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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New, Expanding, and Mergers & Acquisitions
2018
Charles River Labs
December 20, 2018
Microbial Solutions business division of a full-service drug discovery and early-stage development company
Charles River Labs provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions accelerate research and drug development efforts. Founded in Charleston, S.C. in 1987, the company's Microbial Solutions business division has experienced significant growth. To accommodate this growth, the company is constructing a new administrative office building at 1023 Wappoo Road in Charleston to allow for increased manufacturing and staffing.
PokitDok
December 18, 2018
Telemedicine software
Nashville, TN-based Change Healthcare announced that it has acquired intellectual property (IP) and other key assets from PokitDok, Inc., a platform-as-a-service company for healthcare. With this advanced software, IP, and the PokitDok team, Change Healthcare further extends the capabilities and technology leadership of the Change Healthcare Intelligent Healthcare Network™ for payers, providers, and independent software vendors (ISVs). The integration of key PokitDok APIs into the network will add new capabilities for digital health, telemedicine, and other new, disruptive care models that support value-based, patient-centric healthcare. Change Healthcare is considered the leader in blockchain for healthcare and has one of the most extensive open API marketplaces available.
DeepBD
December 12, 2018
Software, artificial intelligence platforms
DeepBD, a developer and operator of artificial intelligence platforms, announced new operations in Charleston County. The company’s platform uses cutting-edge technology to remove physical computing limitations, allowing DeepBD to inspect and analyze vast amounts of data as it is collected.
W International
December 11, 2018
Full-service manufacturer of large, complex welded metal fabrications
Headquartered in Madison Heights, Mich., W International serves many sectors associated with a diverse range of materials, including ballistic armor, aluminum, titanium and other high-strength steels. The company's Bushy Park Industrial Complex will provide manufacturing, custom fabrication, project management, tooling and engineering services to clients in the aerospace, defense, automotive, energy and other commercial industries. Hiring for the new positions is projected to begin in January 2019.
Sundaram-Clayton Limited (SCL)
November 29, 2018
Manufacturer and supplier of aluminum cast products
SCL, part of the $6.5 billion TVS Group, is a leading global supplier of aluminum die-castings to the automotive and non-automotive sectors. In 2017, the company announced plans to establish its first South Carolina facility in the Ridgeville Industrial Campus in the Charleston Metro Area. To meet increased demand for its products, the company will be expanding its Ridgeville facility by 78,000 square feet to accommodate new equipment, increasing the capacity for the plant.
Bintelli LLC
November 15, 2018
Headquarters and retail showroom for a manufacturer and distributor of scooters, electric bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, go-karts, golf carts, and other electric vehicles
Bintelli, a manufacturer of mopeds, scooters and electric vehicles, plans to expand its Charleston operation with a new facility and 20 hires over the next five years, according to a news release. Bintelli’s $2.9 million investment involved buying a facility at 2137 Savannah Highway for its new headquarters and retail showroom. This is the company’s second expansion in two years, with it previously growing at 620 Dobbin Road in West Ashley, not far from the new location.
Nanobébé
October 31, 2018
U.S. Headquarters for infant-feeding systems manufacturer
An award-winning firm in the life sciences field, Nanobébé has chosen Charleston for its U.S. headquarters. The company's R&D and manufacturing is based in Tel Aviv, Israel, while the U.S. operation will focus on sales, business development and growth, as well as customer support. The decision to locate here was a direct result of the South Carolina-Israel Collaboration, a major initiative of the state’s research universities, industries, economic development agencies, and the Israeli government. “The availability of skilled workforce, proximity to the Port of Charleston and key customers were important factors in our decision to select this strategic location," reported the company's founders. Nanobébé is the fifth company to locate here as part of South Carolina Department of Commerce’s and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s Landing Pad program, which is designed to support global companies as they enter the U.S. market. The firm's product line is available through buybuy BABY, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond (online), Amazon, and in early 2019 at Walmart, along with hundreds of retail chains and independent stores around the world.
British Airways
October 18, 2018
Nonstop flights between London's Heathrow Airport and Charleston International Airport
Travelers will be able to fly nonstop between London and Charleston starting next year, marking South Carolina's first trans-Atlantic nonstop service. British Airways plans to begin by offering twice-weekly flights between Heathrow Airport and Charleston International Airport beginning April 4, 2019. Simon Brooks, British Airways’ senior vice president of North America, said the Lowcountry’s internationally acclaimed charm, history, golf and beaches were a big part of the airline’s decision to include Charleston in its North American expansion plans. The Charleston region’s growth in international business was also part of the attraction. British Airways will also take delivery of 12 new Boeing 787-10s built in North Charleston between 2020 and 2023, according to a news release from the airline.
MAHLE Behr Charleston Inc.
October 3, 2018
Supplier of air conditioning and radiator assemblies
MAHLE Behr is a premier international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry, providing innovative powertrain and air conditioning technology solutions. Components and systems from MAHLE Behr are also used in stationary applications, mobile machinery, rail transport and marine applications. The local facility's expansion will include adding a new assembly and manufacturing line. "Our MAHLE Behr Charleston Inc. facility has long been a successful and important part of MAHLE's heritage and global operations. As we continue to win new business opportunities with key original equipment manufacturers, our Charleston facility will continue to be a key production site for the company," reported MAHLE Vice President of Thermal Management Systems, Uwe Krueger.
Curtiss-Wright
September 26, 2018
Manufacturing, assembly, testing and warehousing of steam turbines and steam valves, and overhaul of aftermarket parts
Curtiss-Wright supplies advanced technology to high-performance programs and platforms in every branch of the U.S. military, as well as in several international defense forces. Their products and services also serve the commercial airspace, power generation and other industrial markets. In 1929, Curtiss-Wright was formed by the merger of companies founded by Glenn Curtiss, the father of naval aviation, and the Wright brothers, renowned for history’s first flight. The company currently has corporate headquarters offices in Davidson NC, and Parsippany NJ, and facilities all across the globe.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
September 12, 2018
Banking and financial services
JPMorgan Chase & Co. will enter the Charleston market with new offices to serve small and midsize businesses in the tri-county area. The company is leasing temporary space at 179 Meeting St. and is in the process of finding a permanent location. Chase’s Charleston operation will consist of two teams: One to serve businesses with over $20 million in annual revenues and the other to serve businesses with up to $20 million in annual revenues. Chase chose to enter the local market with a physical presence due to significant economic growth in the region in the past several years.
Organic Standard Solutions Int'l LLC (o2si)
August 29, 2018
Calibration standards for chemical, environmental, pharmaceutical and food safety companies
Organic Standard Solutions International LLC is expanding its existing Charleston County operations, investing $2.4 million and creating about 20 new jobs. The expansion involves relocating from their Savage Road plant in Charleston to a larger facility at 7290 Investment Drive in North Charleston. The firm, known as o2si smart solutions, was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary of United Kingdom-based LGC Group Standards and has sales offices in 20 countries.
Google, Inc.
August 28, 2018
Data center
Google announced plans to further expand its existing campus in Berkeley County, marking the 10-year anniversary of its data center at the Mount Holly Commerce Park. The expansion is projected to bring approximately $600 million of additional capital investment, bringing Google's total capital investment in Berkeley County to approximately $2.4 billion since 2008.
Elauwit
August 6, 2018
Wireless services
Los Angeles-based Boingo Wireless Inc. runs Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide and has agreed to buy Charleston startup Elauwit for $28 million in cash. Elauwit's owners can collect an extra $15 million if the company's sales grow fast enough. The key reason for the acquisition: Elauwit contracts with apartment buildings, including student housing, a market which Boingo wants to tap into. Boingo does not expect to lay off Elauwit's 85 employees who are split between its headquarters in Charleston and an operations center in Columbia.
DHL
July 26, 2018
Global express delivery
DHL has nearly tripled the size of its South Carolina coastal operations with a new facility on Stall Road in North Charleston. The 16,200-square-foot center is designed to handle DHL’s growth in Charleston-region deliveries through 2025, with a sorting capacity of 2,000 pieces per hour. DHL said it is handling more shipments related to industrial trade worldwide, particularly with South Carolina’s growing automotive manufacturing sector.
Ingevity
July 25, 2018
Specialty chemicals manufacturer
Currently headquartered on Virginia Avenue in North Charleston, S.C., Ingevity will be relocating its leadership, business and non-technical support functions and business development teams to a new headquarters located at 4920 O'Hear Avenue in North Charleston, S.C. The relocation is expected to begin in April 2020 and will add at least 100 new jobs. The company's technical teams will remain at the existing Ingevity Technical Center on Virginia Ave., which will revert to laboratory space and offices dedicated to innovation and development efforts. Ingevity is a global corporation with more than 1,600 employees worldwide.
Kuehne + Nagel, Inc.
July 11, 2018
Production logistics and supply chain services to support Mercedes-Benz Vans
Located on the Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC site off of Palmetto Commerce Parkway, Kuehne + Nagel's new facility will be providing production logistics services to support MBV's expanding manufacturing operations. Comprehensive services will include goods receiving, inventory management, just-in-time picking and sequencing for delivery. Kuehne + Nagel also operates a freight transportation arrangement office on Daniel Island in Berkeley County of the Charleston Metro Area.
BLG Logistics
June 26, 2018
Supply chain services to Mercedes-Benz Vans
BLG Logistics’ new Charleston County facility will manage parts and inventory for Mercedes-Benz Vans’ production operations. BLG will also transport vans by “coordinating deliveries of assembled, tested and inspected auto parts,” a news release said.
JW Aluminum
June 23, 2018
Manufacturer of flat-rolled aluminum
The company said it will build a 220,000-square-foot building at its existing site at 435 Old Mount Holly Road in Goose Creek. The company plans to hire 50 more employees, including skilled operators, industrial and electrical technicians, and engineers. The S.C. site, founded in 1979, is one of four JW Aluminum mills around the country. “As a domestic supplier, we’ve prevailed in an extremely challenging competitive environment,” JW Aluminum CEO Lee McCarter said.
Home Captain
June 22, 2018
IT platform serving as a "real estate concierge"
IT platform serving as a "real estate concierge," managing processes from securing a loan to finding a real estate agent. Solutions for the buyer and seller, and networks include mortgage lenders and real estate agents.
ICL Specialty Fertilizers
June 7, 2018
Global manufacturer of specialty minerals and chemicals
Employing around 13,000 associates worldwide, ICL is an Israel-based firm that operates three mineral chains in a unique, integrated business model. The company extracts raw materials and utilizes sophisticated processing and product formulation technologies to add value to customers in the agriculture and industrial industries. In this expansion, the company will be relocating its Ohio operations to its existing Dorchester County facility, which is located at 2755 West 5th North Street. The firm's director of operations reported the choice to expand locally was due to the area's business climate and culture.
Alcami Corporation
June 1, 2018
Fully-integrated custom end-to-end solutions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
Alcami has agreed to be acquired by Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC (MDP). MDP, a leading private equity firm based in Chicago, will acquire a majority ownership position in Alcami from existing shareholder Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) ("Ares Capital"). Alcami's management team, led by Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman, Dr. Stephan Kutzer, will continue to guide the Company.
Coastal Corrugated, Inc.
May 22, 2018
Manufacturer of corrugated packaging
Coastal Corrugated produces a wide range of specialized corrugated packaging, primarily for manufacturers and distributors. The firm is investing $3.25 million into technologically advanced equipment and machinery, allowing for expanded, more efficient production and processing.
Haitian USA
May 9, 2018
Injection molding machinery for plastics manufacturing
“The selection of the Charleston area was driven by many factors,” Absolute Haitian co-owner Nate Smith said. “These included expansion of the automotive and manufacturing sectors in the Southeast region and access to Charleston’s deepwater port." The 116,000 sq. ft. facility is expected to be operational in 2019.
Paul Bippus GmbH
April 18, 2018
Precision turned parts for automotive manufacturing applications
Paul Bippus GmbH, a Germany-based manufacturer of precision parts, is launching new production operations to supply Robert Bosch LLC in Dorchester County. The company will be constructing a 42,000-square-foot facility in the Muckenfuss Industrial Park in Summerville, S.C., its first U.S. plant, and hiring will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Low Country Case & Millwork (LCCM)
March 30, 2018
Manufacturer and installer of commercial casework and millwork
Currently located at 3270 Benchmark Drive in Ladson, S.C., the company is constructing a new, 52,000-square-foot facility off of Palmetto Commerce Parkway to accommodate new employees and the capacity for larger projects. The expansion is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2018. Established in 1990, LCCM offers high-end custom cabinetry, architectural millwork and state-of-the-art institutional casework. All company products are manufactured in-house and are installed by trained field technicians.
Diehl Aerosystems
March 14, 2018
On-site Support Service (OSS) to Boeing
The Diehl OSS in the Leeds area near Charleston, based within a newly refurbished facility covering 5,000 sq ft/550 sq meters, will ensure a seamless flow of Diehl parts for 787-10 Dreamliners assembled in Charleston. Diehl's local support is mainly in provision of cabin lining packages and supporting sub-structures for the 787-10. The facility also has the potential for expansion to support additional activities such as warehousing and kitting along with capacity for potential growth opportunities.
SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation)
February 28, 2018
Specialty military vehicle production, IT integration, research and development
With approximately 15,000 employees worldwide, SAIC is a $4.5 billion technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions to the federal government in the technical, engineering, intelligence and enterprise information technology (IT) markets. The company designs and develops IT solutions that empower diplomatic missions, support military operations and advance both sea and space explorations. SAIC will be expanding its platform integration and production operations by moving into a new facility at North Pointe Commerce Park in Hanahan, S.C. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
TransitWorks
February 23, 2018
Upfitter of Mercedes-Benz vans including wheelchair accessible, executive shuttles, mobile office and other formats
Opening in January 2018, initial conversions built by the firm's new plant will include Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 15-passenger transporters and Metris specialty vehicles. Wheelchair accessible transporters equipped with lifts will also be manufactured using the SmartFloor system, offering varying configurations. Mercedes-Benz Metris van conversions will include the firm's new Business Line Mobile Office and Executive Shuttle. TransitWorks is recognized as a Mercedes-Benz MasterSolutions provider.
Charleston International Manufacturing Center
February 21, 2018
Liquid sodium silicate production facility
The Charleston International Manufacturing Center (CIMC) at Bushy Park, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacolet Milliken Enterprises, is building a liquid sodium silicate production facility--the first in South Carolina--on their site. A versatile raw material, liquid sodium silicate is used in the production of goods such as tires, detergent, toothpaste and adhesive for boxes. CIMC already has one customer in current tenant Evonik, a German manufacturing company that is nearing completion of a $120 million plant at CIMC to manufacture precipitated silica. Liquid sodium silicate is used to create precipitated silica.
Frontier Logistics
February 7, 2018
Supply chain management services
Frontier Logistics, a provider of supply chain management services with a facility in Hanahan, is expanding its Charleston area presence with the recent purchase of 26 acres at the former Navy base in North Charleston, S.C., in Charleston County. "Charleston has significant logistical advantages that reach the entire world market, enough so that it compels us to make Charleston a comprehensive launching pad for future export/import and domestic logistics needs," reports the firm's CEO. Frontier will be constructing a 550,000-square-foot, rail-served warehousing facility to support the transloading of plastic pellets for export through the Port of Charleston. Rail service will be provided by Palmetto Railways, providing connections to both CSX and Norfolk Southern. The site will consolidate several smaller facilities Frontier has operated in the region since 2011.
Carolina’s Rigging & Crane and Charleston’s Rigging & Marine Hardware
January 28, 2018
Manufacturers and suppliers of wire rope, rigging and safety solutions for a wide range of industries
Having outgrown its current facilities in both Charleston and Richland Counties, Carolina’s Rigging & Crane and Charleston’s Rigging & Marine Hardware will be growing its operations in both counties simultaneously. In Charleston County, the company will be expanding into a purpose-built fabrication facility at the former Charleston Navy Base, which will include an expanded showroom and a crane and rigging safety training center. Expected to be operational by the summer of 2018, the new space will create 18 jobs and allow for the launch of new product lines and services.
MED-ALLY
January 26, 2018
Design, development and manufacturing of implantable medical systems
MED-ALLY’s state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot manufacturing operation will be located in the Charleston International Manufacturing Center at 2040 Bushy Park Road in Goose Creek, S.C. An ISO Class 6 Clean Room, critical for the fabrication of implantable devices, will take up approximately half of the operating space. Key in the firm's decision to locate here is the vast network of "distinguished clinicians, university medical teams, industry partners, and university students dedicated to providing disruptive medical device solutions for patients worldwide," according to company officials. The firm is already hiring and is expected to be fully operational in March 2018.
Innovative Vehicle Solutions
January 23, 2018
Commercial van and truck upfitting
Innovative Vehicle Solutions, which got its start in 2012 and has since expanded to 18 locations in a dozen states, will open an additional 27,500-square-foot manufacturing plant at 3241A Benchmark Drive in Ladson. The company upfits cargo vans, box trucks, dump trucks and flatbed trucks with special equipment to maximize payload while saving fuel and improving operational efficiency. Matt Kuhn, the company's chief operating officer, said the expansion "will allow us to build innovative products for some of America's most prominent companies on a larger scale." Innovative Vehicle Solutions is part of the master upfitter program for Mercedes-Benz Vans, whose assembly plant is also under construction nearby.
