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
Juliska
September 15, 2020
Headquarters, import and wholesale distribution, design studio and retail outlet for high-end dinnerware and home decor
Founded in 2001 by husband and wife David and Capucine Gooding, the firm will invest $1.9 million in offices, a distribution center, a design studio and an outlet store for local sales. The company is moving from Stamford, Conn., to its new location at 7991 Palmetto Commerce Blvd in Palmetto Commerce Park in North Charleston. The company owners said they have been visiting Charleston for years “and always dreamed of one day relocating our company here...[because] the historic architecture, natural beauty, growing business community and abundant sense of ‘family’ here are the perfect fit with our European heritage and brand values.” Also, Juliska imports its products through the Port of Charleston.
Arkonik
June 17, 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.
New, Expanding, and Mergers & Acquisitions
Driverge Vehicle Innovations, LLC
September 17, 2020
Manufacture and distribution of commercial shuttles, wheelchair-accessible vans, transporters and small buses
With multiple locations nationwide, Driverge builds and ships commercial shuttles, wheelchair-accessible vans, transporters and small buses throughout North America. The company provides vehicle conversions for healthcare companies, fleet management, hotel corporations, taxis, wheelchair transport services and many other markets. Located at 9004-S Sightline Drive in North Charleston, Driverge’s expansion will increase camper van production. "Our commitment to Charleston is the result of a talented local workforce and the enterprising government support for the automotive industry,” remarked Driverge President Mark Minatel.
Juliska
September 15, 2020
Headquarters, import and wholesale distribution, design studio and retail outlet for high-end dinnerware and home decor
Founded in 2001 by husband and wife David and Capucine Gooding, the firm will invest $1.9 million in offices, a distribution center, a design studio and an outlet store for local sales. The company is moving from Stamford, Conn., to its new location at 7991 Palmetto Commerce Blvd in Palmetto Commerce Park in North Charleston. The company owners said they have been visiting Charleston for years “and always dreamed of one day relocating our company here...[because] the historic architecture, natural beauty, growing business community and abundant sense of ‘family’ here are the perfect fit with our European heritage and brand values.” Also, Juliska imports its products through the Port of Charleston.
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 158 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. [updated 8/17/20: original announcement before the layoffs reported 297 positions affected but official layoff notices report 158.]
