Local Data
Location & Expansion Log
Diverse companies – from startups to multinational corporations – continue to relocate and expand existing operations in the Charleston region.
CRDA-Facilitated Projects
Leonardo DRS / DRS Naval Power Systems
February 27, 2024
Defense products and technologies manufacturing and testing
Multinational firm Leonardo DRS, through its subsidiary, DRS Naval Power Systems, has announced it will build a 140,000-square-foot manufacturing and test center at 1588 Bushy Park Road in Berkeley County within the Charleston region. DRS Naval Power Systems provides naval power and control technology solutions for the U.S. Navy and allied navies, as well as for commercial applications. The new facility will expand the company's capability to integrate its next-generation electric propulsion system into current and future naval platforms including the U.S. Navy's priority program, the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine. Operations are expected to be online by 2026.
Ingenics Corporation USA
November 22, 2023
Multinational corporate consulting firm specializing in the transformation and digitization of business models, products, and processes, serving automotive, aerospace, logistics, agriculture and medical technology, and other industries
"As Ingenics continues to grow and expand its presence, this [office opening] event marked a significant milestone on our journey as we upgraded to a new office in the Lowcountry. Here's to building stronger bonds and a bright future at Ingenics Charleston!" --Ingenics Corporation USA LinkedIn post (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7092927375797088257/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop)
New, Expanding, and Mergers & Acquisitions
Leonardo DRS / DRS Naval Power Systems
February 27, 2024
Defense products and technologies manufacturing and testing
Multinational firm Leonardo DRS, through its subsidiary, DRS Naval Power Systems, has announced it will build a 140,000-square-foot manufacturing and test center at 1588 Bushy Park Road in Berkeley County within the Charleston region. DRS Naval Power Systems provides naval power and control technology solutions for the U.S. Navy and allied navies, as well as for commercial applications. The new facility will expand the company's capability to integrate its next-generation electric propulsion system into current and future naval platforms including the U.S. Navy's priority program, the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine. Operations are expected to be online by 2026.
Gnosis Freight
February 27, 2024
Supply chain and logistics software
The company, founded in Charleston in 2017, recently doubled its existing facility within the Charleston Tech Center to allow for growth over the next several years. Gnosis' Container Lifecycle Management platform combines supply chain visibility and execution software to help companies track and manage shipping containers from booking through empty return. The firm's CEO and Co-founder Austin McCombs said, "Charleston has been home to Gnosis Freight since very early in our journey. It's unsurprisingly ranked one of the best cities in the country to live in and has been a cheat code for attracting top talent. The support we've received from the local community as we've grown has been humbling, and we're committed to finding ways to return the favor. The culture of Charleston is embedded in our company's DNA, and we are forever grateful to represent such a special city."
Downsizing
Fruit of the Loom Palmetto Distribution Center
January 26, 2024
Apparel warehousing and distribution
Closure by July 1, 2024, affecting 119 workers. Fruit of the Loom's Director of Corporate Communications Melanie Cressman reported, "As a global Company operating in a highly competitive marketplace, Fruit of the Loom, Inc., is constantly analyzing its business to ensure we remain as competitive as possible. After an extensive review of our distribution network, the decision was made to close the distribution center in Summerville, South Carolina in support of a consolidation strategy." The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
MAHLE Behr
January 9, 2024
Automotive parts manufacturer
Plant closure affecting 466 positions. Headquartered in Germany, the firm said it would close its Leeds Ave facility and begin laying off employees in April, with final closure by year-end 2024. As one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, Mahle posted major financial losses in 2021 and 2022 and cited rising costs for utilities, materials and labor as key reasons for closing the facility.