Existing Industry News

"There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happens." -Tommy Lasorda

"To win in the marketplace you must first win in the workplace." American businessman Doug Conant is correct in his recipe for success, and that's exactly what Team South Carolina is doing. As the Palmetto State has transformed into a global leader in advanced manufacturing, we've been able to successfully develop our biggest asset - our workforce.

As the South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance (SCFUSA) celebrates its first year, the program is expanding to offer more opportunities for S.C. companies. The SCFUSA, a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (The Council), South Carolina Department of Commerce and Fraunhofer USA, Inc., works to advance applied research in engineering and technology across the state with Fraunhofer USA Centers and S.C. research institutions. 

The logistics industry is now a $37.2 billion industry in South Carolina. That’s according to the 2020 SC Logistics Economic Impact Study released today by the SC Council on Competitiveness. The study, completed by research economist Dr. Joseph C. Von Nessen, details the overall economic impact, employee wage averages, employment growth and the emphasis on increased technology reliance within the logistics sector. 

As Team South Carolina seeks to build on its expanding global footprint, it’s important to companies that international customers, partners and future clients are able to connect and engage with them. A strong website and online presence are critical to the growth and success of an international business and its brand.

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Those famous words of wisdom by Roman philosopher Seneca translate into how we do business today and illustrate the level of preparedness it takes to compete in the economic development arena.

Through the years, the month of June has marked monumental manufacturing milestones for our state. In June 1992, BMW sent shockwaves across the automotive industry when the company announced its first full manufacturing facility outside of Germany would be located in the Upstate of South Carolina. Today, 28 years later, BMW is celebrating yet another milestone. 

"It may sound strange, but many champions are made champions by setbacks." Those words by American Olympic legend Bob Richards ring true today, as Team South Carolina taps into our state's champion spirit to rebuild and reinvigorate our economy from COVID-19.

A little more than a month ago, LaPorte’s Products in Dorchester County was busy manufacturing boat covers and shades for the marine industry. When COVID-19 began spreading across the country and personal protective equipment (PPE) became hard to access, owner Darren LaPorte knew his homegrown company could answer the call to help. 

“We quickly realized the water resistant, spandex-like material we use for our boat shades would be a favorable fabric for non-medical face masks,” said LaPorte. “Within days, we created our design, trained our team and started producing.”

As South Carolina’s lead economic development agency, the S.C. Department of Commerce is steadfast in our commitment to providing businesses the assistance and resources needed during this uncertain time. We are working with our partner agencies and organizations to continue equipping companies with critical and timely information as we all navigate the impacts of COVID-19.