Agribusiness

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is pivotal to South Carolina’s economy, accounting for more than 30% of announced economic development investments in 2023 alone. Today, over 1,100 internationally owned operations exist statewide — even for those with locations throughout the world, South Carolina-based operations stand out in helping drive global success.

When a state is rich in natural beauty, from the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to scenic sandy beaches, it’s hard to keep many destinations a secret. The word has long been out that South Carolina is a top stop, with its world-class golf courses and reigning destination cities, to name just a few.

On April 1, 2024, S.C. Commerce named Annie Caggiano the agency’s new Global Business Development director. Caggiano, who is on her second stint with S.C. Commerce and previously served as a business recruitment manager, brings nearly 20 years of economic development experience to the role.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – McEntire Produce, a full-service fresh produce supplier, today announced the continued development of its state-of-the-art facility in Richland County. The company’s $26.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.

Operating in Richland County since 1938, McEntire Produce is a family-owned fresh produce processor, repacker and wholesaler. The company also handles the general processing of lettuce, tomatoes, onions and coleslaw mix for numerous fast-food restaurants.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Luray Peanut Co., a producer of packaged boiled peanuts, today announced plans to expand its operations in Hampton County. The company’s $5.25 million investment will create 16 new jobs.

Luray Peanut Co.’s original recipe and Cajun boiled peanut products are available for purchase in convenience stores, grocery stores and stadiums.

On the heels of a record-setting 2022, economic development throughout South Carolina showed few signs of slowing down in 2023. On Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, S.C. Commerce announced its 2023 recruitment results, highlighted by a total capital investment of $9.22 billion — the second-highest amount in state history.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Tomahawk Processing LLC (Tomahawk Processing) today announced that it will establish meat processing operations in Laurens County. The company’s investment of $5 million will create 26 new jobs.

Tomahawk Processing will build a state-of-the-art, U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected processing plant that will provide beef processing and packing services. It will also provide private label packaging, allowing producers to sell products publicly in South Carolina and other states. 

Carpenters Woodworks and Restoration, a family-owned business specializing in custom woodworking and restoration, today announced an expansion of its operation in Charleston County. The $1.54 million investment will create 20 new jobs.

West Fraser, one of the largest timber producers in North America, today announced it is growing its Newberry County sawmill operations with its third expansion in 10 years. The $17.7 million investment will create 30 new jobs.

Meyn America, LLC (Meyn America), a leading poultry processing solutions company, today announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operations with a distribution facility in Oconee County. The company’s $10.8 million investment will create 25 new jobs.

Meyn America, a subsidiary of Meyn Food Processing Technology B.V., is globally headquartered in the Netherlands. The company partners with renowned poultry processing companies in over 100 countries, providing poultry equipment and systems.