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
Roper St. Francis HealthcareRoper and Bon Secours St Francis Hospitals6,000
The Boeing CompanyAircraft manufacturing5,700
Trident Health SystemHospital system3,100
Walmart Inc.Regional distribution center and retail merchandise stores3,000
Robert Bosch LLCFuel injection valves & pumps for combustion engines, internal portion of anti-lock braking systems (ESP), & electric motors for the U.S. market1,600
Volvo Car USA LLCManufacture Volvo S60 sedan models for sale in the United States and for export; by 2024, adding XC90 SUV and Polestar all-electric SUV production lines1,600
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLCAssembly of Sprinter vans for the U.S. market under the brands Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner; Semi-knockdown (SKD) production of Metris van.1,600
Blackbaud, Inc.Specialty computer software development & design1,400
BenefitFocusCustom benefits software1,250
Publix SupermarketsRetail grocery stores1,200
iQorInbound/outbound customer service call center1,200
T-Mobile USAInbound/outbound customer service center1,200
Nucor SteelManufacture carbon & alloy steel in various forms1,000
Harris Teeter SupermarketsRetail grocery stores1,000
Scientific Research Corporation (SRC)Communications & electronic systems & equipment design, integration, and support services1,000
Kiawah Island Golf Resort/The Sanctuary at KiawahResort1,000
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2022

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Largest Public Sector Employers

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CompanyProduct or ServiceEmployees
Joint Base CharlestonArea U.S. military commands22,000
Medical University Of South Carolina (MUSC)Hospital, post-secondary education, research17,000
Charleston County School DistrictEducation/public schools6,000
Berkeley County School DistrictEducation/public schools3,500
R.H. Johnson VA Medical CenterMedical research and healthcare for eligible veterans3,000
Dorchester County School District IIEducation/public schools2,800
Charleston CountyLocal government2,600
College of CharlestonPost secondary education2,000
U.S. Postal ServicePostal service2,000
City of CharlestonLocal government1,800
Berkeley CountyLocal government1,400
City of North CharlestonLocal government1,200
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2022

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Largest Multinational Employers

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NationalityCompanyProductEmployees
AmericanThe Boeing CompanyAircraft manufacturing5,700
WalmartRetail merchandise3,000
BlackbaudSpecialty computer software development & design1,400
iQorInbound/outbound customer service call center1200
Nucor SteelManufacture carbon and alloy steel in various forms and wire and wire mesh; suppliers of ferro-alloys; process ferrous & nonferrous scrap1,000
AustrianAHT Cooling Systems USA Inc.North American headquarters; Custom refrigerated and frozen merchandising solutions70
Agru America Charleston LLCManufacture polyethylene piping for high-volume flow applications40
BelgianAgfa Materials Corp. USAManufacture medical and industrial imaging film80
BritishVT MilcomEngineering, IT and technical services, fabrication and assembly of communications systems275
INEOSManufacture purified terephthalic acid (PTA)225
BAE Systems EI&SElectronic security and communications systems design, manufacturing and integration125
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLPAttorneys125
CanadianGildan ActivewearImport and distribution of apparel to mass merchandisers and retailers; Corporate Offices for Retail Business550
Hawthorne Services/WSPAviation fuel services and support of state and federal facilities390
TD BankFinancial Services285
BID Group/Comact USAManufacture handling equipment for the forestry sector100
ColombianArgos Cement LLCCement130
DanishKey Logistics Solutions LLCSupply chain services incl. warehousing, inventory management, transportation, delivery, sequencing, and light assembly140
DutchFood Lion StoresRetail grocery stores750
Ranstad USAStaffing agency with specialty in manufacturing & logistics, office & administration250
FinnishKemira Chemicals, Inc.Production site for dyes50
FrenchNexans High Voltage USAHigh voltage cable manufacturing plant (including engineering, design and installation)175
Safran Electrical & PowerLanding & braking systems, propulsion components, electrical wiring & electronics for aircraft150
Sonepar USANorth American headquarters; business to business supplier of electrical & safety products; Vallen Distribution Center150
Zodiac Nautic AmericasRecreation Div HQ; Mfg rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs)100
GermanRobert Bosch LLCFuel injection valves & pumps for combustion engines, internal portion of anti-lock braking systems (ESP), & electric motors for the U.S. market1,600
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLCAssembly of Sprinter vans for the U.S. market under the brands Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner; Semi-knockdown (SKD) production of Metris van.1,600
T-Mobile Customer Service Center1,200
Mahle Behr Charleston, Inc.Manufacturer and integrator of engine cooling systems600
IFA North America LLCManufacturer of drive shafts for automobiles600
Kion North America Corp.Assembly of forklifts and pallet jacks; material handling equipment parts distribution215
GreekThrace-LINQ, Inc.Heavy-duty, petroleum-based textiles70
IndianSundaram-Clayton Limited (SCL)Aluminum high-pressure die-cast products and permanent mold gravity cast parts for automotive OEMs 100
TVS Supply Chain Solutions3PL (automated warehouse, logistics, inventory management, kitting, sequencing etc)100
IrishEaton, Aerospace Grp, Fuel & Motion Control Systems DivMachined components for aerospace industry155
Johnson Controls, formerly TycoSimplexGrinnellCommercial fire alarm & sprinkler systems, integrated security and emergency communication services65
IsraeliICL Specialty FertilizersControlled release fertilizer manufacturing50
NanobebeU.S. Headquarters for infant-feeding systems manufacturer20
JapaneseShowa Denko Carbon, Inc.Manufacture graphite electrodes for steel-making industry300
Sun ChemicalInks and pigments150
TBC Corp East Coast Distribution CenterDistribution center serving East Coast automotive replacement tire market100
Shimano American CorpDistribution center for sporting goods products60
MexicanGiant Cement and GRR-HarleyvillePortland and masonry cement manufacturing; conversion of waste to energy/fuel for use in concrete products mfg300
DAK AmericasPET resin100
New ZealanderArborGen LLCR&D and commercialization of tree genetics; nurseries, seed orchards, distribution centers & R&D facilities in US, Australia, New Zealand & Brazil160
South AfricanPegasus Steel Cutting and forming of carbon steel and stainless and aluminum plates and sheets; North American headquarters; Pegasus Steel LLC/GDLS site designs, develops & manufactures blast- & ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles; blast technology & counter-IED research140
South KoreanZinus Inc. Fulfillment CenterDistribution of mattresses and beds100
SwedishVolvo Car USA, LLC (Sweden-based, Chinese-owned)Manufacture Volvo S60 sedan models for sale in the United States and for export; by 2024, adding XC90 SUV and Polestar all-electric SUV production lines1,600
Securitas Security Services USA Inc.Armed and unarmed security services and security systems250
Venture Aerobearings LLCBearings manufacturing and repair for the aviation market75
SwissMediterranean Shipping Co. (USA) Inc.South Atlantic corporate headquarters; shipping line350
Gerber Childrenswear LLCDistribution center for childrenswear serving both the company's retail accounts and e-commerce direct-to-consumer purchases280
Schindler USAElevator installation and repair50
BelimedInfection control technology; US headquarters50
TaiwaneseEvergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp.Ocean transportation & intermodal logistics50
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2022

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Largest Manufacturing Employers

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CompanyProductEmployees
The Boeing CompanyAircraft manufacturing5,700
Robert Bosch LLCFuel injection valves & pumps for combustion engines, internal portion of anti-lock braking systems (ESP), & electric motors for the U.S. market1,600
Volvo Car USA, LLCManufacture Volvo S60 sedan models for sale in the United States and for export; by 2024, adding XC90 SUV and Polestar all-electric SUV production lines1,600
Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLCAssembly of Sprinter vans for the U.S. market under the brands Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner; Semi-knockdown (SKD) production of Metris van.1,600
Nucor Steel Manufacture carbon and alloy steel in various forms1,000
WestRock Paper MillPaper, packaging, forest products800
Mahle BehrManufacturer and integrator of engine cooling systems600
Cummins Turbo TechnologiesManufacture turbochargers & air compressors600
IFA North America LLCManufacturer of propshafts for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles600
IngevityManufacture specialty chemicals used in paper & other products; global headquarters; innovation center (R&D)520
Detyens Shipyards, Inc. (DSI)Shipyard; general ship repairs & modifications400
BDMedical products- specialty catheter manufacturing400
JW AluminumFlat-rolled aluminum products for the packaging, transportation machinery & equip, construction and consumer durables industries400
Scout Boats Inc.R&D, design, and manufacture of boats400
Sportsman BoatsR&D, design, and manufacture of boats400
Vigilent LabsHeadquarters and manufacturing of COVID-19 rapid test and other medical test kits400
Thorne Research Inc.Headquarters, R&D and manufacture of nutritional supplements370
TRU Simulation + Training, Inc., a Textron Inc. companySoftware/hardware design and production; flight simulators; headquarters350
Key West Boats, Inc.Fiberglass boat manufacturing350
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2022

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Largest Distribution Employers

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CompanyProductEmployees
Logistics
South Carolina Ports AuthorityOperator of state ports720
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
Total Distribution Services, Inc.Bulk shipping specialists; tank truck brokerage including food grade, pharmaceutical, chemical, hazardous, dry & liquid, LTL250
DHL Supply ChainDistribution and warehousing center250
Bulldog Hiway ExpressFreight motor carrier specializing in open-deck operations; intermodal port deliveries; and heavy hauls with loads reaching 180,000 pounds200
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
Central States TruckingIntermodal cargo carrier; local or long haul; operate 400 power units in the South through 9 terminals/service centers170
CSX TransportationRail; cargo transportation150
Key Logistics Solutions LLCSupply chain services incl. warehousing, inventory management, transportation, delivery, sequencing, and light assembly140
DHL ExpressGlobal courier delivery services125
ATS LogisticsLogistics services; customs exam station for Port of Charleston110
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
Kontane LogisticsDry storage, third party logistics services, pick-pack, subassembly, order fulfillment100
Premier Logistics SolutionsLogistics services including warehousing, transportation, packing, inventory, etc.100
Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers & International Freight ForwardersImport-Export brokers; 3PL or 4PL logistics; full range of transportation services; corporate headquarters100
Total Quality LogisticsSecond-largest freight brokerage firm in North America; truckload, LTL and intermodal shipping arrangement100
Lineage LogisticsCold storage distribution facility 80
Neal Brothers Inc.Export packing materials; also dry storage, subassembly, and pick-pack services available80
JEAR Logistics LLC3PL transportation throughout continental US and Canada (full and less-than truckload (LTL), refrigerated, dry, & flatbed)80
Agro Merchants GroupCold storage and logistics services for imported/exported products through Port of Charleston65
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 incl semi-knock down and export services for OEM manufacturers60
Distribution
Walmart Distribution Center - IDC 8980Regional distribution center (opened 2021 and scaling to 1,000+ employees)800
Gildan ActivewearImport and distribution of apparel to retailers; Corporate Offices for Retail Business550
Gerber Childrenswear LLC Distribution center to serve retail accounts as well as e-commerce purchases280
Quoizel, Inc.Distribution of decorative lighting products; corporate headquarters225
Fruit of the Loom Palmetto Distribution CenterUndergarments warehousing and distribution225
Southern Eagle Distributing LLCBeverage distribution220
Kion North AmericaDistribution of industrial & commercial machinery215
Vallen Distribution Inc./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 equipment120
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)70
Shimano American Corp.Distribution center for sporting goods products60
Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance, 2022

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Headquarters Facilities

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CompanyProductType Local employees
Blackbaud, Inc.Specialty computer software development & designWorld1400
BenefitfocusCustom benefits softwareCorporate1250
GildanImport and distribution of apparel to mass merchandisers and retailers; Corporate Offices for Retail BusinessCorporate550
IngevitySpecialty chemicals World500
Evening Post Industries Inc.Media, real estate and forestryCorporate450
JW AluminumFlat-rolled aluminum products Corporate380
GEL GroupEnvironmental chemistry and radiochemistry services, geophysical services, and engineering servicesCorporate350
Mediterranean Shipping Co. (USA) Inc.Shipping container manufacturing and steamship lineU.S.350
TRU Simulation + Training Inc., a Textron Inc. Co.Software/hardware design and production; flight simulatorsDivision350
BoomTownLeads management software geared for the real estate industryCorporate275
Call ExpertsCustomized call center services with 24/7 operations and three other locations on the East coastCorporate250
Motley Rice LLCAttorneys at lawCorporate240
Quoizel, Inc.Distribution of decorative lighting productsCorporate225
Kion North America Corp.Assembly of forklifts and pallet jacks; material handling equipment parts distributionNorth American215
The Urban Electric Co.Design and production of high-end lighting productsCorporate200
Knight's CompaniesConcrete and other construction related products and servicesCorporate165
ArborGen LLCCommercialization of tree geneticsWorld160
Pegasus SteelHeavy steel fabricationNorth American140
CeterusFinancial reporting software for small businessCorporate130
Life Cycle Engineering Inc.Engineering and applied technology solutionsCorporate100
Atlas Technologies, Inc.Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) specializing in full life cycle support of mission critical Enterprise IT solutions Corporate100
American Tactical Imports (ATI)Headquarters, distribution and light assembly of firearms, ammunition and tactical equipmentCorporate100
Zodiac Nautic AmericasRigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs)Division100
Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers & International Freight ForwardersImport-Export brokers; 3PL or 4PL logisticsWorld100
Sawgrass TechnologiesProprietary ink and color management software, leading printer and heat press manufacturers, extensive support and education toolsWorld85
Sonepar North AmericaBusiness to business supplier of electrical & safety productsNorth American75
AstenJohnson, Inc.Paper machine felt manufacturing Corporate75
AHT Cooling Systems USA Inc.North American HQ; Custom refrigerated and frozen merchandising solutions (distribution, assembly, sales/marketing, repair/refurbishing & more)North American70
Thrace-LINQ, Inc.Geosynthetics and industrial fabrics for use in a wide variety of applicationsU.S.70
Aeterna ZentarisBiopharmaceutical company that develops novel treatments in oncology and endocrinology; North American business and global commercial operationsNorth American60
VTL Precision (Charleston) USAManufacture precision automotive componentsNorth American60
Cargo CompositesManufactures airplane cargo containers made from thermoplastic composites; division's global headquartersDivision50
Belimed, Inc.Infection control technologyU.S.50
GreystarCorporate headquarters for multifamily property development, investment and property management firm; 20 offices nationwideCorporate50
Afaxys, Inc.HQ for pharmaceuticals manufacturing & group purchasing services focusing on public-sector healthcare providersCorporate50
Source Substrates LLC (dba Vapor Apparel)Headquarters for performance apparel manufacturing and digital sublimation printing & print-on-demand servicesCorporate45
ModulantSoftware development, data management, systems integration and IT staffingCorporate40
eGroupBusiness IT services including applications, security, cloud services and technical supportCorporate35
Barling Bay LLCSystems engineering, information assurance/security, research and developmentCorporate35
TalloOnline platform that connects talent with opportunitiesCorporate30
Le Creuset of AmericaMarketing headquarters for cookware manufacturer and marketerDivision25
Varex Imaging CorporationFluoroscopic x-ray apparatus and tubes mfg; Interay headquartersDivision25
The Intertech Group Inc.Holding company and operator of 100+ firms worldwide with an emphasis on technology-driven manufacturing firmsWorld25
NanobebeU.S. Headquarters for infant-feeding systems manufacturerU.S.20
HCA South Atlantic DivisionDivision headquarters responsible for HCA's 7 hospitals & 7 ambulatory surgery centers in the Charleston, Myrtle Beach & Jacksonville FL areasDivision20
Bintelli LLCHeadquarters, production lines, R&D, sales and warehousing of citEcar electric vehicles and Bintelli and Adly motorized scootersCorporate20
Golfbreaks.com USAOrganizes golf travel vacations worldwide; North American headquartersNorth American20
Source: Charleston Regional Development Aliance, 2021. List above shows selected headquarters facilities and is not comprehensive.

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