Local Data

Location & Expansion Log

Diverse companies – from startups to multinational corporations – continue to relocate and expand existing operations in the Charleston region.

Archive:    2024 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

2022

Redwood Materials

December 14, 2022

Jobs: 1,500
Investment: $3.5 Billion

Reclaiming and recycling end-of-life batteries and production scrap to produce battery components

Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, and founded by Tesla's former Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder JB Straubel, Redwood Materials will use its Berkeley County, South Carolina campus to create a circular supply chain for electric vehicles. The company will onshore production of the most critical components in batteries--the anode and cathode--to reduce costs and emissions while securing the supply chain within the United States. All battery components will be built from as much recycled material as possible. The more than 600-acre campus, located at Camp Hall Commerce Park in Ridgeville, will initially produce enough anode and cathode material for 100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cell production or 1 million electric vehicles each year. "South Carolina's commitment to creating a secure energy future and a competitive landscape for electric vehicle manufacturing, supported by a world-class workforce, fast and efficient logistics, zero-carbon electricity and a phenomenal site, made it a smart decision for Redwood to invest here...allowing us to support our current and future customers in the heart of America's battery belt. We're ready to support this region and U.S. electrification by driving down battery costs, emissions, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains," said Straubel. Operations will begin in 2023.

Dennis Eagle, Inc.

December 13, 2022

Jobs: 49
Investment: $2.1 Million

Manufacture truck chassis and powertrains

Part of the international Terberg Environmental Group, Dennis Eagle, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of garbage collection vehicles. The company's vehicles specialize in improving driver, passenger and pedestrian safety through low-entry cabins and large windshields that reduce blind spots. Located in Dorchester County at 104 G Pinnacle Way, Dennis Eagle, Inc. will be expanding its existing facility (where the company produces chassis and powertrains) to accommodate growing demand.

Striped Pig Distillery LLC

December 12, 2022

Jobs: 50
Investment: $10 Million

Distillery of Southern-style spirits including bourbon gin, rum, organic vodka and flavored iterations of each spirit

Known as Charleston's first distillery since Prohibition, Striped Pig Distillery specializes in crafting Southern-style spirits including bourbon gin, rum, organic vodka and flavored iterations of each spirit. With a focus on community, the company sources ingredients for its award-winning spirits regionally and works with local organizations to give back to community causes through its Sip & Share program. Located at 2225 Old School Drive in North Charleston, Striped Pig Distillery's expansion will add 24,000 square feet to its existing facility to accommodate a new bottling line and event space. "We are thrilled to expand our manufacturing line here in North Charleston to fulfill the growing regional, national and international demand for our spirits. Proudly, South Carolina is home, but our mission is being felt globally!" --Striped Pig Distillery Chief Executive Officer Pixie Paula Dezzutti. The expansion will be complete by summer of 2023.

Metal Trades Inc.

December 2, 2022

Jobs: 64
Investment: $14.4 Million

Fabrication of large steel structures

Founded in 1962, Metal Trades, Inc. is a heavy steel fabricator that serves the marine industry, specializing in steel and sheet metal fabrication for commercial and government markets. The company's broad portfolio includes steel processing, fabrication, welding, piping, machining, electrical installation, blasting and painting. Located at 4194 Highway 165 in Meggett, Metal Trades, Inc.'s expansion includes the construction of a new facility on its campus. The expansion will allow the company to build components and fixtures in-house for the United States Navy. The new building will be located near the company's 1,000-ton marine railway, accommodating for fabrication of large steel structures and transfers directly to the Intracoastal Waterway. This expansion will also allow the company to expand its capabilities in manufacturing expertise, heavy lift capability and direct barge access. "As one of the few major fabricators located on deep water in the state, this expansion will allow us to expand our tradition of delivering quality built, heavy steel products from the Lowcountry to the rest of the world," said Metal Trades, Inc. Chairman & Chief Executive Officer R.B. Corbin. The expansion is expected to be completed by the second half of 2023.

KION North America

December 1, 2022

Jobs: 450
Investment: $40 Million

Manufacture and distribution of industrial trucks and lifts

KION North America is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial trucks. The company's brands, Linde Material Handling and Baoli, serve the specific requirements of the North American market with a product portfolio known for innovative technologies, low energy consumption and low operating costs. Headquartered at 2450 W. 5th North Street in Summerville, KION North America is reshoring the manufacturing of core components including forklift masts. The company is also adding assembly lines that will involve the installation of crane systems, automated weld systems, new paint facilities and more. The expansion is expected to be complete in 2024. "We are proud to be investing in South Carolina, particularly in Dorchester County. Both the state and county have been excellent partners in this process...We look forward to reaching more customers with our full-scale traditional lift truck portfolio and custom solutions such as automation, telematics and fleet management," said KION North America President & CEO Jonathan Dawley.

Zeltwanger LP

November 29, 2022

Jobs: 24
Investment: $12.5 Million

Manufacturer specializing in machined components and modules with tight tolerances, serving multiple global industries including electric mobility, medical technology, packaging and aerospace

Zeltwanger announced it will be relocating within the Charleston Metro area to 9551 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in Palmetto Commerce Park from Fargo Street in North Charleston. The move "will accommodate additional production due to increased demand in the Charleston area," said Juergen Goehner, president of Zeltwanger CNC Manufacturing LP. The expansion and relocation are expected to be completed by the first half of 2023.

IdentPro-USA

November 23, 2022

Jobs: 30

Software for digitalization solutions supporting intralogistics

Being a leader in warehouse optimization and material tracking in production and and warehousing, companies such as Warsteiner, BMW and Schutz rely on IdentPro's unique IoT solutions. With the move into the USA, German-based IdentPro is following their vision of digitizing intralogistics sustainably and holistically. "With the opening of our office in [Charleston] we will have a stable base in the USA, this will enable IdentPro to support our customers in the US. The choice of Charleston is positioning us [among] the fastest growing tech industry in the US and will help us to support our US based customers even better. Also for our European customers we will be a better partner by giving them the high level of support in the USA as they receive from us in Europe," said Erik van Rikxoort, President & CEO, IdentPro-USA. Their IoT solutions not only increase efficiency but also provide more planning reliability in the entire supply chain. This "Landing Pad" company is poised to grow now that they've landed in the Charleston Region.

CALI

November 22, 2022

Jobs: 50
Investment: $3 Million

Distribution center

San Diego, California-based CALI is one of the fastest-growing flooring suppliers with an eco-conscious focus. Collections include bamboo, European oak, eucalyptus, cork, luxury vinyl, and engineered planks, in addition to composite decking, rugs, fencing, and plywood. The new center will serve CALI customers along the eastern seaboard, enabling faster deliveries and more reliable service. The 250,000 square feet facility supports a multishift operation with product sampling, customer service, and a logistics team at 454 Tradeport Dr. in Berkeley County at the Charleston Tradeport Industrial Center.

Eveon Containers Inc.

November 18, 2022

Jobs: 5

U.S. headquarters and logistical hub for sales and distribution of decommissioned shipping containers

The firm announced it has selected the Lowcountry of South Carolina for its U.S. headquarters. Eveon is a global provider of sustainable building, shipping and storage solutions with European headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and operations in Germany and Canada. Launched in 2019, the company sees Charleston as an ideal hub in North America because it shares many qualities with Rotterdam, including "being steeped in history, having a reputation for friendly people, and being established and thriving port cities... We don't just sell containers, we sell opportunities for customers to launch a business, start a pop-up restaurant or simply to save money on storage," Eveon CEO Aad Storm said. "With 45 million containers in the world, our goal is to recycle, repurpose and reduce emissions, one container at a time. We believe these containers, once retired from sea, can serve another purpose on land." Eveon has already begun operations at its North Charleston location at 4900 O'Hear Ave. Suite 100.

Bosch

October 25, 2022

Jobs: 350
Investment: $260 Million

Automotive parts manufacturing

With operations in Dorchester County since 1974, Bosch is expanding its mobility-related production with new electrification products including rotor, stator and final-assembled electric motors. Electric motor production at the Dorchester County operation is already underway, and the expansion is expected to be complete by 2025. Located at 8101 Dorchester Road in North Charleston, Bosch will produce these motors in a building that formerly manufactured diesel components. The company will also expand the building by nearly 75,000 square feet to accommodate for future additional production of electric motors. Bosch is also re-skilling and up-skilling current associates as part of the transition to support electrification.

Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics

October 20, 2022

Jobs: 69
Investment: $70 Million

3PL specializing in cold storage and distribution

Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics is a third-party cold chain services provider that focuses on handling, storage, distribution and value-added services for the food industry using modern cold storage warehouse development and services. Located at Ridgeville Industrial Campus, the firm's new operation will support high-volume throughput handling services including a variety of value-added services, full pallet handling, case picking and transportation management. The company will utilize the Port of Charleston to support both import and export trade. The facility is expected to be operational by early 2024.

Phenom Yachts LLC

October 7, 2022

Jobs: 149
Investment: $12 Million

Yacht manufacturer

Phenom Yachts, a subsidiary of family-owned and South Carolina-based Sportsman Boats Manufacturing Inc., has announced plans to establish operations in Dorchester County. Located at 113 Sportsman Way in Summerville, Phenom Yachts' Dorchester County operation will manufacture the company's premium sport yachts. Operations are expected to begin by Jan. 1, 2023

Nucor Corporation

September 28, 2022

Jobs: 50
Investment: $425 Million

Steel and steel products

With a history dating back to 1905, Nucor Corporation manufactures a variety of products including carbon and alloy steel, hollow structural tubing, electrical conduit, precision castings and more. The company's products serve the agriculture, automotive and energy industries along with several others. At the Charleston area plant located at 1455 Old Hagan Avenue in the Huger area of Berkeley County, Nucor's latest expansion will include the addition of a galvanizing line that will expand the manufacturing of corrosion-resistant products. The expansion is expected to be complete in mid-2025.

New Wire Marine

September 27, 2022

Jobs: 38
Investment: $1.8 Million

Marine electrical system design and production

Founded in 2010, New Wire Marine delivers American-made, professional-grade marine products, offering an assortment of custom-made marine switch panels, electrical distribution panels, gauge and meter panels, and other marine-grade electrical necessities to customers worldwide. Located at Dorchester Industrial Park in North Charleston, New Wire Marine is adding an 8,000-square-foot warehouse at its site to accommodate company growth and production. The expansion will more than double the current production floor size, allowing for more computer numerical control (CNC) machinery and increased production capacity. The expansion is expected to be complete in January 2023.

Sweet Grass Vodka

September 21, 2022

Jobs: 47
Investment: $1.7 Million

Distillery

Founded in 2020, Sweet Grass Vodka crafts innovative and high-quality vodka and spirits from South Carolina-grown potatoes. The company is committed to locally sourced ingredients and is known worldwide for its award-winning vodka. Located at 1640 Meeting Street in Charleston, Sweet Grass Vodka?s new facility will be its first operation in Charleston County and its second location in South Carolina. The Charleston facility will be a bottling plant, offering a tasting room for spirits and small bites.

Nucor Corp.'s UIG LLC

August 30, 2022


Investment: $200 Million

Steel and steel products

Located at 1455 Old Hagan Ave. in Huger, Nucor's expansion will include the construction of an air separation unit (ASU) for the purpose of supplying industrial gases to the mill's steelmaking operations. When complete, the ASU will be operated by UIG, LLC, a Nucor wholly-owned subsidiary that specializes in industrial gas supply and services. This project will allow Nucor --through UIG, LLC -- to produce and supply all the gases needed for the steel mill from the new Nucor-owned facility. The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Nucor Steel has been a part of the Charleston Metro Area's diverse industrial base for over 26 years, having invested $1.3 billion since 1996.

MitoChem Therapeutics

August 17, 2022


Investment: $1.5 Million

Develops treatments to address the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases

Ichor Life Sciences, a preclinical contract research organization, plans to invest $1.5 million in MitoChem Therapeutics of Charleston. MitoChem Therapeutics develops treatments to address the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. MitoChem Therapeutics and Ichor Life Sciences will work together to advance the development of a small molecule pharmaceutical eyedrop, targeting the mitochondria to treat age-related eye disease. “An innovator in its space, MitoChem’s pre-clinical data is compelling,” Kelsey Moody, CEO of Ichor Life Sciences, said in the release. “Through our placement with MitoChem, we anticipate making significant advancements related to the treatment of age-related ocular disease while assessing the drugability of fundamental hallmarks of aging more broadly.”

ClaimLogiq

August 16, 2022

Healthcare software and technology

Eir Partners announced the completion of a growth recapitalization of ClaimLogiq, the leading Software-as-a-Service and technology enabled payment integrity platform focused on pre-payment solutions. Eir Partners strategy is to leverage ClaimLogiq as a platform investment and continue to aggressively invest in new product development and automation to broaden its portfolio of adjacent solutions. Since the Eir Partners investment, ClaimLogiq has completed the acquisitions of itemized bill review company, Medliminal, and SyTrue, a health care focused natural language processing technology company. Founded in 2013 and based in Charleston, SC, ClaimLogiq enables payment integrity programs at some of the largest payers in the country via a proprietary technology platform called TrueCost. This highly configurable platform will support the healthcare industry's focus to a more transparent and proactive approach to payment integrity, enabling payers and service providers to deliver a more comprehensive and dynamic payment integrity program.

Fifth Third Bank

August 11, 2022

Financial services

Ohio-based Fifth Third Bank, N.A., recently announced entry into the Charleston Market. Founded in 1858 as the Bank of the Ohio Valley, the company first opened in Cincinnati and today has grown to one of the largest consumer banks in the United States, with more than $207 billion in assets and operations now in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and the Carolinas. Fifth Third has four main businesses (commercial banking, branch banking, consumer lending and wealth management / investment advisory) and more than 20,000 employees. February 2023 update: Local expansion continues as the bank now has a mortgage team in place, is opening its first branch on James Island and plans another branch opening in Mount Pleasant following that. Both will host the company's 'Next Gen' design, including mobile bankers using technology that allows them to meet and serve customers in a variety of settings. The company plans to add 10 or more additional branches in the Lowcountry by 2025. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies for several years, according to the organization.

PunchListUSA

July 27, 2022


Investment: $39 Million

Real estate tech firm

Charleston, South Carolina-based real estate tech firm PunchListUSA, which calls itself the first platform digitizing national home inspection data, closed on a $39 million Series A funding round this week. PunchListUSA has now raised more than $49 million in equity capital since its inception in 2018. Sweetwater Private Equity and Morpheus Ventures led the latest funding round with additional investors including Home Depot Ventures, Second Century Ventures and Palm Drive Capital. PunchListUSA plans to use the funding to invest in proprietary technology to create instant repair and renovation estimates and open offices, which it aims to expand footprint to more than 30 markets through 2023. "We are building our team and technology to break down barriers,” said Min Alexander, co-founder and chief executive officer. “Our singular mission is to make homeownership more accessible and sustainable for the 220 million owners in the U.S.”

SHL Medical Ltd.

July 18, 2022

Jobs: 166
Investment: $90 Million

Manufacturing of plastic components of disposable auto-injectors used in the medical and healthcare field

Zug, Switzerland-based SHL Medical said its new facility at 7791 Palmetto Commerce Parkway will be operational by Q2 2024. The company makes autoinjectors, pen injectors and other devices that let patients self-inject at home. The company also offers contract manufacturing and engineering services for products such as wafer testing equipment, laboratory handling equipment, neurosurgical devices and industrial equipment. "Our new U.S. site will be a state-of-the-art facility that will support our customers further with our end-to-end capabilities, providing high-quality drug delivery systems to end users -- patients around the world," said Ulrich Faessler, the company's medical chairman and CEO. The North Charleston facility "brings us closer to our customers and reduces the risk of supply chain disturbances," while also supporting the company's sustainability goals which include reducing global shipping distances. The Swiss-based company also has research and development facilities in Sweden and a design, testing and manufacturing campus in Taiwan. 2023 update: investment estimate raised to $165 million.

Engeser

June 15, 2022

Jobs: 26
Investment: $1.595 Million

Automotive parts (Cable/harness) manufacturing

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Schram­berg, Ger­ma­ny, ENGESER USA Corp. designs and manufactures high-quality products for cable and connection technology ranging from classic cable assembly to comprehensive system solutions. A family-owned company, ENGESER USA Corp. serves automotive applications, consumer and capital goods, solar engineering, rail technology and more. Located at 115 Fabricators Street in Summerville, ENGESER USA Corp.’s Dorchester County facility is the company’s first North American manufacturing operation and will allow the company to offer direct delivery domestically and to European customers. The new facility will utilize modern technologies to produce cost-optimized, high-quality cable harnesses, one of ENGESER USA Corp.’s core areas of expertise. Operations are expected to be online by September 2022.

Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR

June 9, 2022

Jobs: 32

North American headquarters for golf vacation travel planner

Founded in 1998 in the United Kingdom, Golfbreaks specializes in organizing golf trips throughout the United States and around the world. As the ‘Official Golf Vacation Partner’ of the PGA TOUR, the company offers golfers a top-class, hassle-free service by arranging tee times, accommodations, ground transportation, tournament tickets and much more. Located at 474 Wando Park Blvd. in Mount Pleasant since 2016, Golfbreaks’ Charleston County operation serves as its North American headquarters office. The expansion will allow Golfbreaks to increase its service volume to U.S. and Canadian golfers who take trips domestically and overseas.

DuPont

May 31, 2022

Jobs: 50

Manufacture of pharma silicone tubing

The new DuPont Liveo Healthcare facility, located at DuPont’s existing Cooper River plant in Berkeley County of the Charleston Metro Area, will increase the company’s biopharmaceutical production capacity and help to expand its worldwide customer base. The expansion includes ISO Class 7 cleanrooms, special equipment and quality laboratory space and is ISO 9001:2015 registered. The firm's existing infrastructure, along with the region's skilled workforce and proximity to the Port of Charleston, were influential factors in the site choice for the investment.

Robert Thomas Iron Design, LLC

May 26, 2022

Jobs: 45
Investment: $2.9 Million

Modern blacksmithing

Founded in 2013, Robert Thomas Iron Design LLC intertwines traditional blacksmith techniques with modern machining and fabrication methods to craft iron pieces ranging from custom architectural ironwork to volume-produced pieces of furniture, decorative hardware and cookware. Relocating within the county to 56 Hayter Street in North Charleston, Robert Thomas Iron Design LLC's new facility will expand the company's operational footprint to accommodate production line growth. "We are excited about the next phase of Robert Thomas Iron Design's growth and are very happy that we are able to do this on the historic Navy Base. Our expanded operations will enable our growing community of craftsmen and designers to have the space, equipment and support they need to keep the spirit of blacksmithing thriving in Charleston," said the firm's owner Robert Thomas. The expansion is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2023.

Good Growth Capital

May 13, 2022


Investment: $102 Million

Early-stage venture capital firm known for its expertise in finding, assessing and cultivating complex science and technology startups that have a positive impact on the world

Charleston-based Good Growth Capital has raised $102 million to invest in early-stage technology businesses that develop products and services from so-called hard science. The new money will target “complex” and innovative science-based companies that “meet a pressing societal need” in areas such as the biomedical field and the environment, said managing partner and co-founder Amy Salzhauer. The financing is Good Growth’s third fund. She estimated that the newly raised capital could be spread among as many as 40 businesses. Founded in 2015, Good Growth has found a few deals close to home, including Charleston-based Questis, which developed a personal financial planning platform, and The New Primal, which makes all-natural food products such as spices, sauces and jerky.

BID Group

May 8, 2022

Jobs: 25
Investment: $10.6 Million

Wood processing equipment manufacturer

BID Group announced a multi-million dollar capital investment in new equipment including robotic welding cells and a computerized numerical control horizontal milling machine that will boost manufacturing capacity. The investment includes the expansion of the company's manufacturing footprint with the acquisition of the adjacent Dover Hydraulics South facility. “The multiple projects within this investment will allow the company to increase capacity, advance efficiency and improve lead time,” said Adam Infanti, BID’s chief financial officer. The expansion is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2023.

eGroup

May 3, 2022

Business IT services including applications, security, cloud services and technical support

eGroup, a Charleston area-based IT solutions and managed services provider, announced that it has acquired Florida-based Enabling Technologies Corp. The acquisition, which closed on April 29, 2022, will expand eGroup's reach nationally in the U.S. and dramatically expand its Microsoft 365, Azure, Security & Compliance, and Business Application cloud services. In October of 2021, eGroup received a substantial investment from two Dallas-based investment firms, Evolute Capital and Hunt Technology Ventures, allowing them to advance their current capabilities and continue to build a best-in-class IT services platform. With the acquisition of Enabling, it will allow eGroup to accelerate its strong industry position in cloud and managed services and build upon its expertise and positioning within the Microsoft ecosystem. A few of eGroup's top partners include Microsoft, Nutanix, Citrix, Cisco, and Rubrik.

Sagebrook Home East Coast Distribution Center

April 20, 2022

Jobs: 117
Investment: $80 Million

East Coast distribution center for global home decor brand

Founded in 2015, Sagebrook Home’s portfolio includes over 10,000 products including furniture, accessories, wall art, garden decor, lighting and more. The company is a leader in delivery, fulfillment and drop shipping to customers worldwide. Located at 574 Trade Center Parkway in Summerville, Sagebrook Home’s Berkeley County facility will serve as a 500,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art distribution center for the company’s home décor and wholesale operations. Proximity to the Port of Charleston was instrumental in the firm's location decision.

Sportsman Boats Manufacturing Inc.

March 31, 2022

Jobs: 75
Investment: $8 Million

Saltwater fishing boats manufacturing

Headquartered in Dorchester County, Sportsman Boats Manufacturing Inc. produces family-friendly center console boats featuring the latest designs, procedures and materials. Operating since 2012, Sportsman Boats began as a start-up company. Located at 113 Sportsman Way in Summerville, the firm’s expansion will increase manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand and will include a 75,000-square-foot climate-controlled building that will accommodate the manufacturing of small fiberglass parts and powder coating. Sportsman Boats President Tommy Hancock said, "Our organization has grown tremendously since 2012. A big part of that success has been made possible by the support of Dorchester County and the world-class labor force available in this area." The expansion is expected to be complete in the third quarter of 2022.

Daye North America

March 29, 2022

Jobs: 131
Investment: $3.5 Million

Lawn care equipment distribution center

A Charlotte-based manufacturer of mowers, trimmers and other outdoor power equipment has completed an expansion at its North Charleston distribution center, which also serves as the company's national distribution center, with hundreds of thousands of products passing through it each year. Daye, a subsidiary of China-based Ningbo Daye Garden Machinery Co., announced plans to open the center in late 2020. The 8060 Commerce Road location also will assemble lawnmowers prior to distribution. Matt Ragland, president of Daye North America, said "We have experienced firsthand the hospitality of South Carolina and the dynamic hardworking people who call it home." Ragland also said the distribution center's proximity to the Port of Charleston, where the company imports and exports its products, was a key to choosing the location initially.

EPI Health LLC

March 11, 2022


Investment: $27.5 Million

Specialty pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology

Evening Post Group (“EPG”), a family-owned operating group based in Charleston, South Carolina, is excited to announce the successful sale of EPI Health, LLC to Novan, Inc (NASDAQ: NOVN), a public specialty dermatology company based out of Durham, North Carolina. EPI Health, first acquired by EPG in 2017, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology with various FDA approved medicines through several product acquisitions. EPI Health has become a leader in the space, operating a sales force of approximately 40 employees servicing dermatologists nationwide. The acquisition allows for EPI Health’s product portfolio to continue to address important medical issues alongside Novan’s innovative pipeline. EPG looks forward to watching the company’s next chapter with Novan. The transaction structure includes a closing purchase price of $27.5M consisting of $11M cash and $16.5 million as a 24-month seller note. Additional performance earnouts and specified milestones achieved by EPI Health’s products could increase the total consideration to approximately $50M.

BGRM / Buffalo Groupe LLC

March 8, 2022

Jobs: 25

Headquarters for full-service integrated marketing, media and communications consulting

Buffalo Groupe, LLC acquired Charleston-based full-service marketing firm Rawle Murdy in 2019 and has now decided to bring its entire headquarters to Charleston SC from Reston VA. Simultaneously, Rawle Murdy is rebranding to BGRM as part of its evolution under the Buffalo Groupe -- a "collection of agencies, events, and media properties that authentically serve the escape industries of golf, outdoor recreation, travel, lifestyle, real estate, and active sport." This collection of companies includes Buffalo Agency, BGRM, 54 Brands, Longitudes Group, Morning Read, and Moments Live. Buffalo Groupe is now headquartered in Charleston, SC with company offices in Charlotte, Portland, and Los Angeles. BGRM remains a Charleston-based, full-service integrated communications firm where strategic thinking, branding, content creation and delivery have been helping businesses thrive for nearly 50 years.

Bintelli LLC

March 1, 2022

Jobs: 72
Investment: $.455 Million

Manufacturer of electric-powered scooters, shuttles, street-legal golf carts and other vehicles

The firm is expanding its Charleston County operations at 2137 Savannah Highway in West Ashley to keep up with a growing demand for its recreational products. This most recent expansion has tripled their electric vehicle manufacturing output over the last year. The newest models, which started rolling off the production line in 2020, include features such as an aluminum chassis, Bluetooth sound systems, reverse cameras, LED lighting and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. The expansion is the third for Bintelli, which builds more than 40 customizable electric vehicles as well as parts and accessories that are sold in dealerships nationwide. In addition to its West Ashley plant and showroom, Bintelli has operations in North Charleston and Orangeburg. The company least year ranked No. 4,581 on the annual Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, with 56 percent growth over a three-year period. It was the third time the company has made the list, with previous mentions in 2016 and 2017.

Palmetto

February 24, 2022


Investment: $375 Million

Technology company that works with customers directly and with companies that sell solar panel and energy storage systems to demonstrate utility savings with alternative energy use

Palmetto, a leading clean energy marketplace and technology services platform, today announced it has raised approximately $375 million to accelerate the adoption of residential solar and clean energy independence across the United States. The round was led by Social Capital, with participation from new and existing investors including ArcTern Ventures, Gaingels, Lerer Hippeau, and MacKinnon, Bennett & Co. (MKB). Palmetto will use the funds to invest in growing its marketplace of independent contractors, as well as the technology, people, and resources to maintain and over time grow its overall operating efficiencies in order to expand its addressable market.

MSC USA

February 10, 2022

Jobs: 135
Investment: $13.7 Million

Regional hadquarters for cargo shipping line

MSC USA, the United States cargo shipping arm of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a global leader in transportation and logistics, today announced plans to expand its Charleston County operations. The company will expand its local footprint to a total of more than 500 employees and will add 25,000 square feet to its existing space. "We’re excited about the opportunity of drawing more talent to Mount Pleasant by continuing to invest in our workforce there.” -MSC USA President and CEO Fabio Santucci. MSC USA opened in 1985 and has been serving the U.S. market for over 35 years. With access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources which stretches across the globe, MSC’s shipping line sails on more than 230 trade routes, calling at over 500 ports.

Camgian

February 1, 2022

SaaS powered by data science and artificial intelligence that drives operational speed, scope and scale

Camgian will open an office at the Charleston Tech Center, as an expansion of their current footprint, with headquarters in Starkville, MS, and offices in Tuscaloosa, AL and Nashville, TN. "Charleston represents a unique opportunity in which to expand our presence throughout the South; specifically, in our cognitive computing business where we're working with a number of industrial manufacturers," said Camgian founder and CEO, Gary Butler. "I also believe the recent upswing in migration of tech talent to Charleston can assist us with our hiring needs which include senior and junior positions Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science to name a few," he added. The company expects to add many junior and senior technical positions locally.

Allegiance Flag Supply

January 20, 2022

Jobs: 25
Investment: $1.2 Million

Manufacturer of American flags

Founded in 2018, Allegiance Flag Supply utilizes American-sourced materials to produce high-quality flags that can withstand outside elements. Located at 4213 Scott Street in North Charleston, Allegiance Flag Supply’s expansion will consolidate its operations to include a self-sustainable sew shop and distribution center which packages and ships products across the country. “Every stitch, every hem and every thread in our American flags are proudly made right here in Charleston, S.C.,” said Allegiance Flag Supply Co-Founder Katie Lyon.

First Capital Bank

January 6, 2022

Bank headquarters

First Capital, which has assets of $387 million as of Dec. 31, 2021, has accrued so much interest in South Carolina that the company has moved its headquarters from North Carolina to 304 Meeting St. in Charleston and has converted from a North Carolina state-chartered bank to a South Carolina state-chartered bank. The conversion will have no impact on the bank’s customers, the company said in a news release. “The majority of our growth and assets are in South Carolina, and the Charleston area specifically. We believe converting to a South Carolina-chartered bank and moving the Bank’s headquarters to Charleston will enable us to best serve our customers and shareholders,” First Capital Bank Chairman and CEO Harvey Glick said. The bank has five branches and one loan production office in the Carolinas, including locations in Summerville and a newly opened office in Mount Pleasant. First Capital Bank will remain a subsidiary of First Capital Bancshares, Inc., which is also headquartered in Charleston.

Blackbaud, Inc.

January 3, 2022


Investment: $750 Million

Acquisition of SaaS firm powering corporate ESG (environmental, social and governance) and CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives

Charleston-based Blackbaud, the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today announced it has acquired global social impact technology leader EVERFI, the Washington, D.C.-headquartered pioneer in the field of Impact-as-a-Service™ (IaaS). Together, the companies will be a leading partner to help corporations drive meaningful social impact across a large span of technology-enabled program areas, from community education to volunteering to grantmaking to philanthropy. The acquisition doubles Blackbaud’s total addressable market (TAM) to more than $20 billion.

Back To The Top