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
Arkonik
January 6, 2020
Custom-build Land Rover Defenders
Established in 2006 and headquartered in Bath, England, of the United Kingdom, Arkonik Ltd., specializes in the restoration and customization of Land Rover Defenders for customers all over the world. Arkonik anticipates steady growth potential for its new Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) location in the City of Charleston in Berkeley County, South Carolina. Arkonik SVO will serve as the company’s flagship operation for engine and transmission upgrades and provide a physical presence in North America where clients can test drive the vehicles, meet the team, and discuss their custom options face to face. An electric vehicle platform is planned for 2021. Charleston’s highly-skilled workforce, business-friendly climate, and globally-connected infrastructure like the Port of Charleston, influenced the company’s decision to locate here to better serve its customers.
PRC Laser
December 16, 2019
Design and manufacture of fiber laser cutting machines for OEM machine builders
Founded in 1985, PRC Laser Corporation supplies original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with proven industrial lasers that offer cost-effective and efficient technology. Additionally, the company supplies end users with unique lasers for special purpose applications. Located at 4279 K Crosspoint Drive in North Charleston, PRC Laser Corporation’s new location will allow the company to increase capacity and expand its assembly and testing operations. “PRC is very excited to join the many diverse global manufacturers locating to the Charleston area. Our state-of-the-art industrial laser products, global service network and U.S.-based manufacturing combine to create many growth opportunities for customers and employees. We look forward to helping make the S.C. Lowcountry a hub for industrial laser products for both the North American and global markets,” said PRC Laser Corporation President Walter Wilson. Announced 3/5/2020
New & Expanding
Holy City Linen
June 24, 2020
Commercial laundry services
Founded in 2016 in Mount Pleasant, Holy City Linen provides a quality, eco-friendly commercial laundry service throughout the Charleston area. Opening a second facility at 1275 Remount Road in North Charleston, Holy City Linen's expansion will allow the company to increase capacity to meet growing demand in the medical and hospitality industries.
Lowcountry Kettle
June 23, 2020
Snack food manufacturing
Founded in 2016, Lowcountry Kettle uses local Bulls Bay salts to create a variety of kettle cooked potato chip flavors, including Bloody Mary, Mustard BBQ Sauce, Spicy Pimento Cheese and State Fair Fried Pickle. Located at 4447 Dorchester Road in North Charleston, Lowcountry Kettle's expansion will enable growth into other regions of the state and the Southeast, along with the addition of two new flavors - Bulls Bay Sea Salt and Carolina Reaper - to the company's product line. The expansion is expected to be completed in the summer of 2020.
Downsizing
Thrace LINQ Inc.
June 16, 2020
Mfg & distribution of geosynthetics and industrial fabrics with applications in automotive, construction and other sectors
The textile firm has sold its local property and moved its operations to an affiliated facility in Scotland, affecting 70 local jobs. Athens, Greece-based Thrace Group cited slowing demand for its products in the United States as one of the reasons for the move. A Boston-based affiliate of GFI Investors purchased the 563,154-square-foot building on 43 acres at 2550 W. 5th St. for $14.5 million, according to Dorchester County property records. The group plans to renovate the site with a new roof, parking lot, paint and rehabilitation of the adjacent Norfolk Southern rail site. GFI will rebrand the property as Eastport Industrial Complex.
Wild Dunes Resort
June 5, 2020
Resort
Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms announced plans to lay off 297 employees, effective June 15. In a statement, managing director Frank Fredericks cited financial challenges from the pandemic and said the beachfront golfing and tennis destination hopes to rehire workers next year when it opens a new 153-key hotel, The Sweetgrass Inn.
