Local Data
Location & Expansion Log
Diverse companies – from startups to multinational corporations – continue to relocate and expand existing operations in the Charleston region.
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Downsizing
2008
Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp.
December 31, 2008
Steamship line
Due to a worldwide slow-down in the ocean shipping business, the company is consolidating some of its North American offices and reducing its local labor force by an undisclosed number, though the firm's Daniel Island office in Charleston will remain open.
Force Protection
December 16, 2008
Military vehicles
Company announces layoffs of 150 workers by the end of the month as a U.S. Department of Defense contract for large military vehicles (MRAPs) comes to an end. As production of these vehicles declines, Force Protection is adding workers to its sustainment and spare parts operations.
AAI Inc
November 24, 2008
Aircraft maintenance and training systems
Due to decreased demand for a simulator manufactured for the U.S. Air Force, AAI laid off 23 workers at its Goose Creek plant in Berkeley County.
Piggly Wiggly Carolina Company Inc.
October 14, 2008
Regional corporate headquarters for retail grocery chain
The Charleston-based company operates more than 100 supermarkets and employs 5,000 workers in North and South Carolina and Georgia. To remain competitive in the industry, the firm laid off approximately 30 workers at its Charleston area offices and warehouses.
Gates Corporation
June 2, 2008
Automotive timing belts
The Denver-based company will begin paring down the 197-employee payroll in early September with layoffs to follow for an additional five to six months and is expected to shut down entirely in the first quarter of 2009.
Enterprise Rent-a-Car Call Center
May 31, 2008
Car Rental Customer Service Call Center
Company officials reportedly chose to close this ten year old customer service center for reasons relating to technology capabilities of the physical facility, after acquiring it from another auto rental company in late 2007. The firm stressed its praise of the commitment and performance of the 250 workers affected.
Force Protection
May 30, 2008
Military vehicles
The Ladson-based company has trimmed its number of employees to 1,540 from a peak of about 2,000 late last year. In addition, the company is moving part of its operation from Summerville to Roxboro, N.C., where it bought a former automotive plant in 2007. The number of employees affected has not been determined.
Mikasa (American Commercial Inc.)
March 31, 2008
Distribution of tableware and flatware
Mikasa, a well-known maker of tableware and flatware, is closing its Charleston distribution facility, affecting 175 jobs.
Argolyn Bioscience
March 10, 2008
Biological research
Company will move its headquarters to Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, but will maintain its existing research and discovery activities in Charleston, South Carolina, where Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Tom Dix, will continue to be located.
Express
March 10, 2008
Express clothing store
Closing Meeting St. store.
Metropolitan Deluxe
February 25, 2008
High-end home furnishings
Maersk Sealand
January 13, 2008
Steamship liner shipping agency
The company's Mount Pleasant customer service/call center will close, consolidating these operations along with a similar one in Portsmouth VA to another facility in Charlotte NC to improve efficiency. All of its 140 customer service employees were offered the option of relocating to the Charlotte facility, and about 40 took the offer while the other 100 reportedly chose to remain in the Charleston region for other local opportunities. The rest of Maersk's local operations will also remain in the Charleston area.
American LaFrance
January 7, 2008
Firefighting Equipment
Corporate headquarters for firetruck and ambulance manufacturing furloughed 100 workers. Filing for bankruptcy and closing Hanahan and Jedburg facilities. UPDATE (May 27, 2008) - American LaFrance LLC announced it has emerged from bankruptcy after the company’s Plan of Reorganization was accepted by a judge on Friday. The company had filed for Chapter 11 protection in January, after putting about 100 employees on furlough and accruing more than $100 million in debt, according to court documents. The furlough ended March 31st and a “majority” of the workers returned, according to a company release.
TJ Maxx
January 7, 2008
Retail chain store
Retail chain store closing North Charleston branch affecting 42 jobs.
