-term nature of the ports authority’s vision. He does expect, however, that the port will handle less volume in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, than it has this year. “We are really looking beyond the short term. ... We’re looking at the long term,” he said. “I mean, we permitted a terminal in 2003. We’re going to open it in 2021. We bought Ridgeville in 2018, I hope to get something out there started on later this year. So ... business development is longterm.” Ports COO Barbara Melvin said the ports authority’s investment in infrastructure, such as the Leatherman terminal, have put it in a strong position for the future. “Those are always sound investments regardless of the economic times that you’re in,” Melvin said. “Those types of investments are really going to put us in the strongest position possible to continue to handle the growth that’s coming.” Melvin and Newsome both said that port operations likely won’t change drastically — the port won’t become automated and the workforce is expected to remain strong — but gate hours might get longer and more cargo might be moved by rail to accommodate customer demands.

“I mean, we’re going to meet ever-more-demanding requirements from our customers,” Newsome said. “I don’t think our customers are going to get any less demanding; I think they’ll be more demanding. ... Distribution centers are ultimately going to want to run a 24-hour operation. So I think we’re going to have to continue to up our game and performance.” Melvin said the port may develop an inner harbor barge to give customers more choices for moving their cargo, similar to how the port developed its inland ports. She said she also hopes the port can increase its utilization of intermodal cargo from 25% to 30% with the new intermodal facility being built in North Charleston. “So that type of cargo movement around our ... terminals may look a little different, but ultimately the operations will be the same,” Melvin said. Newsome said if the port can meet automotive manufacturer demands, it can service retailers, too. “We have a great product,” he said. “All these supply chain managers want to do one thing: manage risk. And ... we offer that here. We offer a good product. We have invested in great infrastructure; we can handle multiple big ships at one time. So if they do business here, they’re not going to get in trouble.”

In Focus

MANUFACTURING & AEROSPACE LISTS: Manufacturing Firms, Page 16 S.C. Aerospace Companies, Page 18

NEXT ISSUE’S FOCUS:

Architecture, Engineering and Construction

F-16 production takes off at Greenville facility with final contracts By Molly Hulsey

mhulsey@scbiznews.com

little over a year since Greenville’s Lockheed Martin Corp. facility welcomed its first production line, the aerospace manufacturer remains on track to introduce South Carolina’s first F-16 Fighting Falcon within two years — with some potential new customers in the works. The newest item on Lockheed’s to-do list, eight jets for the Bulgarian Air Force procured through a $5.1 billion contract finalized in April, will boost Lockheed’s production by 50%, setting precedents for future growth as prospective customers in Africa and Southeast Asia eye the F-16. “Certainly, from a business standpoint, we are continuing to see a lot of interest from the global community for F-16s, all which will be built in Greenville. There’s definitely a lot of excitement around that,” said Leslie Farmer, communications director for the Greenville facility. Once destined for retirement, the F-16 was thrust back into the international spotlight when the company moved the jet’s production line from Fort Worth, Texas, to Greenville. Currently, 29 countries have purchased the jet over the years, impacting the U.S. economy by $1.4 billion, according to a Lockheed news release. “Many countries are looking to bolster their national defense and strengthen security ties with the United States,” John Losinger, the communications representative for Lockheed’s F-16 line, said in an email. “The F-16 Block 70/72 is a natural choice for many

An artist’s rendition of a F-16 Fighting Falcon flying over Manama, Bahrain posted when Lockheed was awarded a $1.12 billion contract from the U.S. government to build 16 new Bahraini aircraft. (Photo/ Provided)

customers around the world seeking advanced, affordable fourth generation fighter aircraft abilities. The F-16 is the world’s most successful, combat-proven fourth generation fighter. There are approximately 3,000 operational F-16s in service today in 25 countries and we are continuing to see significant international demand for new production F-16s and F-16V upgrades.” He added that both Block 70 and 72 models share Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, a modernized cockpit, conformal fuel tanks, an improved performance engine, advanced weapons and a structural service life of 12,000 hours, boosting the line’s international popularity. In 2018, the United States finalized

a $1.12 billion contract with Lockheed to make 16 of the Fighting Falcons for Bahrain’s air force. The Greenville production line’s first aircraft will go toward fulfilling this order, along with 14 jets, negotiated through a September deal last year, bound for Slovakia. “The acquisition of the F-16V Block 70 fighter jets is not just a purchase, but a long-term partnership that enables the Bulgarian Air Force to successfully meet the new challenges in the sector,” Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said in a news release after the Bulgarian government agreed to the purchase of eight Fighting Falcons in July 2019. Pegged as the “benchmark NATO fighter,” the fourth-generation jet will

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replace Soviet-era Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jets to become the first “Western” aircraft to be maintained in Bulgaria. The order is expected by the U.S. Department of Defense to reach completion by Jan. 31, 2027. The original plan called for two years of developing a blueprint and then producing the first jet, with an additional aircraft to be completed in Greenville each month after that until the first order was completed. “That takes into account learning curve, setting up the new line and things like that,” Farmer said. Now, with two additional orders, the Greenville plant will be able to crank out three aircraft a month, according to Farmer, while continuing sustainment and repair work. Butch Kirven, chairman of Greenville County Council, praised the finalization of the Bulgarian contract as “a bright spot” during the economic slowdown initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s good news for the Upstate, for Greenville, for Lockheed and for our local economy,” Kirven said. He added that he had first heard of additional deals coming down the pipeline for the aeronautics company through open sources in the defense industry. “They’ve had their ups and downs over the years, and we’ve been there to support them when they really needed it, and so, it’s a team effort,” Kirven said. “A lot of people have been involved in that, but we have seen over the years the strength and the benefits of having Lockheed in our community, and the wonderful asset we’re fortunate to have See LOCKHEED, Page 14

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May 18 - May 31, 2020

2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA

MANUFACTURING

CONFERENCE AND EXPO The Most Significant Manufacturing Event of the Year Presented by:

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One hangar out of 16 at Greenville’s Lockheed facility was renovated for manufacturing. (Photo/Provided)

LOCKHEED, from Page 13

out at the Donaldson center and S.C. TEC. Lockheed Martin is located at the S.C. Technology and Aviation Center, formerly known as the Donaldson Center. For the time being, subcomponents of the first aircraft, including frames, bulkheads and skins, are being assembled in Greenville or shipped in from other suppliers to form the structural skeleton of the airframe, according to Losinger. Then, the aircraft will earn its wings, stabilizers will be added and electronic systems installed in the final assembly and checkout period before the jet is tested, painted and ready to take flight. “This brings the F-16 to life, so to speak,” Losinger said in an email. According to Farmer, COVID-19 has not stalled procurement of the supplies needed for the fighter jet. Modifications to one of Lockheed’s existing 16 hangers has allowed the facility to expand production without constructing additional hangers. Even if extensive construction projects are not underway, new opportunities are there for the Upstate’s aerospace professionals. Last year, a S.C. Senate resolution championing “the critical importance of the F-35 Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon to America’s security and to South Carolina,” aﬃrmed the new line would bring about 150 new jobs to Greenville. With additional contracts, the expected hire count mushroomed to 400 in less than a year, as Lockheed launched their hiring campaign for new projects last year. Many of these aspiring Lockheed technicians are now honing their craft at Greenville Technical College’s Aircraft Maintenance Technology program, hosted onsite at S.C. TAC, or other technical schools across the state, she said. Earlier this year, Lockheed approved a pre-apprenticeship program with the college to mentor the next generation of technicians. “That’s to get students involved even earlier and potentially becoming a part of that aircraft maintenance training program,” Farmer said. “And providing some

specific Lockheed Martin training and curriculum, so that when they do start, they’re ready come day one.” A few of the 400 existing suppliers who served the Fort Worth facility have moved to Greenville, including a company providing cranes for the production line, and the aeronautics company continues to look into new opportunities provided by supply chain shifts. “The global F-16 supply chain is extensive and robust and we continuously evaluate opportunities for competitive regional suppliers,” Losinger said in an email. If finalized, a contract still in the works with Taiwan would also bring the full rate production number up to at least 48 aircraft a year using the current production model, the company says. The Taiwanese contract, a proposed $8 billion deal for 66 Fighting Falcon aircraft, engines, weapons, and computers, was approved by the U.S. State Department in August 2019. According to an original report, the decision faced strong opposition from China during an escalating trade war with the country, which sees Taiwan as an extension of the mainland government and not a separate political entity. “Our partner nation has a limited window of opportunity to move this U.S. arms transfer through their budget process prior to their next election,” said an Aug. 13 letter signed by members of the S.C. federal delegation. “Thus, we believe the time is now to move forward with the sale before this window of opportunity closes. There is no better way to support (the) U.S. defense industrial base and our partner than to move forward with the sale of the F-16 Block 70 to Taiwan.” Four months later, on Dec. 13, Taiwan and the U.S. signed a Letter of Acceptance for the sale of F-16 aircraft, 104 M1A2 Abrams tanks and 1,240 anti-tank missiles. The U.S. is expected to deliver two F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Taiwan in 2023 with deliveries of four or five aircraft being sent the following year, according to a Focus Taiwan CNA English News report. Reach Molly Hulsey at 864-720-1222 or @mollyhulsey_gsa on Twitter.

IN FOCUS: MANUFACTURING & AEROSPACE

May 18 - May 31, 2020

www.gsabusiness.com 15

Halted by coronavirus, then a tornado, BorgWarner returns By Ross Norton

rnorton@scbiznews.com

transfer case floated over the top of a cart at the BorgWarner plant in Seneca, suspended by a cable as a worker made some final adjustments on May 4. Satisfied, she pushed a button and the automotive unit dropped to the cart. Her coworkers cheered. The transfer case was the first part assembled in Seneca since a one-two punch halted production — first a closure planned to cope with the threat of coronavirus and then a powerful tornado that heavily damaged the plant and surrounding neighborhoods. A contracted security guard was killed when the tornado struck the plant, but workers who would have been on the production line when the overnight storm hit were already at home as a protective measure against the spread of COVID-19. A company representative at the time said their goal was for the tornado damage to be repaired fast enough that it would not add to days lost to the pandemic. “It’s a true testament to the power of collaboration and teamwork of the employees in Seneca and all of BorgWarner,” Plant Manager Joe McCulloch said in a statement a day after production resumed. McCulloch said it took 500 work-

Employees sign the first transfer case produced since BorgWarner was damaged by a tornado on April 13. (Photo/Provided)

ing hours for the BorgWarner team and contractors to bring the machining and assembly portions of the facility back to working order. The plant is still a working construction site as other parts of the facility are repaired. Annie Caggiano, executive director of the Oconee Economic Alliance, said

the BorgWarner plant going back into production was a morale booster for the community. “Although we have a long way to go before we are back to ‘normal,’ seeing BorgWarner rebuild and partially reopen after such devastation is a true testament to the hard work of so many in our com-

munity, she said in an email. “The times may be uncertain, but if we can overcome a global pandemic and an F3 tornado, we can get through anything with collaboration and teamwork.” The plant is in the section of Seneca hit hardest April 13 by one of several tornadoes to cut through the Upstate. “We appreciate the support of the Oconee community and the state of South Carolina, our neighbors and our customers during this time,” company spokesperson Michelle Collins said. The company, which has 62 facilities in 17 countries, does not say how many employees work at individual sites, but BorgWarner added 160 new jobs after announcing a $72 million investment in 2017, the company’s third expansion in four years, according to the S.C. Commerce Department. BorgWarner makes components for the automotive industry with customers that include Ford, GM, Chrysler, Honda and Kia, according to its website. The Seneca plant is part of the drive train division and produces transfer cases, interactive torque management systems and gearing components for automobile and light truck front- and rear-wheel platforms. Reach Ross Norton at 864-720-1222 or @ RossNorton13 on Twitter.

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Manufacturers

Ranked by No. of Employees in the Upstate Employees: Local / Statewide / Worldwide Area of Specialization

Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded

Purchasing Manager

BMW Manufacturing Co. 1400 S.C. Highway 101 S. Greer, SC 29651

864-802-6000 www.bmwusfactory.com -

Knudt Flor 1992

Oliver Haase

11,000 11,000 134,000

BMW X3, X5 and X7 sports activity vehicles and the BMW X4 and X6 sports activity coupes and their variants

GE Gas Power 300 Garlington Road Greenville, SC 29615

864-254-2000 www.ge.com/power/gas -

Chuck Nugent, Richard Simpson, John Intile 1968

Megan Grant

3,650 3,650 280,000

Power generation

ZF North America 2846 N. Old Laurens Road Gray Court, SC 29645

864-601-2500 www.zf.com communications@zf.com

2012

3,100 3,100 148,000

Automotive axle systems and transmissions

Robert Bosch LLC 4421 S.C. Highway 81 N. Anderson, SC 29621

864-260-8000 www.boschusa.com contact@us.bosch.com

Christian Kolzem, Mike McCormick 1985

2,270 4,000 398,000

Manufacturer of gasoline systems and electronic automotive components (Anderson), drives and controls (Fountain Inn), warehouse (Greer)

DAA Draexlmaier Automotive of America LLC 1751 E. Main St. Duncan, SC 29334

864-485-1000 www.draexlmaier.us info_usa@draexlmaier.com

Max Cichon, Kerry Curvey, Christian Langstein 1995

Guerkan Uelker

1,215 1,215 75,000

Automotive interior and electrical systems, automotive plastic components

AFL 170 Ridgeview Center Drive Duncan, SC 29334

864-433-0333 www.aflglobal.com sales@aflglobal.com

Jody Gallagher, Kurt Dallas, Robert Crowder 1984

Carson Cato

1,057 1,057 5,014

Manufacturer of fiber optic cable, connectivity, transmission, distribution and substation accessories

ABB Motion 6040 Ponders Court Greenville, SC 29615

864-297-4800 www.abb.com/us joe.maloney@us.abb.com

Joe Maloney 1904

Joe Maloney

710 775 -

Headquarters for ABBâ€™s global mechanical power transmission product group

Lockheed Martin 244 Terminal Road Greenville, SC 29605

864-299-3350 www.lockheedmartin.com -

Mike Fox 1984

Jim Marshall

550 750 110,000

Sustainment for military and commercial aircraft; home of the F-16 Fighting Falcon production line

Tindall Corp. 3076 N. Blackstock Road Spartanburg, SC 29301

800-849-4521 www.tindallcorp.com -

Gregory F. Force, William "Willy" Lowndes IV 1963

Randy Warren

520 520 1,450

PackIQ LLC 1 American Way Anderson, SC 29621

864-356-5578 www.packiq.com mbeck@packiq.com

Mark J. Beck 2000

Mark J. Beck

225 225 225

Steel shipping racks, wood shipping crates, foreign trade zone, packaging management

Mermet Corp. 5970 N. Main St. Cowpens, SC 29330

864-463-1200 www.mermetusa.com -

Lisa B. Coxe, Eric Delorme, Chris Duerk 1951

Patrick Bettencourt

175 175 23,600

Solar screen fabrics made from coated fiberglass yarn, used primarily for internal and external solar screen shades

Staubli 201 Parkway West Duncan, SC 29334

864-433-1980 www.staubli.us -

Roger Varin 1960

Daniel Brilliant

150 200 5,500

Quick-release couplings, robotics systems and textile machinery

Southeastern Paperboard Inc. 100 S. Harris Road Piedmont, SC 29673

864-277-7353 www.southeasternpaperboard.com sales@southeasternpaperboard.com

Kenneth Jones, Peek Owen, Dixon Dabbs 1982

Dan Schriefer

125 125 125

Paperboard packaging for food industry; specialty and functional coatings

ACL Airshop LLC 500 Park Commerce Road Greenville, SC 29611

864-466-9000 www.aclairshop.com info@aclairshop.com

Jeff Antinoro, Steve Townes, Wes Tucker 1984

Nick Vitielliss

115 115 250

Worldwide air cargo equipment and logistics services; manufacturing division makes, sells and repairs cargo control equipment such as straps and nets for air and ground applications, from cargo planes to trucking fleets

Creform Corp. 1628 Poplar Drive Ext. Greer, SC 29651

864-989-1700 www.creform.com scsales@creform.com

Katsusmi Kosaka, Keith Soderlund 1957

Holly Riley

99 99 850

Creform material handling system, tool to support lean manufacturing, C.I., Kaizen and 5-S; pipe and joint systems

Spartanburg Meat Processing Co. Inc. 3003 North Blackstock Road Spartanburg, SC 29301

864-574-1225 www.eatbbqribs.com customerservice@spartanburgmeatprocessing.com

JoAnne L. LaBounty 1999

JoAnne L. LaBounty, Travis Smith

99 99 99

Raw and fully cooked pork, beef and chicken

Zima Corp. 101 Zima Park Drive Spartanburg, SC 29301

864-576-0660 www.zimacorp.com -

Kenneth L. Kruse 1994

Brittney Watt

90 90 98

Custom designer, manufacturer and fabricator

International Plastics Inc. 185 Commerce Center Greenville, SC 29615

864-297-8000 www.interplas.com mark@interplas.com

Steve McClure, Mark McClure 1964

Chris Davis

47 47 47

Polyethylene bags and film; poly bags, plastic bags, re-closable ziplock bags, box liners, drum liners, trash can liners, poly tubing and plastic bags

Roylco 3251 Abbeville Highway Anderson, SC 29624

864-296-0043 www.roylcoindustrial.com kathy@roylcoindustrial.com

Carolyn Voisin 1990

Perry Voisin

32 32 65

Custom industrial die-cutting, offset printing, manufacturing; injection molding, kitting and assemblies, proprietary line of educational and teaching products

League Manufacturing 2200 Poinsett Highway Greenville, SC 29609

864-232-4423 www.leaguemfg.com fraser@leaguemfg.com

George F. League IV, Fraser League 1917

George F. League IV

29 29 29

Conveyor components, transfer pallets, see-through machine guards and windows, architectural products, colorcore signage, precision machined plastic components and wooden packaging components

Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. View the full list online at www.scbiznews.com/ buy-business-lists. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors sometimes occur. Email additions or corrections to lists@scbiznews.com.

Producers of precast concrete products and systems in North America

Researched by GSA Business Report staff

IN FOCUS: MANUFACTURING & AEROSPACE

May 18 - May 31, 2020

www.gsabusiness.com 17

Manufacturers

Ranked by No. of Employees in the Upstate Employees: Local / Statewide / Worldwide Area of Specialization

Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded

Purchasing Manager

Quick-Crate North America 2200 Poinsett Highway Greenville, SC 29609

864-232-4423 www.quickcrate.com fraser@leaguemfg.com

Fraser League, Linda S. League, George F. League IV 2002

29 29 29

Collapsible, reusable plywood shipping crates that are ISPM-15 export compliant; stock crates available for immediate shipment, custom crates built per user specs

Dynamic Filtration 606 McGee Road Anderson, SC 29625

864-231-6889 www.dynamicfiltration.com customer.service@dynamicfiltration.com

Howard M. Steele 1997

Howard M. Steele

20 20 20

EDM filtration

TruColor 2107 Laurens Road Greenville, SC 29607

864-241-0644 www.trucoloronline.com sales@trucoloronline.com

Sallie Truluck Gold 1980

Lance Tasciotti

19 19 19

Commercial printing, offset and digital; signage, rigid and flexible; promotional items, logoed marketing items; apparel, embroidery and screenprinting; brand specific online stores, mailing and fulfillment

Izumi International Inc. 1 Pelham Davis Circle Greenville, SC 29615

864-288-8001 www.izumiinternational.com us-sales@izumiinternational.com

Ryutaro Izumi, Mark Takahama, Bobby Shennan 1977

Maureen Redmond

18 18 25

Equipment for composite and carbon fiber production, 3-dimensional dispensing robot bioengineering and biomedical applications, prototypes and pilot lines, automation, robots and textile production

KTM Solutions Inc. 603 High Tech Court Greer, SC 29650

864-479-9099 www.ktmsolutions.com info@ktmsolutions.com

Ginger A. Kumler, Seth Withers 2005

Paul V. Kumler

16 16 16

Manufacturer of jigs, fixtures, lift devices as well as custom machinery

Separation Dynamics 611 S. Woods Drive Fountain Inn, SC 29644

864-862-2577 www.separationdynamics.com info@separationdynamics.com

Mike Presley 1986

Amanda McDowell

16 16 16

Industrial wastewater recycling systems; rental service program to recycle wastewater and soap from floor scrubbers and mop buckets

Sonoco Recycling - Greenville 1240 White Horse Road Greenville, SC 29605

864-277-7722 www.sonocorecycling.com carol.james-gilchrist@sonoco.com

Carol James-Gilchrist, Davis Goodrich 1997

Carol JamesGilchrist

Hoowaki LLC 400 Birnie St., Suite C Greenville, SC 29611

864-238-5631 www.hoowaki.com ralphhulseman@hoowaki.com

Ralph A. Hulseman 2008

7 7 7

High grip micro surfaces, primarily created on films, for medical devices, packaging, industrial and consumer goods

Thermotex Industries Inc. 112 Sunbelt Court Greer, SC 29650

864-877-9940 www.thermotex.net -

John Snook 1981

Peggy Gregory

High temperature materials for the heat resistance market

15 350 21,500

Processing, equipment provider, some transportation and recycling of various items; end user of fiber material

Researched by GSA Business Report staff

Take your events online presents

Management Accounting With many of your clients and prospects working from home, now is a great time to engage them through a webinar. Hosting a webinar is a powerful way to connect with your target audience, and with the GSA Business Report - you won’t have to worry about any of the logistics. Whether you’re looking to move an in-person event online, or just need to generate quality sales leads, our team can help provide turnkey service from marketing to execution!

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What is included in your webinar: • 45-60 minute webinar • Dedicated project support • Email marketing • Social media • Print ad For more information, please contact Rick Jenkins at rjenkins@scbiznews.com or (864) 720-1224.

Read Now at ATLOCKEInsights.com

IN FOCUS: MANUFACTURING & AEROSPACE

www.gsabusiness.com

May 18 - May 31, 2020

Aviation and Aerospace Cos. Ranked by No. of Employees Statewide

Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded

Employees: Statewide / Worldwide Area of Specialization

Boeing South Carolina 5400 International Blvd. North Charleston, SC 29418

312-544-2000 www.boeing.com -

Brad Zaback 1916

7,000 161,133

Fabrication, assembly and integration of major 787 Dreamliner components and interiors; final assembly and delivery of 787 Dreamliner airplanes; engineering design and production support; information technology

Lockheed Martin 244 Terminal Road Greenville, SC 29605

864-299-3350 www.lockheedmartin.com -

Mike Fox 1984

750 110,000

Aircraft production, maintenance, modification, repair and overhaul

Parker Hannifin Corp. 1460 Garrott Ave. Moncks Corner, SC 29461

843-719-8100 www.parker.com -

Steve O'Connor 2000

200 50,000

Fuel nozzles for gas turbine fuel systems and military aircraft

Staubli 201 Parkway West Duncan, SC 29334

864-433-1980 www.staubli.us -

Roger Varin 1960

200 5,500

Electrical and fluid connectors, robotics and textiles

Southeast Industrial Equipment Inc. 9861 U.S. Highway 78 Ladson, SC 29456

843-552-4825 www.sielift.com contacts@sielift.com

Freddie B. Sims 1993

139 400

Toyota forklift dealership; new, used and rental equipment, service, parts, warehouse products, automation solutions and dock and door products and services throughout S.C., G.A., N.C. and V.A.

ACL Airshop LLC 500 Park Commerce Road Greenville, SC 29611

864-466-9000 www.aclairshop.com info@aclairshop.com

Jeff Antinoro, Steve Townes, Wes Tucker 1984

115 250

Worldwide provider of unit loading devices, cargo control and air freight products and services for the aviation industry; operates in unit loading device leasing, sales, repair and control, and cargo nets and straps manufacturing

Ranger Aerospace 126 Millport Circle Greenville, SC 29607-5566

864-329-9000 www.rangeraerospace.com info@rangeraerospace.com

Steve Townes 1997

90 435

Private equity management holding company; teams with larger institutional investors to acquire, grow and improve companies in aviation services, aerospace sub-specialties, airfield operations, logistics and defense

ADC Engineering Inc. 25 Woods Lake Road, Suite 210 Greenville, SC 29607

864-751-9121 www.adcengineering.com larryb@adcengineering.com

Larry K. Barthelemy IV, Fred Guthier, Clay Greene 1990

52 52

Civil engineering, structural engineering, aviation engineering, landscape architecture, land planning, urban, site and sustainable design, recreation planning and design

Leatherwood Manufacturing Inc. 4355 Dorchester Road North Charleston, SC 29405

843-744-4500 www.leatherwoodmfg.com sales@leatherwoodmfg.com

Michael G. Leatherwood 1986

45 45

Contract manufacturing, aerospace, military, commercial and transportation equipment and components; precision metal fabrication, five-axis CNC machining, turning and milling; coordinate-measuring machine systems

Roylco 3251 Abbeville Highway Anderson, SC 29624

864-296-0043 www.roylcoindustrial.com kathy@roylcoindustrial.com

Carolyn Voisin 1990

32 65

Die cutting, sound insulation

Multiplastics 476 Long Point Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

843-881-0323 www.multiplastics.com sales@multiplastics.com

Deborah D. Herbert, Paul D. Spies 1952

28 28

Division of Curd Enterprises Inc.; plastics vacuum forming, pressure forming, and twin-sheet forming, fabrication and assembly; comprehensive design-lab and engineering services for custom plastic parts and packaging

Accurate Brazing 298B Garlington Road Greenville, SC 29615

864-213-9310 www.accuratebrazing.com brent.davis@accuratebrazing.com

Brent Davis, Greg Lane 2001

24 16,000

Vacuum brazing, vacuum heat treating and HIP'ing (hot isostatic press); ISO9001, AS9100 and Nadcap heat treat-accredited

Solar Atmospheres Southeast Inc. 108 Progressive Court Greenville, SC 29611

864-970-0111 www.solaratm.com salesSC@solaratm.com

Steve Prout, Mike Paponetti 2014

21 217

Provision of AS9100- and Nadcap-accredited vacuum thermal processing services

Dynamic Filtration 606 McGee Road Anderson, SC 29625

864-231-6889 www.dynamicfiltration.com customer.service@dynamicfiltration.com

Howard M. Steele 1997

20 20

Electrical discharge machining filters for all major electrical discharge machines

Lucideon M+P 1 Marcus Drive, Building 4 Greenville, SC 29615

864-297-4417 www.lucideon.com info@lucideon.com

Joe Beagle 2000

20 270

Materials laboratory-testing, characterization, failure analysis, process and product development; Nadcapaccredited; testing and analysis throughout the aerospace and defense supply chain

Izumi International Inc. 1 Pelham Davis Circle Greenville, SC 29615

864-288-8001 www.izumiinternational.com us-sales@izumiinternational.com

Ryutaro Izumi, Mark Takahama, Bobby Shennan 1977

18 25

Custom equipment for carbon-fiber and high-performance composites; bioengineering and medical 3D printing and cell stretching; automation, robotics, research and development; distributor for THK, Robotunits, Janome, Moltec, Musashi and others

KTM Solutions Inc. 603 High Tech Court Greer, SC 29650

864-479-9099 www.ktmsolutions.com info@ktmsolutions.com

Ginger A. Kumler, Seth Withers 2005

16 16

Aerospace, structural, design, classical structural analysis, aerospace tooling professionally designed and manufactured (jigs, fixtures and assembly systems)

Separation Dynamics 611 S. Woods Drive Fountain Inn, SC 29644

864-862-2577 www.separationdynamics.com info@separationdynamics.com

Mike Presley 1986

16 16

Closed-loop water filtration systems to help aerospace manufacturers clean better and manage oily wastewater more efficiently

Researched by GSA Business Report staff

IN FOCUS: MANUFACTURING & AEROSPACE

May 18 - May 31, 2020

www.gsabusiness.com 19

Aviation and Aerospace Cos. Ranked by No. of Employees Statewide

Company

Phone / Website / Email

Top Local Official(s) / Year Founded

Employees: Statewide / Worldwide Area of Specialization

ATS World Packaging 7370 E. Spartan Blvd. North Charleston, SC 29418

843-266-0010 www.atsworldpackaging.com troth@atsworldpackaging.com

Tom Roth 1997

15 15

Custom crating and packaging products and services, including warehousing and distribution, and export and import compliance

Tiger Enterprises & Trading Inc. 512 John Ross Court Pelzer, SC 29669

864-862-3838 www.tigerenterprises.com dwalker@tigerenterprises.com

Dwight D. Walker, Bonnie L. Walker, Dan Hansen 1993

4 4

Sales of aircraft rotable and airframe components, subassemblies, propellers, engines and engine parts to airlines, OEMs, U.S. Department of Defense and defense subcontractors, authorized repair stations and after-market suppliers worldwide

Above & Beyond Inc. 28 Miler Lane Greenville, SC 29607

864-282-2328 aboveinc01@gmail.com

Ted Hanes 2001

3 3

Aircraft repair and maintenance

Southeast PowerLift Hydraulic Doors Inc. 7204 U.S. Highway 29 N. Pelzer, SC 29669

864-402-0450 southeast.powerliftdoors.com sales@Southeastpowerliftdoors.com

Janet T. Poole, Curtis D. Poole, Jonathan A. Poole 2016

3 3

Manufacture and installation of one-piece hydraulic hangar doors

Growth Strategies International LLC 2242 Daniel Island Drive Charleston, SC 29492

607-727-4727 www.growth-strategies-intl.com jim.wasson@growth-strategies-intl.com

James W. Wasson 2008

2 2

Technology commercialization consulting, helping companies take an idea and concept through product design, development and market launch and finding seed funding, including research and development grants

NextGen Supply Chain Integrators 4 Research Drive Greenville, SC 29607

864-525-3120 www.nextgensci.com deekivett@nextgensci.com

Dee W. Kivett 2010

2 2

Quality management system consulting and supply chain consulting

TKC Aerospace 224 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 200 Daniel Island, SC 29492

843-856-2495 www.tkca.com tim.summerrow@tkca.com

Sam C. Boyle, Tim Summerrow 2005

2 2

Aircraft engineering and airworthiness certification, modification and sustainment, training and technical publications

Palmetto Sun Balloons 132 Fawnbrook Drive Greer, SC 29650

864-631-3243 www.palmettosunballoons.com roger.clark@live.com

Roger D. Clark 2005

1 1

Hot air ballooning and communications equipment for aviation; hot air balloon rides and flight and ground instruction

Seymour Consulting Inc. 145 Pier View St., Suite 203 Daniel Island, SC 29492

276-494-3575 -

John C. Seymour 2009

1 1

Aeronautics and propulsion professional development short courses for the civil and defense aerospace industries

Researched by GSA Business Report staff

From South Carolina to the world.

The world’s most successful, combat-proven 4th generation fighter has a new home. The F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft made in Greenville, South Carolina, are the newest and most advanced production F-16s — creating hundreds of new jobs in Greenville, supported by suppliers in 41 U.S. states, and strengthening partnerships around the world.

IN FOCUS: MANUFACTURING & AEROSPACE

www.gsabusiness.com

May 18 - May 31, 2020

Target your market in an upcoming issue of the GSA Business Report JUNE 1

ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION (AEC) List: Engineering Firms Advertising Deadline: May 18 JUNE 15

MIDYEAR ECONOMIC FORECAST List: Largest Employers Advertising Deadline: June 1 JULY 13

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM

List: Restaurants with Banquet Facilities Advertising Deadline: June 29 JULY 27

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS List: Third-Party Logistics Providers Bonus List: Warehouse Services Advertising Deadline: July 13 AUGUST 10

BANKING AND FINANCE List: Accounting Firms Advertising Deadline: July 27

For advertising information, call Rick Jenkins at (864) 720-1224

BMW Manufacturing had to stop production earlier than planned because the national supply chain was disrupted by shutdowns elsewhere. (Photo/Provided)

RESTART, from Page 1

suppliers in the United States, 40 of them in South Carolina, according to a BMW fact sheet updated in February. New guidelines and procedures have been implemented at the Spartanburg plant to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including temperature selfchecks, modified seating for cafeteria and oﬃce areas, staggered lunch schedules and expanded cleaning practices, the news release said. Face masks are required for anyone who cannot maintain a six-foot distance from other workers. According to Sara Hazzard, president and CEO of the S.C. Manufacturers Alliance, similar measures are underway across the state. “We have been tracking companies and we know of about 50 that have temporarily shut their production,” Hazzard said. “Of those companies it looks like the majority, almost all of them, should be back up and running in mid- to late May and just a couple, maybe a handful, in early June.” Most of that 50 are manufacturing parts or components for the automotive industry, said Hazzard. Others returning to produciton include Boeing, Volvo Car Corp. and Mercedes Benz Vans. “It’s remarkable the lengths they’re going to, to provide a safe and healthy environment,” she said. “It’s not only traditional PPE like goggles and face masks, but the spacing out and physical distancing of the employees. There are arrows taped on the floor with one-way directions for walking through a facility, but it’s also small things like not sharing pens and telephones and other oﬃce equipment — spacing out chairs in the cafeteria and tables and desks. It’s propping open doors so employees aren’t having to touch the door handles. They are thinking through to the very minutest of details, everything that they can do to provide the safest environment.” Hazzard said BMW Manufacturing’s restart seemed to bolster morale among other manufacturers in the state. “I think it’s an indication that things are picking back up and certainly instills

confidence in the manufacturing community and hopefully in consumers as well,” Hazzard said. “We’re watching the state of Michigan and the government of Mexico because both have shut down (factories) and indications are both will open up automotive operations around May 17 or 18 — that is what they are looking at — and that’s critical for the automotive sector. Their reopening is going to be important for all of the North American supply chain.” The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce chief said the BMW plant and other county manufacturers will lead the entire state out of a recession brought on by the sudden shutdown of the economy. “Spartanburg County is incredibly positioned to recover very quickly from this” said Allen Smith, president and CEO of the chamber. “In fact, we probably will be one of the first counties out of the gate in terms of South Carolina. We keep hearing that manufacturing is going to lead us out of this and that’s who we are.” Spartanburg County has led the state in new development for most of the past decade, Smith said. In the past five years, a quarter of new industrial development in the entire state has been made in the Upstate county. “We are well positioned (for a comeback),” Smith said. “Last month we had more requests for information from economic prospects, both domestic and international, than in the whole first quarter of last year. I think we are going to be one of the benefactors of some of the supply chain shortcomings exposed by this (pandemic) and by the movement to onshoring.” Hazzard said the state’s AccelerateSC initiative will play a role in that aspect of recovery by finding ways for the state, and businesses within the state, to take advantage of new opportunities. “It’s an opportunity to look at not only short-term issues the state if facing, such as reopening our economy, but also some of the broader and longer-term issues we’re facing,” she said. Reach Ross Norton at 864-720-1222 or @ RossNorton13 on Twitter.

At Work

BUSINESS DIGEST | PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Business Digest

Branch, Lowcountry Food Bank, Golden Harvest Food Bank, Food Share and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina Inc. Information for nonprofits interested in applying for a grant is available at www. yourfoundation.org/onescgrants.

Sylvan offers online tutoring

NHE begins leasing in Gaffney

South Carolina-based property management firm NHE Inc. said it is now leasing at its affordable housing community Linden Square, a 24-unit apartment home development at 160 Stuard St. in Gaffney. The Linden Square community received funding through the S.C. Housing Authority’s Small Rental Development Program. The development was as a joint effort of NHE Development and Creative Builders of Greenville. Apartment units at Linden Square are available to prospective tenants with household incomes varying from 30% to 80% of area median levels for Cherokee County.

Company adds translation product

Ivannovation Language Management of Greenville said it has developed specialized COVID-19 language resources based on a collection of bilingual health materials. These resources used by human medical translators will increase the speed of translating COVID-19-related informational materials for people with low English proficiency, the company said.

Fuel grant goes to Naturaland Trust

Fuel marketing agency in Greenville said it selected Naturaland Trust as the second quarter Fuel for Good grant recipient. The $10,000 quarterly marketing grant was established to aid local non-profits. Naturaland Trust works to preserve and protect green spaces and endangered species throughout the Upstate and to ensure public access for some of the most striking landscapes the Upstate has to offer.

Duke Endowment gives $1.25M

The Duke Endowment approved $1.25 million in funding to be disbursed through the One SC Fund: COVID19 Response, a fund housed at Central Carolina Community Foundation. The initial grants will help statewide efforts focused on access to vital health care and sustaining social supports as unemployment rises. The first round of grants to be distributed by the One SC Fund will go to the Harvest Hope Food Bank Columbia

The Sylvan Learning Centers in the Upstate are now offering all tutoring programs online. This service will be available for all existing Sylvan Learning families, as well as for those who have had their educational life disrupted with the closure of schools because of COVID-19.

Milliken begins PPE manufacturing

Global textile manufacturer Milliken & Co. said it has leveraged its materials science expertise to manufacture personal protective equipment for the healthcare industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Milliken is manufacturing critical barrier protection fabrics to be used in gowns and headcovers for healthcare professionals. Milliken is also researching and developing materials for incorporation into N95-grade masks.

Relief set up for hospitality workers

In partnership with Scofflaw Brewing Co., the S.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association has launched a relief fund to assist hospitality workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The S.C. Hospitality Employee COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide financial support to workers who face lay-offs, furloughs or reductions in hours. Scofflaw Brewing Co. has pledged more than $20,000 to the relief fund. The funds will be redistributed to hospitality industry employees based on a simple application system. Any South Carolina resident employed at a restaurant or hotel facing significant financial hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic is eligible to apply.

Dominion recognized for safety

Dominion Energy South Carolina was among seven of Dominion’s gas businesses to receive the American Gas Association’s highest awards for safety performance in 2019. Dominion Energy provides electric and natural gas service to homes and businesses across a 22,000 square mile service territory in central, southern and western South Carolina.

Farm Bureau supports Harvest Hope

Farm Bureau Insurance said it will donate 200,000 meals to support Harvest Hope

Edward Anderson to lead OnTrack Greenville

Food Bank’s COVID-19 crisis response efforts in the Midlands and Upstate. The

Staff Report

gsanews@scbiznews.com

The United Way of Greenville County has hired Edward Anderson as the new executive director of Ontrack Greenville, a community initiative to keep students on track to high school graduation and post-secondary school success. Anderson, who currently serves as the principal of Tanglewood Middle School, will begin the new role on July 1, according to a news release. He succeeds Michelle Shain, who served as interim director Anderson of OnTrack Greenville since October 2019. “Dr. Anderson is a remarkable leader with a passion for helping students and families,” Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County, said in the news release. “His connection to the work is deep and his experience will be a benefit to all of our OnTrack Greenville schools.” As executive director, Anderson will oversee the strategic direction and plan for the school-based high school graduation program, which began in four Greenville County middle schools in 2013, with elements now scaled across the school district. The evidence-based program works to strengthen students and instill resilience with improved academic and behavioral achievement, create a positive culture change in schools, and be donation is part of a $2.3 million commitment from Farm Bureau Insurance to local food banks across the company’s six-state operation. Harvest Hope said it is feeding thousands of South Carolinians each week and has served 50,000 individuals since the start of this pandemic.

Pintail adds rental market consulting

Greenville-based Pintail Capital Partners said it has expanded services to provide consulting to assist landlords and tenants during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Pintail said it is offering hourly and flatfee services for guidance with lease rene-

gotiation strategies to tenants and landlords during the COVID-19 crisis. More

a model, driver and influencer of larger community evolution, according to the news release. During his tenure as principal at Tanglewood, Anderson worked with OnTrack Greenville to improve academic achievement, increase attendance and reduce disciplinary referrals, the release said. He also helped establish a schoolwide rebranding with the tagline “It Takes a Village.” He was a recipient of the Urban League’s Talented Tenth Award and the Xanthene Norris Educational Achievement Award. He served on a number of panels and presented at regional conferences, and led Tanglewood to receive the 2020 Upstate Diversity Leadership Award. “Dr. Anderson has been a great asset to Greenville County Schools during his tenure with our organization, and I know he will continue to bring his passion for supporting students, teachers and public education to this role,” Burke Royster, superintendent of Greenville County Schools, said in the release. “We congratulate him on this opportunity and look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Anderson in this new capacity.” Anderson, a native of Greenville, has a doctoral degree in educational leadership and technology. He serves on the board of directors for the S.C. Children’s Trust, aimed at preventing child abuse, neglect, and injury. “I’m excited to join the OnTrack Greenville team as we partner with the greater community to improve pathways to success for our students,” he said in the news release. information is available at pintailcapitalpartners.com.

Engenius consulting on COVID-19

Greenville web design and digital-marketing firm Engenius said it introduced a new consultation service to help local businesses leverage their digital presence through the COVID-19 crisis. The consultation will outline how businesses can pivot to connect with their audiences digitally. The consultation includes a virtual discovery meeting, action plan and virtual plan presentation. More information is available at engeniusweb.com.

Submit items using our online submission portal: www.GSABizWire.com. Publication is subject to editorial discretion.

www.gsabusiness.com

May 18 - May 31, 2020

People in the News TECHNOLOGY

Welgraven

BUSINESS SERVICES Blaine Welgraven joined Greenville-based tech startup Earnnest as customer onboarding specialist. He most recently worked at Legacy as grant proposal manager.

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PR

Uwe Diestel received the Score Lifetime Achievement award from the Piedmont Score chapter. Diestel has been with Score for 25 years. Diestel

HOSPITALITY

Fuel hired Amy Cronin as executive assistant. Cronin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.

Cronin

Kendall

Hackett

Infinity Marketing promoted Ashley Kendall to senior marketing coordinator. Kendall joined Infinity in 2017 with experience in project management, branding and sales.

Andrews

Boltz

Infinity Marketing hired Rachel Andrews and Chad Boltz as media coordinators. Andrews most recently worked at Attract Clients Online as an advertising project manager. Boltz most recently worked at EP and Co. as a social media coordinator.

BANKING & FINANCE Beth Jeter Hrubala, president and owner of Jeter Hrubala Wealth Strategies, was named to the Forbes list of America’s Top Women Advisors. Hrubala, who opened Jeter Hrubala Jeter Hrubala Wealth Strategies and aﬃliated with Raymond James in 2014, has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

The Cliffs hired Alexandra Hackett as senior beverage and service director. Hackett most recently served as area manager and corporate beverage director for Rick Erwin Dining Group.

Steele

Bloodworth

Quiroz

Qemali

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove hired Alban Qemali as general manager, Edwin Bloodworth as executive chef and Mike Steele as director of golf. The club also promoted David Quiroz to head golf professional. Qemali most recently worked as clubhouse manager at Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club in Cashiers, N.C. Bloodworth most recently served as executive chef for the Red Stag Grill at the Grand Bohemian Asheville. Steele most recently worked at Champion Hills Club in Hendersonville, where he served as an assistant golf pro for five years and head golf pro for eight years. Quiroz joined The Cliffs at Walnut Cove four years ago. He was elected as a Class A PGA Professional in 2014.

Clemson students receive fellowships from NSF Staff Report

gsanews@scbiznews.com

Three Clemson University seniors and three graduate students received Graduate Research Fellowships from the National Science Foundation, a competitive grant aimed at building tomorrow’s scientific and engineering leaders. The fellowship provides three years of support for the graduate education of recipients, including a $34,000 annual stipend and a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance. Fellows have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities over the course of their graduate careers, according to a news release. The fellowship program, the oldest of its kind, helps to ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce, recognizing and supporting outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, the news release said. The program has an annual acceptance rate of approximately 16%, from among more than 12,000 applicants. The National Science Foundation evaluates students in their fields of study on the basis of intellectual merit and broader impacts. “The work of these students is a testament to their dedication and the importance the University places on research,” Robert H. Jones, Clemson’s na School of Law and clerked at the S.C. Attorney General’s Oﬃce as well as the South Carolina Legislative Council. Hunter Beasley

MANUFACTURING

LAW Ryan Beasley Law hired Mary Hunter Beasley. Beasley achieved her juris doctor from The University of South Caroli-

Shipley

T&S Brass and Bronze Works hired Tim Shipley as eastern regional sales manager for food service. Shipley most recently served as eastern regional sales manager for John Boos & Co. and previously as regional manager for

executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, said in the release. “We are proud of their efforts and look forward to watching as they make a positive impact with research and leadership in their fields.” The six recipients are Margaret Elpers, a senior bioengineering and biomedical engineering major; Tyler Grimm, a doctoral student in the automotive engineering program; Britney Hudson, a doctoral student in the bioengineering department; Allison Kaczmarek, a senior dual-enrolled in chemistry along with materials science and engineering; Laura McCann, a senior majoring in chemistry; and Megan Pitz, a doctoral student in the bioengineering department. In addition, five undergraduate students and one graduate student received honorable mentions from the National Science Foundation: Daniel Custer, Charles Dove, Erin Mihealsick, Travis Roberts, Erin Shappell and Jillian Walton. The undergraduates are eligible to apply for the Graduate Research Fellowship again for the 2021-2022 school year. Two Clemson alumni also received the Graduate Research Fellowship: Diana Burden (mechanical engineering) and Emma Dixon (computer science). Four alumni received honorable mentions: Selena Hess (microbial biology), Madeline Blakenship (biomedical engineering), Crystal Pee (STEM education) and Kristyn Robinson (cell biology). South Eastern Manufacturers’ Agents.

NONPROFITS The United Way of the Piedmont announced the election of nine new board members for the 2020-2023 term: Earl Alexander, assistant county administrator, Spartanburg County; Walter Bennett, COO, Pelham Medical Center; Jennifer Cash, senior vice president, Synovus; Shaunte Evans, president, Spartanburg Housing Authority; Dana Fall, superintendent, Cherokee County Schools; Beth Lancaster, chief marketing oﬃcer, Spartanburg School District 7; Jonathan Waller, plant manager, Timken-Gaffney Bearing; Chris Santora, president of self-storage division, Johnson Development Associates; and Craig Haydamack, chief human resources oﬃcer, Milliken & Co.

Submit items using our online submission portal: www.GSABizWire.com. Publication is subject to editorial discretion.

Viewpoint

VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS

Maybe it’s time to stop criticizing the participation trophy

ately I’ve been thinking about the participation trophy almost as much as the coronavirus. I think it’s possible that I was among the last people never to receive a participation trophy and my little brother was among the first to always receive one. I emerged from childhood with one ROSS NORTON sports trophy, and it was for being on a championship Little League team in a small town. The recreation director brought the trophies to us as soon as the game was over and passed them out to an exuberant bunch of boys. I remember that a light rain started falling, and I tucked my trophy into the pocket of a windbreaker for protection. My little brother came onto the field to see it. I let him look, but not touch. It was precious to me. By the time he was playing rec sports, trophies were handed out like mints at the end of every season. And in those early days, they were of the same quality as the championship trophy. I didn’t like it one bit. As the years went on, the quality of the trophies cheapened. At some point they became medals, the quality of which can often be surpassed by dropping two quarters into a bubblegum machine. In business, we often rebuke the participation trophy for its perceived role in causing some of our troubles. The participation trophy (or medal) is usually maligned and often blamed for larger societal ills. It is blamed for generations of younger people not being as good at life as an older generation believes itself to be. Participation trophies are chided for — or at the very least deemed to be a symptom of — any given age group’s lack of initiative, or lack of toughness, or lack of creativity. The participation trophy is saddled with responsibility for a sense of entitlement — for making us think answers should be easy, solutions handed to us in a neat package. It’s a sentiment that seems nearly universal … except that someone keeps awarding them to participants. I’ve changed my mind. Truth be told, my Little League baseball trophy was something of a participation trophy, based on my contributions to the championship. Or to the whole season, for that matter. A little younger than

the other boys and a lot less coordinated, I was what the other team called a sure out, an easy out. But I’ll tell you this: only a fellow Sure Out knows how much muster it took to step up to the plate and face certain failure with everyone watching. My evolving opinion of the participation trophy emerged as I watched boys become men — not just my own sons, but also their friends. I became an adult leader in Cub Scouts and later Boy Scouts. All of us who were leaders got there because no one else would do it. Really, that’s key to my whole point. A lot of stuff that

“They didn’t always excel at what they were doing, but they participated and emerged as men.” Ross Norton editor, GSA Business Report

needs doing gets done by people who are willing, not so much by people who are good at it. The boys in my pack, and later in my troop, were good guys. They were smart, but they did their share of stupid things. They enjoyed activity, but honestly, they could have been more dedicated to fitness. They could have been more committed to their academic pursuits. By and

large, they did what was asked of them, and what was expected of them, without much complaint. There were pockets of excellence, but for the most part, they seemed to be mostly participating. If you stick with it, and most of them did, Boy Scouts lasts longer than any sports season. Those boys kept showing up. Week after week, year after year — some of them for 12 years and an Eagle rank — they kept coming to meetings and activities with thick books that slowly filled with signatures and checkmarks. They didn’t always excel at what they were doing, but they participated and emerged as men. They’re still young, just taking those early steps of adulthood: moving out, going to college, going to work — taking on those jobs that, for now, often place a higher premium on reliability than skill. I see three of them often. One is stocking shelves at Walmart. He isn’t sure what he wants to do next, but he’s thinking maybe college. Another is not going to college. He thinks he’s found his career in management at a grocery store. Another is a firefighter and may be paramedic later. It’s a long road, however, and while he’s finally landed paid positions with two departments, they’re both very part time. So he’s getting the bills paid by delivering pizza, mostly to college students with a poor record for tipping. As our world forked off on an unanticipated path for this pandemic, it occurred

to me that those three boys, who once donned little blue uniforms to sell fundraising popcorn, have found their way to the critical front lines of a battle. While I work safely from home, my role in curbing COVID-19 is to stay put. Their role is to get out there: to stock the shelves, to manage the groceries, to take pizza to people like me and, some days, to wrestle into firefighter gear and ride to the rescue. Almost anyone would have guessed that doctors and nurses would be the heroes of a pandemic. But I think almost everyone was surprised when the rest of the hero pool turned out to be grocers and truck drivers and hardware clerks, fast food workers, convenience store cashiers and all of the others who keep the rest of us safer and healthier simply by showing up. By participating. There are millions out there, but three of them I know well. Three boys — now men — making everything better by participating. A lot of people don’t, you know. So maybe it’s worth a trophy. Ross Norton is editor of GSA Business Report.

We want to hear from you Write: Ross Norton, Editor GSA Business Report, 35 Cessna Court, Suite A Greenville, S.C. 29607

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