Industries proud to call South Carolina home
With access to infrastructure, a skilled and committed workforce and competitive business incentives, South Carolina supports growth across key industries from automotive and aerospace to life sciences and manufacturing.
South Carolina’s diversified industries
Advanced energy
A diverse energy sector anchored in nuclear leadership and advanced grid innovation, with companies advancing battery and hydrogen technologies and real-world testing through SC NEXUS—supporting reliable, scalable power solutions.
Advanced materials
The advanced materials industry includes nearly 1,000 companies advancing innovation in plastics, composites, optics and advanced textiles. Leaders like e-VAC Magnetics, Michelin and Redwood Materials strengthen supply chains critical to next-generation manufacturing.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry generates a $38.3 billion economic impact and includes major employers like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. More than 500 aerospace and aviation-related companies contribute to a globally competitive industry built on precision and advanced engineering.
Agribusiness
Agribusiness generates a $51.8 billion economic impact, with leading companies like E. & J. Gallo Winery and Nissin Foods contributing to a diverse and growing industry. Supported by a temperate climate and 22,500 farms, South Carolina offers strength across food production, processing and agribusiness innovation.
Automotive & EV
The automotive and EV industry has attracted more than $13 billion in announced capital investment since 2016, with major vehicle manufacturers helping drive innovation in electrification, mobility and next-generation vehicle production. Examples include passenger vehicle OEMs BMW, Volvo and Scout Motors and commercial vehicle OEMs Mercedes-Benz, Oshkosh and Isuzu.
Corporate headquarters & professional services
South Carolina is a strategic location for corporate headquarters and professional services, combining the business environment companies need to grow with the quality of life that helps attract and retain executive talent.
Distribution & logistics
Distribution and logistics is a strategic advantage in South Carolina, where deepwater port access and multimodal connectivity support the speed, scale and reach global commerce demands. With 65% of the U.S. population within 1,000 miles, companies can reach major markets with efficiency.
Life sciences
Life sciences generates $20.1 billion in annual economic impact and includes more than 2,600 companies, with industry anchors like Arthrex, Thermo Fisher Scientific and ZEUS advancing innovation in medical technology, research and biomanufacturing.
Manufacturing
South Carolina is a manufacturing leader, with advanced manufacturing capabilities supporting precision production, automation and advanced processes. Nearly 14% of the private sector workforce is employed in manufacturing, reflecting the industry’s deep impact on jobs, communities and economic opportunity statewide. Home to global manufacturers including Bosch, Michelin, 3M and Sonoco.
Research & development
South Carolina is advancing research and development across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, energy, technology and other emerging industries. The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) helps connect startups, research institutions and private industry with the resources to accelerate product development and commercialization.
Technology
South Carolina’s technology sector continues to expand as companies like Google, Red Ventures and Blackbaud invest in the area and the demand for software, cybersecurity, data and emerging technology solutions is on the rise.
Industry support & development
By providing unmatched access to technical talent, coordinated incentives, research partnerships and development-ready sites, SC works to accelerate investment.
Featured success story
“South Carolina is a great place to work — and be, and live.”
Melanie McLane, Director of Human Resources at Arthrex Manufacturing
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