Author: Charleston Daily

by Beth Schneider

With a $16.5 million gift from Don Quattlebaum ’76, the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine has received its largest private donation. This generous gift will support the College in its efforts to serve South Carolina as the only college of veterinary medicine in the state. Quattlebaum is Clemson University’s latest Cornerstone Champion.

Quattlebaum’s donation will support multiple areas of the College, including the centerpiece of the College – the newly named Quattlebaum Hub, a state-of-the-art building featuring classroom space, conference rooms, a library, and a bookstore.

In addition to the Quattlebaum Hub, the Andy Quattlebaum Pavilion, named for Don and Hayden Quattlebaum’s beloved son, will serve as a serene outdoor space within the campus, providing students with a relaxing area to study and enjoy the outdoors, and offering a vital respite amidst the demanding course of studies.

His gift will also ensure that the College will attract top-tier faculty members through the Don and Hayden Quattlebaum Endowed Professorship and through an unrestricted endowment to address the College’s most pressing needs.

“I am honored to call Don Quattlebaum my friend and am grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of Hayden, Andy and the Quattlebaum and Blackwell families. Don’s gift represents an investment in the future of South Carolina. Their family’s legacy is significant and will continue to make a difference in the lives of future Tigers for generations to come.” – Clemson University President Jim Clements 

Quattlebaum, together with the Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation, has been a longtime supporter of Clemson and an advocate for animal-wellness and education across the Southeast. A hallmark of their philanthropic activities at Clemson has been student experiences focused on wellness and protection of natural resources, including the Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center on Clemson’s main campus and Andy’s Cottage at the Belle W. Baruch Institute in Georgetown, South Carolina.

“I am so thankful for Don’s continued commitment to our great University. His legacy of philanthropy continues to center around making a positive impact on students. This gift will support his great love for animals and the state of South Carolina and makes him our newest Cornerstone Champion, helping us move Clemson Fiercely Forward,” said Vice President of Advancement Brian O’Rourke.

“The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine will serve South Carolina and its farmers through large animal care, as well as the citizens of South Carolina who need care for their pets. I am proud to play a part in the establishment of this important College. This gift is for Andy and Hayden whose spirits I carry with me every day.” – Don Quattlebaum

“Don Quattlebaum’s gift is an investment in the future of animal and human health in South Carolina. It will allow us to train the next generation of veterinary clinicians and scientists to enhance the human animal bond for the benefit of our state and beyond,” said Steven Marks, founding dean of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine.

Quattlebaum’s gift comes at a pivotal time for the College as it recently began accepting applications for the first class of students, slated to begin in the Fall of 2026.

The College will leverage Clemson University’s strong foundation in animal science, agriculture, veterinary technology, and research programs. Its mission: to educate veterinarians who serve both large-and companion-animal populations, to drive research that safeguards animal and human health, and to help strengthen rural and agricultural economies across the region.

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Nov 19, 2025

• Expansion represents significant investment in North Carolina and is expected to create 700 new jobs in the state by end of 2030
  
• Enables manufacturing of medicines across company’s main therapeutic areas in one geographic location
  
• Marks latest milestone in company’s previously announced $23 billion investment in US infrastructure

Basel, November 19, 2025 – Novartis, a leading global innovative medicines company, today announced plans to expand its operations in North Carolina, creating a new flagship manufacturing hub with end-to-end manufacturing capabilities. The strategic investment is a major step to ensure all key Novartis medicines for US patients are manufactured in the US and delivered to patients across the country at scale.

This announcement is part of Novartis’ $23 billion investment in US-based infrastructure over the next five years, designed to increase manufacturing capacity and enable 100% of the company’s key medicines to be produced end-to-end in the US.

As part of this flagship hub in North Carolina, Novartis will:

• Build a new site in Durham with the construction of two new facilities dedicated to manufacturing biologics and sterile packaging 
• Build a new site in Morrisville with one facility for the production of solid dosage tablets and capsules, including packaging 
• Expand the scope of its existing Durham facility with the added capability to support sterile filling of biologics into syringes and vials

The company is on track to produce all its advanced technologies in the US with:

• Cell and gene therapies manufactured in Morris Plains, NJ, and Durham, NC
• Radioligand therapies manufactured coast-to-coast at facilities in Millburn, NJ, Indianapolis, IN, and Carlsbad, CA, and two new sites planned in Florida and Texas
• xRNA therapies to be manufactured at a new facility whose location will be announced in the coming months

Currently, Novartis produces innovative, life-changing gene therapies in Durham. Together, the new and existing facilities will create a single hub, expanding capabilities to produce medicines across the company’s main therapeutic areas: oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular, renal and metabolic. The proximity of the facilities will allow teams and production processes to work in tandem – from manufacturing active ingredients to final packaging – and create efficiencies in its manufacturing. 

“This announcement is a commitment to American innovation and to the patients we serve,” said Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis. “By building a full, end-to-end manufacturing presence in North Carolina for our broader portfolio, we are expanding our capacity to deliver medical breakthroughs, securing a more resilient US supply chain, and investing in the local communities that make our mission possible.” 

“North Carolina continues to lead in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, and Novartis’ expansion in the Triangle reflects our state’s talent and innovative spirit,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This investment will strengthen our state’s economy and ensure life-saving medicines continue to be made right in North Carolina.”

Anticipated to open in 2027-2028, the flagship manufacturing hub, encompassing more than 700,000 square feet between the existing campus and new facilities, is expected to create 700 new jobs at Novartis and more than 3,000 indirect jobs across the supply chain by the end of 2030. 

This latest expansion builds on the existing Novartis presence – creating skilled jobs, fueling workforce growth, supporting local communities, and solidifying North Carolina’s strength in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Disclaimer 
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

About Novartis 
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

By Mark A Leon

Lindsey Kraft has opened for Ben Folds for the last two tours that have rolled through Charleston, SC. Behind this whimsical pianist and songwriter is a remarkable story of transformation, storytelling, and the blueprint of a musical. What audiences see onstage—a witty performer with a rapid-fire sense of humor and a tender, emotionally tuned voice—is only the surface of a creative evolution that began long before she ever sat down at a piano.

For more than 20 years, Kraft built a career as a television and film actress, known for her sharp comedic timing and grounded character work. But after two decades of inhabiting other people’s words, she began to feel the tug of her own stories demanding to be told. She realized she had songs—real songs—living inside her, asking for form and melody. The only catch? She didn’t play an instrument.

At 38 years old, an age when many artists feel their paths are already carved, Kraft made a choice that would reshape her creative life. She learned to play the piano from scratch. What started as a quiet, personal challenge quickly became something more powerful. The piano became a portal—one that allowed her to translate humor, heartbreak, memory, and self-reinvention into music.

Now, just four and a half years later, Kraft is developing her first musical, a semi-autobiographical work that draws from her circuitous path through adulthood, creativity, and identity. Instead of shying away from the messy or vulnerable chapters of her story, she leans into them, treating them as raw material for something larger and more universal. Her songs, often buoyed by clever lyrical twists and an uncanny sense of emotional timing, reflect the experience of someone who has lived enough life to understand its absurdities and enough heartache to appreciate its beauty.

Sharing the stage with Ben Folds—himself a master of narrative songwriting and piano-driven performance—has helped amplify her artistic voice. Audiences who initially arrive expecting only the headliner often leave talking about Kraft’s unexpected charm and the refreshing specificity of her perspective. Her style is as theatrical as it is intimate, full of comedic asides that dissolve into moments of genuine sincerity. It’s clear she’s not merely opening shows; she’s building a world, one song at a time.

What makes Kraft’s story especially compelling is the way it reframes the idea of creative timing. So often, music careers are presented as pursuits for the young, but Kraft’s journey is a reminder that artistry follows no linear path. Reinvention is not only possible—it can be the catalyst for deeper, more fearless work. By starting something new at 40, she offers a counter-narrative to the pressure of early success and proves that beginning again can be an act of profound artistic courage.

As her musical continues to take shape, Kraft is stepping into a role she was always meant to play—not simply actress or songwriter, but storyteller in the broadest sense. Whether through scenes, songs, or onstage banter that leaves audiences laughing, she’s crafting a voice uniquely her own.

And if her recent performances are any indication, Lindsey Kraft is just getting started. Her evolution from actor to pianist to musical creator isn’t merely a career pivot—it’s a testament to the unexpected places passion can lead when you give it permission to change your life.

Photo Credit: Lindsey Kraft

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This one hit hard. Herd Provisions has truly been a spirited gift to Charleston with thoughtfulness and care to their menus, local partnerships and deep connection to their customers. We have truly found inspiration in Herd and they have been one of the pioneers of this culinary evolutions we are all a part of in this wonderful city. From a personal note, we are saddened.

From the beautiful ownership team of Herd Provisions today on social:

“It is with a heavy heart, and after thoughtful consideration, that we have made the decision to close Herd Provisions after nearly seven years in business. Our final day of regular service will be November 29th, and throughout December we will shift our focus entirely to previously scheduled events.

Thanksgiving Pre-Orders will still be available for pickup on November 26th from 12–4 PM, and all guests who have pre-booked large parties will continue to be fully accommodated.

It has been a joy and a true privilege to serve Wagener Terrace and the Charleston community. We are deeply grateful to our customers and to our incredible, dedicated staff for your support and patronage over the years.

Sincerely, 
Alec Bradford”

You will be missed!

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New boutique apartment and townhome community brings elegant design and resort-inspired amenities to one of Charleston’s most celebrated destinations

CHARLESTON, S.C. (November 11, 2025) – Woodfield Development, one of the nation’s top 20 developers of Class A multifamily communities, today announced the opening of The Henslow Daniel Island, a boutique apartment and townhome community in Daniel Island, an award-winning master-planned community in Charleston, South Carolina. Developed in partnership with Simpson Housing, The Henslow pairs refined design with coastal charm, offering residents an elevated lifestyle in one of the Lowcountry’s most sought-after communities.

Woodfield Development has deep roots in the Carolinas, with The Henslow being its 17th project in South Carolina. Over the past 20 years, the Charleston-based firm has delivered more than 4,600 units, totaling over $1 billion in the state. On Daniel Island, Woodfield previously developed The Port House and Wharf 7, further underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to creating communities in Charleston’s most desirable locations. Leveraging the region’s exceptional growth and demand, Woodfield Development continues to maintain a strong development pipeline in the market.    

In addition to being a Joint Venture Partner, Simpson Housing also manages The Henslow, overseeing day-to-day operations and leasing activity. Having announced leasing in July, the response to The Henslow has been impressive, with over 31% of the community leased.

“The opening of The Henslow marks an exciting milestone for Woodfield Development, Simposn Housing and Daniel Island,” said Mike Schwarz, partner at Woodfield Development. “This community offers an address that is truly second to none, placing residents in the heart of one of the Southeast’s most celebrated destinations. With its blend of elegant design and welcoming, resort-inspired amenities, The Henslow sets a new standard for sophisticated apartment and townhome living on Daniel Island.”

Located at 350 Henslow Drive, The Henslow is an upscale apartment and townhome community offering 163 one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences and 12 two-story, three-bedroom townhomes.  Floor plans range from 687 to 1,713 square feet and feature elegant finishes such as luxury vinyl plank flooring, contemporary kitchens with quartz countertops and tile backsplash, stainless streel appliances, and large walk-in closets. Select homes include private patios or balconies, and all are equipped with smart home features for modern convenience.

The Henslow’s amenities include a resort-style saltwater pool with sundeck and cabana; a two-story designer clubhouse with an entertainment kitchen, game room, and rooftop lounge; a fitness center; and a co-working lounge with private stations.  Additional amenities include an event barn with an outdoor living room, kitchen, and televisions; a dog park and pet wash station; and a private pond.

Located in Daniel Island, The Henslow is centrally located to all that makes Greater Charleston a world-class destination. Just 20 minutes from historic downtown Charleston, the beaches, and the airport, residents enjoy top-ranked schools, miles of bike paths, and a vibrant town center filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, including Credit One Stadium.  With its thoughtful planning, scenic waterways, and welcoming village atmosphere, Daniel Island has become one of the Lowcountry’s premier residential destinations and among the most sought-after communities in the Southeast. 

The project team for The Henslow included Housing Studio, Seamon Whiteside, SHAH Architecture & Interiors, S Wilkins Interior Design, and CF Evans as the general contractor.

For additional information about The Henslow Daniel Island, call (843) 547-9961 or visit the property’s website.

#   #   #

About Woodfield Development

Woodfield Development is a premier developer and operator of Class A multifamily communities. Amongst its peer group, the Woodfield partnership has unmatched experience in multifamily development and asset management. Since its founding in 2005, Woodfield has completed 74 communities, has 16 communities under construction, and numerous projects in various stages of entitlement and design. Woodfield’s earliest developments were located predominantly in the southeast and Mid-Atlantic, but the company has since expanded its footprint to include markets in the Northeast, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas.  

From the first project to each thereafter, the singular goal is to deliver well-conceived, thoughtfully designed, market supported projects that hit each market’s sweet spot and create value for Woodfield’s investors and partners. Relying on local knowledge with experienced development partners, Woodfield sets the new high bar with each development it delivers. With a track record that stands above, Woodfield Development sets out to assemble the best team of designers, consultants, architects, general contractors, and capital sources, every development, every time. Read more at woodfielddevelopment.net. 

About Simpson Housing^® LLLP

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Simpson Housing^® LLLP is a fully integrated real estate firm, primarily focusing on multifamily property management, operating high-quality, residential communities throughout the United States. As a large, privately held residential manager, Simpson is organized to deliver a comprehensive range of real estate services – including joint venture development, property management, construction, acquisition, marketing and financing.  Since 1948, Simpson’s goal has been to provide superior customer satisfaction and quality apartment homes. Simpson provides not only a place to live, but a way to live, that combines technology, amenities, and personalized services – which adds up to more convenient living for residents. Simpson Housing^® LLLP has built its reputation on service; for 20 years in a row Simpson has earned the coveted ‘A List’ Award for Service Excellence – a distinction reserved for only a select few firms by the multifamily real estate industry. For more information, visit www.SimpsonHousing.com.

Follow Henslow Daniel Island on Instagram.

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From Istanbul to Mount Pleasant, The Loomia brings a unique set of quality products to the Lowcountry

The Loomia, nestled in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is a heartwarming small business born from a Turkish family’s dream. In 2017, a newly married couple left Istanbul with just a few Turkish towels and a suitcase full of hope, driven by a passion to share the beauty and quality of Turkish textiles with their new community. Over the years, their boutique has grown into a celebrated online and brick-and-mortar shop, offering luxuriously soft towels, throws, robes, and home décor — all woven with love and steeped in heritage.

Here is everything you need to know:

What: The Loomia: Boutique featuring Towels & Home Decor

Where: 1090 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite C, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Hours: Monday – Friday 10 AM – 4 PM

Follow The Loomia on Instagram

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Editorial commentary by Mark A Leon

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many Americans to reconsider where and how they lived. As work and life shifted to remote and virtual spaces, people began seeking places with a better quality of life, more open spaces, and a slower pace. Charleston, South Carolina, with its historic charm, temperate climate, and burgeoning food scene, found itself at the crossroads of these desires. But did the pandemic truly accelerate the volume of new residents in Charleston, or was this a phenomenon waiting to happen?

One of the most significant changes brought about by the pandemic was the widespread adoption of remote work. As businesses closed their offices or transitioned to virtual environments, many employees no longer felt tethered to their traditional workspaces. With the freedom to live anywhere, many sought out cities that offered a balance of convenience and lifestyle. Charleston, with its scenic waterfronts, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere, quickly became a prime destination.

During the early days of the pandemic, Charleston’s lax policies surrounding stay-at-home orders helped make it a more attractive option. While cities like New York and San Francisco imposed stricter lockdowns, Charleston’s more relaxed stance allowed businesses to remain open longer, with appropriate distancing measures in place. Many restaurants, bars, and shops adjusted by offering outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and even virtual ordering platforms. Despite the challenges, the city’s resilient business community adapted quickly. For many, Charleston’s flexible approach to social distancing was appealing compared to other cities where life came to a near halt.

But it wasn’t just the pandemic-related policies that drew newcomers. Charleston’s temperate climate, with its mild winters and warm, beach-friendly summers, was an enticing draw. Unlike colder regions where people were cooped up indoors for long stretches, Charleston’s year-round pleasant weather allowed residents to enjoy outdoor activities in relative safety during the worst of the pandemic. Whether it was taking walks along the Battery, enjoying the beauty of the Lowcountry’s beaches, or dining outdoors in historic courtyards, Charleston’s lifestyle was well-suited for socially distanced living.

Moreover, the city’s rich cultural history, renowned cuisine, and strong sense of community were already major draws before the pandemic, but now, as people looked for a place to settle during a period of uncertainty, these attributes became even more important. Charleston offers an enviable blend of old-world charm and modern-day amenities. The vibrant restaurant scene, bolstered by an influx of culinary talent and tourists, means that new residents have no shortage of dining options to suit any palate, from traditional Lowcountry fare to contemporary fine dining. This gastronomic culture also allowed restaurants to thrive in an outdoor-focused world, further embedding the city’s place as a destination for those seeking an elevated lifestyle.

However, the decision to move to Charleston wasn’t purely driven by the pandemic’s circumstances. The city’s affordable housing market, lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, and growing job opportunities in tech, healthcare, and tourism made it a logical choice for those looking for a fresh start. The pandemic merely highlighted these advantages.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the pandemic played a role in accelerating the decision for many people to relocate to Charleston. While the city’s beauty, culture, and lifestyle were already well-known, COVID-19 highlighted how a relaxed environment and flexible work arrangements could offer a quality of life that was not just desirable but essential. The new residents flooding into Charleston may be a temporary spike, but the city’s growth is likely to continue as it remains a beacon for those seeking a better work-life balance and a connection to nature, culture, and history.

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By Mark A Leon

November 14-16 was packed bringing buzz from sunrise to the wee hours of the late evening

Charleston has never exactly been a quiet city, but this weekend may have redefined what it means for the Holy City to be alive. From grand openings to overlapping festivals, jam-packed concert halls, nonstop weddings, and a surprise celebrity appearance, Charleston became the Southeast’s cultural capital in a span of just three unforgettable days.

A New Icon Arrives: The Opening of The American Gardens

The highlight of the weekend was the long-anticipated opening of The American Gardens, a sweeping public space filled with botanical artistry, sculptural design, and Charleston’s classic historic charm. Visitors streamed in at sunrise, photographers scouted for perfect angles, and families wandered the terraces as though exploring a newly discovered landmark. The ribbon-cutting felt like an event unto itself—music, food vendors, and crowds large enough to slow traffic across downtown.

A Festival Trifecta: Food, Wine & Hospitality Take Over the City

While gardens bloomed across town, Charleston’s culinary world was having a moment of its own. The Charleston Food & Wine Festival transformed not just the Visitor Center but also some of the city’s most iconic properties—The Charleston Place, Hotel Emeline, and the Gaillard Center—into a sprawling, citywide tasting experience.

Chefs from across the Southeast hosted collaborative dinners, pop-ups, and chef’s-counter demonstrations. Sommeliers led intimate pairing sessions at Emeline, mixologists shook up experimental cocktails at The Charleston Place, and the Gaillard’s elegant spaces became home to premium tastings and panel discussions featuring rising culinary stars.

From artisan cheese flights to wood-fired local seafood, the entire festival felt like a progressive dinner that swept across downtown. For many attendees, simply moving from one venue to the next became part of the excitement—each space carrying its own flavor, culture, and energy.

A Weekend of Stories: YALLFest and the Literary Festival

On Upper King and throughout the historic district, YALLFest and the broader Literary Festival attracted thousands of readers and writers. Lines curled around blocks as fans waited for signings with bestselling authors. Bookstores buzzed, hotel lobbies turned into seminar rooms, and coffee shops became impromptu critique circles. For a city steeped in storytelling, it was a perfect cultural counterpoint to the culinary celebrations happening just steps away.

A City Soundtrack: Concerts at Music Hall & Music Farm

The Charleston Music Hall and Charleston Music Farm ran packed, back-to-back concerts that stretched well into the night. Genres collided—indie, folk, bluegrass, funk—and the crowds spilled into the streets buzzing with post-show energy. For many, hopping between the two venues felt like attending Charleston’s own miniature music festival.

Weddings, After-Parties, and Everything in Between

Of course, it wouldn’t be Charleston without weddings filling almost every historic home, waterfront lawn, and rooftop terrace. And as usual, the after-parties spread throughout downtown, blending seamlessly with the festival-goers and concert crowds. Entire blocks pulsed with energy until the early hours of the morning.

Saturday Rituals: The Charleston Farmer’s Market

Still, thousands rallied early for the Charleston Farmer’s Market, gathering at Marion Square for fresh produce, local crafts, food stalls, and buskers. Even after a night of events, the square felt like the heart of the city—alive, communal, and humming with conversation.

Sports & Stars: College of Charleston Basketball + Danny McBride

The weekend also delivered on school spirit. College of Charleston basketball drew a loud, electric crowd at TD Arena, giving fans another boost of adrenaline amid an already packed city schedule and The Citadel Football team hosted Wofford for the final home game of the season at Hagood Stadium.

The weekend wouldn’t be “Rightous” without Danny McBride who stopped by to speak with the College of Charleston Alumni Association on November 15. His talk was equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.

So…Was This the Biggest Weekend Ever?

If you were anywhere downtown, the answer felt like a clear and resounding yes. Charleston pulsed with culinary innovation, musical energy, literary excitement, and hometown pride—all within a single three-day window.

Whether history will officially crown it Charleston’s biggest weekend ever is still up for debate.

But one thing is certain: the city won’t forget it anytime soon.

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Solar panel production facility to commence operations in 2026, creating over 600 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – First Solar, Inc., (First Solar) a leading American photovoltaic (PV) solar and manufacturing company, today announced it is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new production facility in Cherokee County. The company expects to spend approximately $330 million to establish the new facility, which is forecast to create over 600 new jobs.  

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Arizona, First Solar is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the Western Hemisphere. Located at 121 Logistics Drive in Gaffney, the facility will onshore final production processes for Series 6 modules initiated by the company’s international fleet. The company currently operates a distribution center in Duncan and has a longstanding partnership with Inland Port Greer.

The Gaffney plant will be part of what is one of the largest solar technology manufacturing and research and development (R&D) footprints in the nation and already includes five operating, fully vertically integrated manufacturing facilities in three states, as well as a supply chain that spans the country. 

Operations are expected to commence in the second half of 2026. Individuals interested in joining the First Solar team should visit the company’s careers page.

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

QUOTES

“As the United States experiences historic demand for abundant, affordable electricity, we’re proud to meet the moment by expanding our domestic energy technology manufacturing capacity with a new facility in South Carolina. This investment demonstrates the value of American solar manufacturing and supply chains in unleashing energy dominance while creating jobs and prosperity for local communities.” -First Solar, Inc. CEO Mark Widmar

“South Carolina is proud to be a destination for innovative energy companies that are powering our country with American technology. First Solar’s investment will create 600 new jobs in Cherokee County, which will greatly strengthen the local economy and help advance America’s energy independence. Their expanded presence in our state will provide even more opportunities for hardworking South Carolinians.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“This investment by First Solar will further strengthen South Carolina’s growing reputation in the clean energy sector, and we are excited for the economic opportunities it will bring to a rural part of our state. Congratulations to First Solar and Cherokee County on this announcement that will have a tremendous impact in the community for many years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“South Carolina Ports has enjoyed a productive relationship with First Solar and is honored by their choice of Cherokee County, South Carolina for this major investment. We congratulate First Solar and will continue to serve as a reliable, responsive port partner.” -SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace

“Today is a milestone for Cherokee County. First Solar’s $330 million investment and 600 high-paying new jobs show confidence in our community. Projects like these position Gaffney as a leader in economic development and bring new opportunities for our citizens. We’re proud to welcome First Solar and look forward to a successful partnership.” -Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer

FIVE FAST FACTS

• First Solar, Inc. (First Solar) is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new production facility in Cherokee County.
• The company expects to spend $330 million on the new facility, creating over 600 new jobs.
• First Solar is a leading American solar technology and manufacturing company.
• The facility, scheduled to commence operations in the second half of 2026, will be located at121 Logistics Drive in Gaffney, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the First Solar team should visit the company’s careers page.

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USS Yorktown Clean-Up Completed – 1.6 Million Gallons of Toxic Waste Removed

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today was joined by the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) to announce the completion of the USS Yorktown Environmental Remediation Project. The project, which is a result of Governor McMaster’s 2022 Executive Order, successfully removed more than 1.6 million gallons of hazardous materials and over nine tons of asbestos from the ship. The pollutants were at increasing risk of leaking into Charleston Harbor due to the continued corrosion of the Yorktown’s outer hull, posing a major environmental and economic threat to the Lowcountry. 

“The USS Yorktown was a ticking environmental time bomb, with the risk of disaster increasing each year, and now it has been safely and successfully defused,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Had these materials leaked, they would have caused catastrophic damage to Charleston Harbor, destroying marshes and estuaries, killing marine life, and threatening industries that support thousands of jobs across the Lowcountry. Instead, we took action to prevent that disaster and protect South Carolina.”

Commissioned in 1943, the Yorktown is an Essex-class aircraft carrier that was converted to an attack aircraft carrier in the 1950s, then to an anti-submarine aircraft carrier in 1957. After being decommissioned in 1970, it was donated to the Patriots Point Development Authority and relocated to the Charleston Harbor in 1975. When the Yorktown was decommissioned, the US Navy did not have strict decommissioning procedures and made the ship available to South Carolina “as is” and “without warranty.” This included the presence of hazardous materials on board when the ship was relocated.

Phase I of the project concluded in December 2023 and included an environmental assessment study to identify the location and quantity of remaining legacy contaminants, as well as the completion of immediate repairs necessary to prepare the ship for the remediation process. This phase resulted in the extraction of 568,800 gallons of oily water, the removal of 8.88 tons of sludge and mud, the disposal of 4.5 tons of asbestos waste, and 35 external hull repairs. A copy of the Phase I report can be found here. 

Phase II remediation began in February 2025 and involved the removal of hazardous contaminants from over 100 structural tanks and over 30 non-structural tanks. Freshwater was added to the cleaned structural tanks to ensure the Yorktown remains stable. HEPACO LLC, Shipwright, Inc., and Isla Maritime completed this process from February to October 2025. During the project, the team transferred contaminants from the Yorktown to an on-site treatment facility. After initial treatment, remaining contaminants were sent to off-site processing and disposal facilities. Hazardous contaminants removed during Phase II and delivered to disposal sites included heavy fuel oil, more than 1.4 million gallons of contaminated fluids, and 9.1 tons of asbestos-containing piping insulation. In addition, over 375 temporary repairs were made to the structural tanks on the vessel.

SCOR awarded the USS Yorktown Environmental Assessment and Remediation project an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds grant in the amount of $10.7 million for Phase I and $20.9 million for Phase II, for a total budgeted award amount of $31.6 million. SCOR procured Research Planning, Inc. to complete the Phase I remediation plan in partnership with T&T Salvage, LLC, and GEL Laboratories, LLC. 

“Remediating such a critical hazard is a win for all partners involved with this project,” said SCOR Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan. “But beyond this immediate success, it demonstrates the ability of South Carolina to take a proactive approach to lessening or eliminating the likelihood of future disasters. I am proud of this team for identifying the need to act and working efficiently to mitigate the possibility of contamination, while preserving a significant historical landmark in our state.”

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