Local Data
Location & Expansion Log
Diverse companies – from startups to multinational corporations – continue to relocate and expand existing operations in the Charleston region.
Archive: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
New, Expanding, and Mergers & Acquisitions
IronLink Logistics
November 21, 2023
Third-party logistics (3PL) provider, handling various aspects of the supply chain such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and freight transportation from port and outbound freight worldwide
The company has three West Coast facilities in California -- two in Ontario and one in Chino. The new 340,000-square-foot building located at 6880 Weber Blvd. in Ladson gives IronLink a Southeast presence in the U.S. "We are thrilled to announce that IronLink Logistics has chosen Charleston, South Carolina, as the hub for our [Southeast U.S.] operations, utilizing the strategic advantages of the port to enhance our logistics capabilities. The vibrant community and dynamic economic environment of Charleston align seamlessly with our values and growth aspirations," noted IronLink Owner and CEO David Dembitzer.
QuicksortRX
November 15, 2023
Headquarters; software-enabled service company that provides pharmacy supply chain management solutions for health systems
The company is moving within the county to a larger, 4,000-square-foot facility at 2 Cumberland St. in Charleston. The new facility will accommodate employee growth and allow QuicksortRx to host on-site conferences for customers. "Charleston is an amazing city to live and work in," QuicksortRx co-founder and CEO Jonathan Yantis said during the announcement. "I'm lucky to call this my hometown, and we couldn't ask for a better place to grow a company. It also helps that talented people want to move here." Initially created at the Medical University of South Carolina, QuicksortRx helps health systems streamline pharmaceutical market analysis to reduce the cost of quality health care, according to a press release. The platform unifies purchase, cost and compliance information to simplify supply chain management and ensure hospitals secure medications at the best price.
Mankiewicz Coatings
October 1, 2023
Industrial paint and coatings manufacturing and distribution
The industrial paint supplier, which followed luxury automaker BMW to South Carolina 25 years ago, broke ground Sept. 30 on a 100,000-square-foot logistics center that will more than double the size of its footprint off Clements Ferry Road near Daniel Island. The expansion --the second major one since landing in Charleston in 2010-- includes office space and additional ground-floor warehouse for finished goods. "Thanks to the hard work of the employees and great market conditions, the company is growing very fast," said Fabian Grimm, the U.S. managing director for the 128-year-old family-owned business. The Charleston area operation is now among the five largest of the 16 plants Mankiewicz operates around the world. Based in Hamburg, Mankiewicz started out by making varnishes for horse-drawn carriages. The company now targets the automotive, aviation and general industrial markets which can range from farm equipment to household appliances.
DC Blox
September 30, 2023
Data center
Atlanta-based DC BLOX owns and operates interconnected multi-tenant data centers and dark fiber solutions that deliver the infrastructure and connectivity essential to power today's digital business. DC BLOX's current data centers are located in Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Huntsville, AL; Chattanooga, TN; Greenville, SC, and a cable landing station in Myrtle Beach, SC. This will be the firm's third South Carolina center. The company's preliminary plan for the site includes the construction of four buildings totaling about 200,000 square feet. CEO Jeff Uphues said the Berkeley County data center will be an attractive option for "hyperscalers" that need the space and electrical firepower to support applications such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. The plans could change depending on what companies commit to tap into the site, said Bill Thompson, vice president of marketing and product management. DC Blox also said the Camp Hall investment will be connected to its new $32 million Myrtle Beach landing station that will accommodate several intercontinental web-traffic cables being placed under the Atlantic Ocean by Google and by an affiliate of Facebook parent Meta Platforms.
Frampton Construction
September 28, 2023
Corporate headquarters of full-service construction firm
Founded in 1993, Frampton Construction offers planning and design support as well as preconstruction and construction services for the commercial, industrial and manufacturing market sectors. Wanting to remain in Ladson but needing more space to expand its manufacturing business unit, Frampton Construction purchased land and built a 40,000-square-foot facility which is located at 9705 Highway 78, Suite 105, in Ladson. The company also has offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Tampa, Florida. "Our decision to build our new office in Charleston County is a testament to our commitment to our people. They are the heart and soul of Frampton Construction and drive every choice we make. For nearly three decades, Frampton Construction has proudly called Charleston home, and our new office is a reflection of our deep roots and enduring dedication to our people and our community." -Frampton Construction President and CEO Chad Frampton
Honor LSV
July 20, 2023
Design, manufacture and assembly of golf carts and luxury low speed vehicles (LSV)
Honor LSV is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of golf carts and LSVs, and is a contract manufacturer that utilizes precision lasers and robotic welding while working with mostly American-made metals, plastics and other components to build its products. The company also provides in-house powder coat services utilizing its state-of-the-art, 9,000-square-foot automated powder coat line. Operations have begun at the company's 130,000 square-foot building located at 636 Omni Industrial Blvd. in Summerville. "I am beyond thrilled to be launching my third startup company, the second of which is in Berkeley County. There has never been a more important time to bring manufacturing back to America than now, and we are doing just that!"-Honor LSV Owner, Brian Plaisance
Heirloom Cloud Corporation
July 12, 2023
Headquarters for digital technology services firm
Founded by two veterans while working for the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., Heirloom uses cloud computing to digitally transform outdated media content. When looking to move its headquarters from Delaware, the owners searched for a business-friendly home from which to scale. They researched multiple regions within a two-day ground delivery to large population centers on the Eastern Seaboard before choosing Charleston County. The company chose the Harbor Entrepreneur Center located at 11 e-Wall Street in Mount Pleasant. This headquarters location will be the company's hub for receiving nationwide shipments and serving walk-in customers. Heirloom will continue using an existing facility in Berkeley County for backend operations. "We've already digitized millions of photos, home movies and other priceless memories. However, Heirloom can grow faster by moving our headquarters to South Carolina. From a larger fulfillment center here, we get to serve many more families who ship us their cherished media for conversion." -Heirloom Cloud Corporation Founder Geoff Weber
Leidos
July 6, 2023
Manufacturing Center of Excellence for Leidos' Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) -- security systems for screening checked baggage, cargo and passengers
Fortune 500 firm, Leidos, announces plans to establish a new operation in Charleston County. This new manufacturing facility will be the third in the U.S. and will produce Virginia-based Leidos' Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) systems. SES offers a suite of fully automated and integrated solutions for aviation, shipping ports, border crossings and critical infrastructure customers worldwide. The operation's comprehensive security detection portfolio has more than 30,000 products deployed across 129 countries. Locally, Leidos will lease a new 150,000-square-foot facility located in the Ladson Industrial Park in the North Charleston area. This new space will help bolster the company's critical capacity to support its growing customer base while optimizing manufacturing efficiency, quality and safety through the application of best-in-class manufacturing processes. Operations are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024.
Averitt Express
June 26, 2023
Freight transportation and supply chain service provider
Originally established in 1971 in Livingston, Tennessee, Averitt is one of the nation's leading freight transportation providers, handling shipments globally. In 2012, Averitt opened its first hybrid facility in Charleston County offering cross-dock and warehouse space. This service center is a critically important location that supports the company's less-than-truckload (LTL) and truckload distribution network. Located at 7749 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston, Averitt Express added 35,000 square feet of warehousing space to its current facility and additional on-site parking and fuel tanks. The expansion enhances the company's ability to accommodate increased customer demand and support the growing volume of cargo moving in and out of the Port of Charleston. "We are excited to grow our presence in one of the nation's most strategic logistics hubs. From supporting the local shipping needs of our customers in Charleston County to the global supply chain needs of those across the country and around the world, our team is dedicated to ensuring that our customers and local communities succeed and grow," says Averitt Express Executive VP and COO Barry Blakely.
Protego (USA), Inc.
June 2, 2023
Industrial equipment manufacturer
Founded in 1954, Protego (USA) builds and provides devices and tank equipment for the oil and gas, petroleum, chemical, pharmaceutical and bio-energy industries. The company's products include flame arresters, valves and tank equipment, as well as new products for cryogenic storage applications. With current operations at 9561 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston, the company plans to expand its existing facility and transition from assembling to manufacturing tank venting and explosion protection product lines. The expansion will also allow the company to implement production welding and computer numerical control (CNC) machining capabilities. Company president Chris Mason said, "Our goal is to provide excellent products and services and with the expansion, we will be able to increase our raw materials supplies from our domestic U.S. supply chain. We will be able to continue to be a market leader in delivery times for our North American market and continue to offer a top-of-the-line product to our growing list of customers." The expansion is expected to be complete by 2026.
Ranger Design
May 30, 2023
Manufacturer and provider of innovative fleet upfit solutions
Established in 1988, Ontario, NY-based Ranger Design is an innovative fleet upfitter offering products such as shelving, racks and accessories for commercial vehicles. Ranger Design's rapid design prototyping and state-of-the-art manufacturing process supports the trades workforce by developing tough, innovative products to make work more efficient and safer. The multinational firm's new Charleston area facility, located at 9035-K Sightline Drive in North Charleston, will enable the company to better serve its current customers with extra warehousing capacity, as well as to expand its footprint in commercial electric and gas-powered vehicles. Operations are expected to be online by the summer of 2023.
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.
EcoSteris Inc.
April 24, 2023
Medical waste recycler
EcoSteris recently opened a facility at 112 Fabricators Street in an industrial park off U.S. Highway 78. The operation does not involve the use of chemicals or burning any waste but instead uses an innovative process to turn certain used items into raw material for a new uses. EcoSteris reclaims, sterilizes and recycles plastics and other medical waste from hospitals, dental practices, veterinary clinics and other medical providers for use in other new consumer products. The operation exceeds state and federal regulations for medical waste handling, and its permit with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control allows the company to treat 19.2 million pounds of waste per year. The firm chose Summerville as a centralized location to serve the Lowcountry and hopes to expand as their success grows.
Scout Boats
April 18, 2023
Luxury boat manufacturer
Scout Boats plans to enlarge its 36-acre campus by expanding and renovating its corporate headquarters located at 130 Spaniel Lane in Summerville and by adding a new 35,000-square-foot facility to allow the production of the new 67 LX series yacht. The newly-debuted 67 LX will be one of the largest outboard-powered sportfishing yachts in the world. Renovations are expected to be complete by spring 2024, and operations are expected to be online by summer 2024.
Neal Brothers Charleston Inc.
April 6, 2023
Export packing, storage, freight and other logistics and distribution services
Neal Brothers Charleston Inc. plans to expand its existing area location by building a state-of-the-art, 100,000-square-foot facility at 4229 Domino Ave. in North Charleston. The expansion will increase the company's shipping operations to serve the region's waterfront and logistics community. The company's main North American office has operated in North Charleston for more than 30 years. Neal Brothers currently employs more than 100 people at their Charleston County facility and serves more than 300 customers.
Interloop
March 29, 2023
Data platform, data engineering, etc.
COLUMBIA, S.C. Interloop, an innovative software company, today announced plans to expand its existing operations in Charleston County. The company's $100,000 investment will create 32 new jobs over the next five years. Interloop helps mid-market companies become more data-driven with the implementation of advanced data technology. The company combines a full-stack data platform along with data engineering service expertise to break down data silos, providing automated insights for clients. The company offers a portfolio of services in data strategy, data pipeline management, data modeling, dashboard development, artificial intelligence, and governance and observability. With current operations located at the Charleston Tech Center at 997 Morrison Drive, Suite 200, Interloop's expansion will allow the company to increase operations and provide additional training programs. By investing in its knowledge worker training program, Interloop can train and support interested candidates in the data engineering and data science fields.
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.
Patten Seed Company
March 15, 2023
Corporate headquarters for one of the largest turfgrass producers in the southeastern U.S.
Expanding its South Carolina footprint, Patten Seed Company will relocate its corporate headquarters from Lakeland, Georgia, to an existing facility at 22 Westedge Street in Charleston. The new headquarters will centralize the company's senior management team and create a marketing and technology hub. Additionally, the relocation, which is central to Patten Seed Company's current Southeast operations, positions the company to take advantage of the area's robust talent pool as it transitions from an agriculture-centered company to a vertically-integrated industry leader.
FlexCold
January 10, 2023
Cold storage warehousing and logistics
Located on Patriot Boulevard in North Charleston, FlexCold's Dorchester County facility is its first cold storage location in South Carolina and second facility in the United States. The new operations will include a highly modern, cold food storage facility to accommodate a diverse customer base with a focus on receiving a substantial amount of imported goods. "We are thrilled to be expanding our footprint by establishing operations within a modern cold storage facility strategically located close to the Port of Charleston," said co-founder Jeff Manno. Operationally, FlexCold will provide import and export services, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration inspections, labeling and repacking, and cross-docking services. Operations are expected to be online by late summer 2024.
