4 South Carolina Businesses Announce Business Expansions in the State

This week, four South Carolina businesses announced expansions solidifying our statewide journey of economic expansion and job growth

Here are the details:

Hoffman & Hoffman expanding Lexington County operations

$8.5 million investment will create 60 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Hoffman & Hoffman, a leader in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions, today announced it is expanding its operations in Lexington County. The company’s $8.5 million investment will create 60 new jobs.

Headquartered in North Carolina, Hoffman & Hoffman delivers high-efficiency commercial HVAC equipment, innovative building controls, expert mechanical services and specialized hydronic systems. The company operates 15 facilities and serves customers across multiple industries throughout the Southeast.

Hoffman & Hoffman’s new facility, located at 1 Southern Court in West Columbia, will allow it to consolidate its existing Lexington County offices and grow its operations in South Carolina.

Hoffman & Hoffman expects to transition into its new facility in the second quarter of 2026. Individuals interested in joining the Hoffman & Hoffman team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“Our growth in South Carolina is a direct reflection of the customers who trust us to solve their most complex HVAC challenges. We’re honored to deepen our commitment to this market.” -Hoffman & Hoffman CEO Jim Bingham

“Hoffman & Hoffman joins the many companies that have discovered South Carolina is a great place to do business and expanded their presence here. We are grateful for Hoffman & Hoffman’s commitment to creating opportunities for South Carolinians and look forward to the company’s continued success in Lexington County and beyond.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Hoffman & Hoffman’s expansion is a testament to the thriving business environment we have created throughout South Carolina. We welcome this additional investment and the 60 new opportunities it will bring to the Midlands. Congratulations to Hoffman & Hoffman and Lexington County.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Hoffman & Hoffman’s decision to grow here in Lexington County speaks volumes about the strength of our workforce and the confidence companies have in this community. Their expansion not only brings new jobs, but it reinforces the momentum we’re seeing across our industrial sector. Hoffman & Hoffman has long been a trusted partner across the Southeast and here in Lexington County, and we are proud to support their continued growth and the impact they will make right here at home.” -Lexington County Council Chairman M. Todd Cullum

“When a company chooses to reinvest in its existing operations, it’s one of the greatest endorsements our region can receive. Hoffman & Hoffman’s $8.5 million investment and 60 new jobs in Lexington underscore the strength of our business climate and the long-term success companies achieve here. Congratulations to Hoffman & Hoffman on this milestone! We look forward to supporting your continued growth in the central region of South Carolina.” -Central SC Alliance Chairman Tushar Chikhliker

FIVE FAST FACTS

Hoffman & Hoffman is expanding its operations in Lexington County.
The company’s $8.5 million investment will create 60 new jobs.
Hoffman & Hoffman is a leader in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions.
The company’s new facility will be located at 1 Southern Court in West Columbia, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Hoffman & Hoffman team should visit the company’s careers page.

AVANTech, LLC expands Richland County operations

$3.7 million investment will create 65 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – AVANTech, LLC (AVANTech), a design, engineering, and Nuclear Quality Assurance-1 (NQA-1) fabrication partner delivering advanced processing solutions and build-to-print products, today announced it is expanding its operations in Richland County. The company’s $3.7 million investment will create 65 new jobs.

Founded in 1999, AVANTech is an industry leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of customer process systems and integrated solutions for the nuclear, energy, environmental and industrial markets.

AVANTech will add 45,000 square feet to its existing operation, located at 2050 American Italian Way in Columbia, and lease a new 12,000-square-foot facility to support enhanced fabrication, testing and assembly capabilities.

Operations are expected to be online in February 2026. Individuals interested in joining the AVANTech team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

QUOTES

“We are incredibly proud to announce this expansion in Richland County, a community we’ve been honored to call home for more than 26 years. This milestone reflects both our company’s continued growth and our deep, long-standing commitment to the region. Richland County has been an exceptional partner throughout our journey, and we look forward to creating new opportunities, strengthening our local presence and contributing to the area’s economic vitality for many years to come.” -AVANTech CEO Mike Pilon

“AVANTech’s decision to expand and create 65 new jobs in Richland County demonstrates the confidence companies place in South Carolina’s people and business environment. We welcome the company’s continued investment in the Midlands and applaud the success AVANTech has achieved in our state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“AVANTech’s expansion announcement reinforces South Carolina’s commitment to supporting our existing companies. We celebrate the company’s contribution to the Richland County community and are proud to continue our support of the company as it builds upon its South Carolina legacy.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“This latest expansion of AVANTech not only strengthens its presence and capacity in our community, it reinforces our region’s robust manufacturing base. The company’s promise to add more management, professional and skilled positions at the facility gives our residents more options to grow their careers at home.” -Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey

FIVE FAST FACTS

AVANTech, LLC (AVANTech) is expanding its operations in Richland County.
The company’s $3.7 million investment will create 65 new jobs.
AVANTech is a full-service design, engineering, and Nuclear Quality Assurance-1 (NQA-1) fabrication partner delivering advanced processing solutions and build-to-print products.
The company is located at 2050 American Italian Way in Columbia, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the AVANTech team should visit the company’s careers page.

PRET Advanced Materials, LLC expands Florence County operations

$18.5 million investment will create 74 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – PRET Advanced Materials, LLC (PRET), a leading advanced materials company, today announced it is expanding its operations in Florence County. The company’s $18.5 million investment will create 74 new jobs.

Headquartered in Johnsonville, PRET is one of the leading compounders and suppliers of thermoplastic resins in North America. The company’s South Carolina facility has operated continuously since 1955.

PRET is adding new equipment and improvements to its facility, located at 520 Kingsburg Highway in Johnsonville, to meet demand for new products.

Operations are expected to be online by 2027. Individuals interested in joining the PRET team should contact Stephanie Wisnom (843-386-8261).

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $50,000 Set-Aside grant to Florence County to assist with the costs of road improvements.

QUOTES

“PRET Advanced Materials is proud to announce the expansion of its capabilities at our Johnsonville facility. This continued strong growth reflects PRET’s confidence in both our people and our long-standing relationship with Florence County and the state of South Carolina.” -PRET Advanced Materials CEO Alex Zhou

“PRET Advanced Materials’ $18.5 million investment is a testament to the company’s commitment to South Carolina. We are grateful for the new opportunities this expansion will create in the Florence County community and look forward to strengthening our partnership with PRET in the years ahead.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“With an expansion that will create 74 new jobs, PRET Advanced Materials continues having a strong impact in the Florence County community. We are thrilled to see a company with such a longstanding legacy in our state continuing to find success. Congratulations on this exciting announcement.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are pleased to acknowledge the value that PRET Advanced Materials brings to our community. This $18.5 million dollar investment is projected to create 74 new jobs in southern Florence County. We commend their commitment to both their customers and their workforce. Florence County is delighted to have PRET’s compounding facility and state-of-the-art research and development center located in Johnsonville, South Carolina.” -Florence County Council Chairman William Schofield

FIVE FAST FACTS

PRET Advanced Materials, LLC (PRET) is expanding its operations in Florence County.
The company’s $18.5 million investment will create 74 new jobs.
PRET is a leading advanced materials company.
The company is located at 520 Kingsburg Highway in Johnsonville, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the PRET team should contact Stephanie Wisnom (843-386-8261).

Coastal Ready Mix establishing operations in Horry County

$4.6 million investment will create 19 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Coastal Ready Mix, a concrete manufacturer, today announced it is establishing operations in Horry County. The company’s $4.6 million investment will create 19 new jobs.

Coastal Ready Mix is part of a fourth-generation, family-owned construction materials group with operations in South Carolina and North Carolina, including ready-mix plants, concrete masonry unit manufacturing facilities and cement import terminals.

Coastal Ready Mix’s new ready-mix concrete plant, located on Mount Pisgah Cemetery Road in Conway, will allow the company to serve local contractors and larger, multi-market customers.

Operations are expected to be online in 2026.

QUOTES

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve Horry County, and we give thanks to God for opening this door for our family. We try to work hard, do what’s right and take care of the people who depend on us. Expanding into this community is a blessing, and we look forward to earning the trust of the contractors and customers we serve.” -Coastal Ready Mix CEO Scott Askins

“Coastal Ready Mix’s new operation in Horry County will be a welcome addition to our state’s thriving business community. This $4.6 million investment represents another victory for our manufacturing industry and increased opportunity for our people.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina’s manufacturing industry continues to thrive, attracting new investments from companies like Coastal Ready Mix. We congratulate the company and Horry County on this announcement and look forward to supporting Coastal Ready Mix’s growth for many years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Today we celebrate the announcement of Coastal Ready Mix to Horry County. The new ready-mix concrete plant will provide well-paying jobs, assist with stronger infrastructure and long-term economic growth to our community. The investment shows confidence in our future, and we are proud to support new industry in Horry County.” -Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner

“As a fourth-generation, family-owned construction materials group, Coastal Ready Mix’s expansion into Horry County is a great asset to our region. Congratulations to Coastal Ready Mix and Horry County on this investment bringing 19 new jobs and opportunities for our community.” -NESA Executive Committee Chairman Yancey McGill

FIVE FAST FACTS