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
ZEB Metals and Glencore
March 20, 2023
Full-service scrap metals recycling company; joint venture with Glencore, a Swiss-based commodities trader and one of the world's largest diversified natural resource companies
ZEB Metals is relocating from Kentucky and establishing its first South Carolina operations in Berkeley County in a joint venture with Glencore, a Swiss-based commodities trader and one of the world's largest diversified natural resource companies. The new facility will process dross and other types of secondary aluminum scrap that would otherwise be destined for a landfill. This is the first secondary re-melt facility of its kind in the Southeast region of the United States. Founded in 2021, ZEB Metals is a buyer and trader of non-ferrous scrap, as well as a recycler of metals other than iron and steel. The company processes metals through shredding, melting, screening and sorting materials while providing full-service metal recycling including industrial clean-up and off-site demolition. Operations are expected to begin by late 2023.
Redwood Materials
December 14, 2022
Reclaiming and recycling end-of-life batteries and production scrap to produce battery components
Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, and founded by Tesla's former Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder JB Straubel, Redwood Materials will use its Berkeley County, South Carolina campus to create a circular supply chain for electric vehicles. The company will onshore production of the most critical components in batteries--the anode and cathode--to reduce costs and emissions while securing the supply chain within the United States. All battery components will be built from as much recycled material as possible. The more than 600-acre campus, located at Camp Hall Commerce Park in Ridgeville, will initially produce enough anode and cathode material for 100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cell production or 1 million electric vehicles each year. "South Carolina's commitment to creating a secure energy future and a competitive landscape for electric vehicle manufacturing, supported by a world-class workforce, fast and efficient logistics, zero-carbon electricity and a phenomenal site, made it a smart decision for Redwood to invest here...allowing us to support our current and future customers in the heart of America's battery belt. We're ready to support this region and U.S. electrification by driving down battery costs, emissions, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains," said Straubel. Operations will begin in 2023.
New, Expanding, and Mergers & Acquisitions
Ignite Ditgital Services
May 24, 2023
Corporate headquarters for an operational consulting company which provides program integration and data management services to commercial and national security customers
As a certified global UiPath Premier Public Sector Partner, Ignite Digital Services helps to fast-track portfolio innovation and enhance product capabilities for clients looking to harness automation and robotic process automation (RPA). Located at 1505 King Street for its new Charleston headquarters, the firm will maintain operations in San Diego, C.A., Norfolk, V.A., Washington, D.C., and New Orleans, L.A. The company plans to expand across all locations and expects the most significant growth in the Charleston location. ?The state of South Carolina and the Charleston metropolitan area provide the ideal environment for Ignite Digital Services to expand its operations and client portfolio. The region offers a high quality of life for its residents and attracts a wide pool of technology talent, both of which support the city and our organization?s rapid growth," said the company's Chief Executive Officer Marc Murphy. Hiring is underway and the new headquarters is expected to be in full operation by 2024.
Defense Engineering Services
May 4, 2023
Mechanical engineering firm that specializes in work for the U.S. defense and aerospace industries; expansion includes adding manufacturing capabilities
Founded in 2013, the veteran-owned company said it provides technical, design and manufacturing expertise for the U.S. Department of Defense including vehicle systems integration, automotive design, survivability solutions, reverse engineering and obsolescence issues. It also provides the U.S. Army with medical training systems and innovative armor and works with other contractors to provide engineering services. The firm is moving into a new site on Weber Boulevard in North Charleston that will provide more space for large projects, such as working on combat vehicles, and add manufacturing capabilities. Expansion at the 53,000-square-foot facility will be complete in May, and operations are already online. This is the second expansion for the military contractor in recent years. In 2020, the company announced a $1.1 million investment expected to create 18 jobs.
Downsizing
WestRock Paper Mill
May 2, 2023
Paper, packaging manufacturing
Closure set for Aug 30, 2023, announced by parent company in May 2023, affecting approximately 500 positions.
DAK Americas PET Resins
February 28, 2023
PET resin used in plastics and packaging
Closure affecting 125 positions
