Charleston | SC | USA

Employers by Industry

Greater Charleston continues to attract corporate investment, with both multinational corporations and fast-growing startups taking advantage of our skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure, and globally competitive business environment.

Largest Private Sector Employers

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CompanyProduct or ServiceEmployees
The Boeing CompanyAircraft manufacturing7,864
Roper St. Francis HealthcareHealthcare system of hospitals, free-standing emergency services, walk-in/express care, imaging and lab services, and physicians offices6,100
Walmart Inc.Regional import and distribution center; retail merchandise stores3,900
Trident Health SystemHealthcare system including Trident Medical Center (a teaching hospital), Summerville Medical Center, Moncks Corner Medical Center and two free-standing emergency departments3,100
Volvo Car USA LLCManufacture Volvo S60 and EX90 models for sale in the United States and for export; in 2024, adding Polestar all-electric SUV production lines2,200
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLCAssembly of Sprinter and eSprinter vans for the U.S. and export markets under the brand Mercedes-Benz2,000
Robert Bosch LLCFuel injection valves & pumps for combustion engines, internal portion of anti-lock braking systems (ESP), & electric motors for the U.S. market1,800
Publix SupermarketsRetail grocery stores1,500
Kiawah Island Golf Resort/The Sanctuary at KiawahResort1,400
T-Mobile USAInbound/outbound customer service center1,200
Harris Teeter SupermarketsRetail grocery stores1,200
Nucor SteelManufacture carbon & alloy steel in various forms1,000
Scientific Research Corporation (SRC)Communications & electronic systems & equipment design, integration, and support services1,000
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2024

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Largest Public Sector Employers

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CompanyProduct or ServiceEmployees
Joint Base CharlestonArea U.S. military commands from all branches of service24,900
Medical University Of South Carolina (MUSC)Healthcare system, post-secondary education, research17,000
Charleston County School DistrictEducation/public schools7,100
Dorchester County School District IIEducation/public schools4,000
Berkeley County School DistrictEducation/public schools3,800
R.H. Johnson VA Medical CenterMedical research and healthcare for eligible veterans3,250
Charleston CountyLocal government2,800
U.S. Postal ServicePostal service2,500
College of CharlestonPost-secondary education1,800
City of CharlestonLocal government1,800
Berkeley CountyLocal government1,500
U.S. Coast Guard Sector CharlestonU.S. Coast Guard; Department of Homeland Security1,200
Dorchester CountyLocal government1,100
City of North CharlestonLocal government1,000
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2024

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Largest Multinational Employers

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NationalityCompanyProductEmployees
AmericanThe Boeing CompanyAircraft manufacturing7,864
AustralianNovotechContract Research Organization (CRO) conducting clinical trials80
AustrianAgru America Charleston LLCManufacture polyethylene piping for high-volume flow applications300
BelgianAgfa Materials Corp. USAManufacture medical and industrial imaging film80
BritishINEOSManufacture purified terephthalic acid (PTA)225
CanadianGildan ActivewearImport and distribution of apparel to mass merchandisers and retailers; Corporate Offices for Retail Business550
ChineseAbsolute HaitianWholesale distribution and service of injection molding machinery; assembly, testing, customer demonstrations50
ColombianArgos Cement LLCCement130
DutchFood Lion StoresRetail grocery stores750
FrenchNexans High Voltage USAHigh voltage cable manufacturing plant (including engineering, design and installation)175
GermanMercedes-Benz Vans, LLCAssembly of Sprinter and eSprinter vans for the U.S. and export markets under the brand Mercedes-Benz2,000
IndianBlue Acorn iCi, an Infosys companyFull service digital commerce and strategy agency200
IrishEaton, Aerospace Grp, Fuel & Motion Control Systems DivMachined components for aerospace industry150
IsraeliElbit Systems of America, LLCDefense electronics assembly and integration into Ground Combat Vehicles100
JapaneseResonac Graphite America, Inc.Manufacture graphite electrodes and granulated graphite for use in brake linings, electric arc furnaces (EAF), ladle furnaces (LF), and non-ferrous smelting applications310
MexicanGiant Cement and Giant Resource RecoveryPortland and masonry cement manufacturing; conversion of waste to energy/fuel for use in concrete products manufacturing300
QatariBarzan Aeronautical LLCDesign and manufacturing of technology-based unmanned aircraft for defense, security and environmental use10
South KoreanZinus Inc. Fulfillment CenterDistribution of mattresses and beds100
SwedishVolvo Car USA, LLC (Sweden-based, Chinese-owned)Manufacture Volvo S60 and EX90 models for sale in the United States and for export; in 2024, adding Polestar all-electric SUV production lines2,200
SwissMediterranean Shipping Co. (USA) Inc.South Atlantic corporate headquarters; shipping line350
TaiwaneseEvergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp.Ocean transportation & intermodal logistics50
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2024

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Largest Manufacturing Employers

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CompanyProductEmployees
The Boeing CompanyFabricate, assemble & integrate major 787 aircraft components & interiors; final delivery of 787 airplanes7,864
Volvo Car USA, LLCManufacture Volvo S60 and EX90 models for sale in the United States and for export; in 2024, adding Polestar all-electric SUV production lines2,200
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLCAssembly of Sprinter and eSprinter vans for the U.S. and export markets under the brand Mercedes-Benz2,000
Robert Bosch LLCFuel injection valves & pumps for combustion engines, internal portion of anti-lock braking systems (ESP), & electric motors for the U.S. market1,800
Nucor Steel Manufacture carbon and alloy steel in various forms1,000
SAICSystems technology engineering, design and integration across multiple platforms (including ground vehicles) in defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets800
Cummins Turbo TechnologiesManufacture heavy duty Holset VGT (trademark) turbochargers; also remanufacture used turbochargers to same specs as new turbos725
Thorne HealthTechHeadquarters, R&D and manufacture of nutritional supplements688
IngevityGlobal headquarters; manufacturer of specialty chemicals and engineered polymers; technical innovation center (R&D)677
IFA North America LLCManufacturer of propshafts for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles650
W InternationalFull-service manufacturer of large, complex welded metal fabrications used on land, in air, at sea and in space525
KION North America Corp.North American headquarters; Assembly of forklifts and pallet jacks; material handling equipment parts distribution500
Century AluminumPrimary aluminum ingot475
Scout Boats Inc.R&D, design, and manufacture of boats475
JW AluminumFlat-rolled aluminum products for the packaging, transportation machinery & equip, construction and consumer durables industries400
Sportsman BoatsManufacture saltwater fishing boats400
Textron SystemsSoftware/hardware design and production; flight simulators, propulsion and electronic systems manufacturing; test, training and simulation350
Key West Boats, Inc.Fiberglass boat manufacturing350
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2024

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Largest Distribution Employers

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CompanyProductEmployees
Logistics
South Carolina Ports AuthorityOperator of state ports900
XPO Logistics - Supply ChainThird party logistics services and supply chain management400
UPSGlobal courier delivery services400
FedExGlobal courier delivery services400
Mediterranean Shipping Co. (USA) Inc.South Atlantic corporate headquarters; shipping line350
Bulldog Hiway ExpressFreight motor carrier specializing in open-deck operations; intermodal port deliveries; and heavy hauls with loads reaching 180,000 pounds300
Kontane LogisticsDry storage, third party logistics services, pick-pack, subassembly, order fulfillment300
Total Distribution Services, Inc.Bulk shipping specialists; tank truck brokerage including food grade, pharmaceutical, chemical, hazardous, dry & liquid, LTL250
Total Quality LogisticsSecond-largest freight brokerage firm in North America; truckload, LTL and intermodal shipping arrangement220
Sunland Logistics SolutionsWarehousing, transportation management, contract labor services, packaging & full supply chain consulting services200
CSS InternationalOracle-only systems integrator and managed services provider of Cloud and on-premise ERP (enterprise resource planning)200
Charleston County Aviation AuthorityAirport operations190
Forward Intermodal, a div. of Forward AirIntermodal cargo carrier; local or long haul; operate 400 power units in the South through 9 terminals/service centers170
ATS LogisticsLogistics services; customs exam station for Port of Charleston170
CSX TransportationRail; cargo transportation150
Premier Logistics SolutionsLogistics services including warehousing, transportation, packing, inventory, etc.150
Key Logistics Solutions LLCSupply chain services incl. warehousing, inventory management, transportation, delivery, sequencing, and light assembly140
DHL ExpressGlobal courier delivery services125
Neal Brothers Inc.Export packing materials; also dry storage, subassembly, and pick-pack services available120
Norfolk Southern Corp.Rail; cargo transportation110
Bunch TransportCargo transportation; volume LTL services; third party logistics & brokerage services100
Coastal Corrugated, Inc.Corrugated packaging manufacturing; contract packaging design & mfg; inventory management/logistics/warehousing100
TVS Supply Chain Solutions3PL including automated warehouse, logistics, inventory management, kitting, sequencing, etc.100
Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers & International Freight ForwardersImport-Export brokers; 3PL or 4PL logistics; full range of transportation services; corporate headquarters100
Lineage LogisticsCold storage distribution facility 100
JEAR Logistics LLC3PL transportation throughout continental US and Canada (full and less-than truckload (LTL), refrigerated, dry, & flatbed)80
Agro Merchants Group, an Americold Co.Cold storage and logistics services for imported/exported products through Port of Charleston75
Atlantic Packaging North AmericaPackaging engineering, design and equipment for various sectors including agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical and more60
Coastal Logistics Group Inc.Third party logistics provider including storage, packing/crating, transloading, OTR transportation, on-site logistics60
Distribution Centers
Walmart Distribution Center - IDC 8980Regional import and distribution center 1,300
Gildan ActivewearImport and distribution of apparel to retailers; Corporate Offices for Retail Business550
Kion North AmericaDistribution of industrial & commercial machinery400
Gerber Childrenswear LLC Distribution center to serve retail accounts as well as e-commerce purchases280
Fruit of the Loom Palmetto Distribution CenterUndergarments warehousing and distribution225
Southern Eagle Distributing LLCBeverage distribution220
ECMD DistributionSupply chain and logistics for building materials190
Sonepar USAElectrical/industrial equipment & tools distribution; North American corporate headquarters150
Kinder MorganDistribution terminals for bulk materials including chemicals and petroleum products; Southeast Regional Office145
American Tactical Imports (ATI)Headquarters, distribution and light assembly of firearms, ammunition and tactical equipment145
Quoizel, Inc.Distribution of decorative lighting products; corporate headquarters120
Mankiewicz Coatings LLCManufacturing & distribution of coating & paint systems serving the medical, automotive, aviation, rail, yachting & other sectors100
Zinus Inc. Fulfillment CenterDistribution of mattresses and beds100
TBC Corporation East Coast Distribution CenterDistribution center serving East Coast automotive replacement tire market100
AHT Cooling Systems USA Inc.North American HQ; Custom refrigerated and frozen merchandising solutions (distribution, assembly, sales/marketing, repair/refurbishing & more)100
Shimano American Corp.Distribution center for sporting goods products100
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2023

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Headquarters Facilities

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CompanyProductType Local employees
AEROTUFManufacture high performance airplane cargo containers made from thermoplastic composites; division's global headquarters; FAA, EASA, CAA, JAA certifiedWorld20 - 50
Afaxys, Inc.HQ for pharmaceuticals manufacturing & group purchasing services focusing on public-sector healthcare providersCorporate20 - 50
AHT Cooling Systems USA, Inc., a Daikin group memberNorth American HQ; Custom refrigerated and frozen merchandising solutions (distribution, assembly, sales/marketing, repair/refurbishing & more)North American51 - 100
American Tactical Imports (ATI)Headquarters, distribution and light assembly of firearms, ammunition and tactical equipmentCorporate101 - 300
AmplifiedAg Inc.Manufactures indoor vertical container farms, hydroponic systems, and disruptive seed-to-sale SaaS-based technologies (Boxcar Central); owns and operates Vertical Roots, the largest hydroponic container farm in the worldWorld51 - 100
ArborGen LLCGlobal headquarters, R&D and commercialization of tree genetics; nurseries, seed orchards, distribution centers & R&D facilities in US, Australia, New Zealand & BrazilWorld20 - 50
AstenJohnson, Inc.Corporate headquarters for the manufacture of paper machine clothing, specialty fabrics, filaments & drainage equipment for the global paper industryCorporate51 - 100
Atlas Technologies, Inc.Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) specializing in full life cycle support of mission critical Enterprise IT solutions Corporate101 - 300
Belimed, Inc. -- Infection Control Div.Infection control technology including sterilizing solutions and products; US headquartersU.S.51 - 100
BenefitfocusCustom benefits softwareCorporate> 500
BGRM / Buffalo GroupeHQ for collection of agencies delivering marketing, brand planning, digital, social, PR, creative, event and data analysis servicesCorporate20 - 50
Bintelli LLCHeadquarters, production lines, R&D, sales and warehousing of street-legal golf carts and electric vehiclesCorporate51 - 100
Blackbaud, Inc.Specialty computer software development & designWorld> 500
Bourne GroupHeadquarters; design, manufacturing and installation of maritime signage; capabilities include digital cutting, CNC routing, laser cutting, carpentry, welding, and painting services, as well as logistics project managementU.S.51 - 100
BrightMa FarmsCorporate headquarters for hemp-based ag-tech solutions with applications in industrial, bio-industrial and agricultural sectorsCorporate20 - 50
Bulldog Hiway ExpressFreight motor carrier specializing in open-deck operations; intermodal port deliveries; and heavy hauls with loads reaching 180,000 pounds; Corporate headquartersCorporate101 - 300
Call ExpertsCustomized call center services and AI powered solutions with 24/7 operations and three other locations on the East coastCorporate101 - 300
Cullum, Inc.Full-service industrial and commercial mechanical construction, design and maintenance with offices across South Carolina, serving SC, NC & GACorporate101 - 300
eGroupBusiness IT services including applications, security, cloud services and technical supportCorporate101 - 300
Evening Post Industries Inc.Media, technology, real estate, forestry and other enterprisesCorporate301 - 500
EvoltNorth American corporate headquarters and distribution center for digital body composition analytic equipmentNorth American51 - 100
FlexColdCorporate headquarters for 3PL specializing in cold storage; new distribution center also under construction (coming in 2025)51 - 100
Frampton ConstructionCorporate headquarters of full-service construction firm with other offices in Charlotte NC and Tampa FLCorporate101 - 300
GEL GroupGeo/civil engineering; Full-service analytical lab supporting organic, inorganic, radiochemistry, radiobioassay and special analysesCorporate101 - 300
Gildan ActivewearImport and distribution of apparel to mass merchandisers and retailers; Corporate Offices for Retail BusinessCorporate> 500
Golfbreaks.com USAOrganizes golf travel vacations worldwide; North American headquartersNorth American20 - 50
Greystar Real Estate Partners LLCCorporate headquarters for multifamily property development, investment and property management; 40 offices worldwide and communities across the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Mexico, Australia, and APAC regionsCorporate301 - 500
H.R. Allen Inc.Electrical and mechanical contract firm with offices across South Carolina, serving the Southeast U.S.Corporate101 - 300
HCA South Atlantic DivisionDivision headquarters responsible for HCA's 11 hospitals & numerous free-standing ER centers in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida; 3,000 hospital system employees locallyDivision20 - 50
HireQuest Inc.Corporate headquarters for franchised temporary staffing, direct-hire recruiting offices across the U.S.Corporate20 - 50
Homegrown Hospitality GroupCorporate office for 20+ restaurants in SC, NC and GACorporate101 - 300
Ignite Digital ServicesCorporate headquarters for an operational consulting company which provides program integration and data management services to commercial and national security customersCorporate101 - 300
Indigo Road Hospitality GroupHeadquarters for 20+ hotels and restaurants across the SoutheastCorporate> 500
IngevityGlobal headquarters; manufacturer of specialty chemicals and engineered polymers; technical innovation center (R&D)World> 500
Johnson & Johnson InsurancePersonal and commercial insurance and financial servicesCorporate301 - 500
JuliskaHeadquarters, import and wholesale distribution, design studio and retail flagship store for high-end dinnerware and home décorWorld51 - 100
JW AluminumFlat-rolled aluminum products Corporate301 - 500
KION North America Corp.Assembly of forklifts and pallet jacks; material handling equipment parts distributionNorth American> 500
Knight's CompaniesKnight's Septic Tank, Knight's Redi-Mix, Knight's Pre-Cast, Knight's Trucking, Knight's Concrete; locations across South Carolina and GeorgiaCorporate301 - 500
Le Creuset of AmericaU.S. headquarters for French-owned enameled cookware manufacturer, marketer and retailerU.S.51 - 100
Life Cycle Engineering Inc.Engineering and applied technology solutions for commercial and industrial sectors as well as the U.S. Department of DefenseCorporate51 - 100
Marabu North America LPDevelops & manufactures liquid laminates (clear coatings) and inks for digital printing and other applications such as vehicle/fleet graphics; new product: Mara Ban CS, a antimicrobial additive for a variety of coating applicationsCorporate20 - 50
MaxWood Furniture, Inc.Corporate headquarters for solid wood furniture design, manufacturing, and distributionCorporate20 - 50
Mediterranean Shipping Co. (USA) Inc.South Atlantic corporate headquarters; shipping lineSouth Atlantic301 - 500
ModulantSoftware development, data management, systems integration and IT staffingCorporate20 - 50
Motley Rice LLCAttorneys at lawCorporate301 - 500
Nanobébé U.S. Inc.U.S. Headquarters for infant-feeding systems manufacturerU.S.20 - 50
Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) AtlanticCybersecurity and information technology for the United States' armed forces and homeland security; Atlantic Coast headquartersAtlantic Coast> 500
Palmetto Moon LLCCorporate headquarters and Southern lifestyle retailer with 29 stores and 500 employees in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee & GeorgiaDivision101 - 300
Patten Seed CompanyCorporate headquarters for largest turfgrass producer in the Southeast U.S. (Super Sod)Corporate51 - 100
QuickSortRxHeadquarters; software-enabled service company that provides pharmacy supply chain management solutions for health systems Corporate51 - 100
Quoizel, Inc.HQ, manufacturing and distribution of decorative lighting productsCorporate101 - 300
Refuel Operating Co.Headquarters for retail convenience stores and gasoline stations operator with stores across the SouthCorporate101 - 300
Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers & International Freight ForwardersImport-Export brokers; 3PL or 4PL logisticsWorld51 - 100
Sawgrass TechnologiesProprietary ink and color management software, leading printer and heat press manufacturers, extensive support and education toolsWorld51 - 100
Sonepar USANorth American headquarters; business to business supplier of electrical & safety productsNorth American101 - 300
Source Substrates LLC (dba Vapor Apparel)Headquarters for performance apparel manufacturing and digital sublimation printing & print-on-demand servicesCorporate51 - 100
The Intertech Group Inc.Holding company and operator of 100+ firms worldwide with an emphasis on technology-driven manufacturing firmsWorld20 - 50
The New PrimalFood products manufacturing, ecommerce and retail distribution headquartersCorporate20 - 50
The Urban Electric Co.Design and production of high-end lighting products; corporate headquartersCorporate301 - 500
VTL Precision (Charleston) USAManufacture precision automotive componentsNorth American20 - 50
Zodiac Nautic AmericasRigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs)Division51 - 100
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2024. List above shows selected headquarters facilities and is representative but not comprehensive.

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