March 2025 Announcement: 4 Businesses Opening or Expanding South Carolina Operations – $123M and 214 new jobs

More great news related to the South Carolina economy and continued growth in our business footprint. Four companies announced this March opening or expanding South Carolina operations. Here are the details:

EnerSys expanding Sumter County operations

$6.7 million investment will create 14 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – EnerSys, a global leader in energy storage systems and solutions, today announced it is expanding its operations in Sumter County. The company’s $6.7 million investment will create 14 new jobs. 

Headquartered in Pennsylvania, EnerSys is an industrial technology leader providing global customers with energy solutions that meet the growing demand for efficient, reliable and sustainable energy. The company has more than 32 manufacturing facilities worldwide, including its Sumter metal plant established in 1972. In 2024, the company announced plans to establish its second South Carolina operation, a lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility in Greenville County.

For this project, EnerSys will add 34,000 square feet to its facility located at 1990 Corporate Way in Sumter. The expansion will allow EnerSys to meet growing demand for lithium, flooded and Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) battery products.

Operations are expected to be online in May 2025. Individuals interested in joining the EnerSys team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $100,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Sumter County to assist with the costs of building construction and site development.

QUOTES

“EnerSys is dedicated to developing innovative solutions and technologies that drive exceptional value for our customers. We are grateful for the partnership with Sumter Economic Development and the support from our local and state government partners, which enable us to advance our next phase of expansion in Sumter. This investment supports our long-term growth objectives while creating new opportunities to support our workforce and contribute to the economic strength of Sumter and the state of South Carolina.” -EnerSys President and Chief Operating Officer Shawn O’Connell

“Today’s announcement by EnerSys further strengthens South Carolina’s reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing. With this new investment, EnerSys is not only reaffirming its commitment to our state but also creating new opportunities for our people, our communities and our economy.” -Gov. Henry McMaster 

“We are pleased to see EnerSys reinforcing its decades-long legacy in our state by expanding its Sumter County operation. The company’s investment is further proof that South Carolina is ideal for fostering and supporting continual growth, and we congratulate EnerSys on its success in our state.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“EnerSys’ expansion reinforces South Carolina’s strong standing as a hub for advanced manufacturing. We celebrate the company’s continued growth in Sumter County and the valuable opportunities this investment will bring to our workforce and community.” -Speaker of the S.C. House of Representatives Murrell Smith Jr.

“We are grateful that EnerSys is continuing its commitment by expanding their Sumter County operations. It is always our goal to cultivate an environment to foster rich business relationships that endure and deliver positive outcomes for both our companies and our residents.” -Sumter County Council Chairman James McCain

“EnerSys’ expansion is a direct result of the effort put forth in TheLINK region to ensure the success of companies that trust us to help them grow. Our local leaders and residents are top notch and work endlessly in their commitment to support businesses that call TheLINK region home.” -TheLINK Alliance Chairman Gordon Eckley

FIVE FAST FACTS

• EnerSys is expanding its operations in Sumter County.
• The company’s $6.7 million investment will create 14 new jobs.
• EnerSys is a global leader in energy storage systems and solutions.
• The company is located at 1990 Corporate Way in Sumter, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the EnerSys team should visit the company’s careers page.

Blackhorse Steel Works establishing operations in Bamberg County

$5.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Blackhorse Steel Works (Blackhorse), an advanced steel solutions provider, today announced it is establishing operations in Bamberg County. The company’s $5.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs. 

Blackhorse specializes in innovative and dependable steel services tailored for industrial and commercial projects. The company’s capabilities include cutting, welding, bending, forming and precision processing.

Blackhorse’s 107,000-square-foot facility, located at 19110 Heritage Highway in Denmark, will be used for the fabrication of miscellaneous and structural steel components.

Operations are expected to be online in May 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Blackhorse team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $150,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Bamberg County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“With our commitment to excellence, customer-focused innovation, precision products, an existing in-state customer base as well as roots in the area, Blackhorse Steel Works chose to locate in Bamberg County, South Carolina, to better serve our customers. We are proud of the jobs we are creating in Denmark, and our investment is a testament to our commitment to growing our business in the coming years. We appreciate the support and the welcome from the local community and the state.” -Blackhorse Steel Works Owner Hugh Sharp

“We are thrilled to welcome Blackhorse Steel Works to Bamberg County and celebrate the company’s commitment to boosting the local economy by creating jobs. South Carolina’s skilled workforce and our pro-business policies continue to attract innovative companies, and we look forward to the opportunities this investment will bring.” -Gov. Henry McMaster 

“Today, we celebrate another win for rural South Carolina with Blackhorse Steel Works’ decision to establish operations in Bamberg County. This $5.2 million investment will have a strong impact in the local community, and we look forward to supporting the company as it grows and thrives in our state.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Bamberg County is glad to have another industry investing in our people. Industries like Blackhorse Steel Works will provide much-needed, well-paying, skilled jobs, and that’s what we want more of in our county. The 40 jobs being created will help provide a better quality of life and help families maintain healthy lifestyles, homes and schools in communities where both families and businesses can flourish. We welcome Blackhorse Steel Works and look forward to providing a pro-business environment where the company can grow for years to come.” -Bamberg County Council Chairwoman Sharon Hammond

“SouthernCarolina Alliance welcomes Blackhorse Steel Works to our region, and we are grateful for the good jobs they will be providing to highly skilled welders and technicians in our area. Every job created by this company represents an opportunity for a better future for a family here. Blackhorse Steel Works will be an asset to Bamberg County and the entire region, and we look forward to continuing to work with them as they start and grow their operations here.” -SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman and CEO Danny Black

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Blackhorse Steel Works (Blackhorse) is establishing operations in Bamberg County.
• The company’s $5.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.
• Blackhorse is an advanced steel solutions provider.
• The company will be located at 19110 Heritage Highway in Denmark, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Blackhorse team should visit the company’s careers page.

Komar Industries relocating and establishing first South Carolina operation in York County

$11.5 million investment will create 160 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Komar Industries (Komar), a manufacturer of balers and compactors, today announced it is establishing its first South Carolina operation in York County. The $11.5 million investment will create 160 new jobs. 

Komar specializes in the design and manufacture of balers, stationary compactors and self-contained compactors. The company is also a leading innovator of technology for the recycling and waste management industries.

Relocating its subsidiary, Bace, LLC, from North Carolina, Komar will upfit the existing building located at 200 Ratchford Road in York. The new operation will grow the company’s manufacturing capabilities in waste and recycling compactor technology.

Operations are expected to be online in July 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Komar team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $150,000 Set-Aside grant to York County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“Komar Industries is pleased to expand our manufacturing network of factories with our first operation within South Carolina. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the York community and an employer of choice in the area.” -Komar Industries CEO Mark Koenig

“We proudly welcome Komar Industries to South Carolina. As a leading global manufacturer, Komar’s relocation to our state is proof that companies are taking notice of our unmatched workforce. The 160 new jobs brought to York County will strengthen the region and add to the legacy that defines our manufacturing industry.” -Gov. Henry McMaster 

“South Carolina’s economy continues to grow and thrive, and today’s announcement by Komar Industries is another exciting milestone. The company’s $11.5 million investment will have a substantial impact in York County, and we are proud to support Komar as they relocate and create new opportunities in our state.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are excited to have Komar Industries join us in York, S.C. Their investment will create new jobs for our community, which is essential as we continue to grow. This is a fantastic opportunity for York County, and we can’t wait to see Komar thrive in our area.” -York County Council Chairwoman Christi Cox

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Komar Industries (Komar) is relocating and establishing its first South Carolina operation in York County.
• The company’s $11.5 million investment will create 160 new jobs.
• Komar is a manufacturer of balers and compactors.
• The company will be located at 200 Ratchford Road in York, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Komar team should visit the company’s careers page.

Universal Industrial Gases, LLC grows South Carolina footprint with new operation in Darlington County

Company investing nearly $100 million in new facility

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Universal Industrial Gases, LLC (UIG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nucor Corporation (Nucor), today announced it is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Darlington County. The company is investing nearly $100 million in the new facility. 

Based in Pennsylvania, UIG specializes in the design, construction, and operation of industrial gas production and supply systems. The company operates production plants across the U.S., including one in Berkeley County, supplying to both Nucor sites and third-party clients.

UIG’s new 200,000-square-foot facility, located at 300 Steel Mill Road in Darlington, will provide on-site industrial gases to Nucor’s Darlington County steel mill.

Operations are expected to be online in December 2025.

QUOTES

“Universal Industrial Gases is pleased to be a part of Nucor’s expanding presence in South Carolina, building on 60 years of the company doing business in the state. The project is part of Nucor’s strategy to produce its own industrial gases for use in its steel mills. We would like to thank the local and state officials for welcoming our new teammates and investment into your state, and we look forward to commissioning our industrial gas facilities to support Nucor Darlington at the end of this year.” -Universal Industrial Gases General Manager Scott Pape

“We are proud that Universal Industrial Gases continues to do business in our state. This impressive investment of nearly $100 million is great news for Darlington County and reinforces that South Carolina has the environment and resources businesses need to thrive.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Universal Industrial Gases’ decision to grow its presence in our state is a major win for Darlington County and all of South Carolina. We congratulate UIG on its ongoing success and look forward to a continued partnership in the years ahead.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
 
“We are excited about Universal Industrial Gases’ investment in Darlington County. Darlington County is pleased to have Universal Industrial Gases and looks forward to their continued success.” -Darlington County Council Chairman Bobby Hudson

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Universal Industrial Gases, LLC (UIG) is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new operation in Darlington County.
• The company is investing nearly $100 million in the new facility.
• UIG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nucor Corporation.
• The company will be located at 300 Steel Mill Road in Darlington, S.C.
• Operations are expected to be online in December 2025.