Investing in Pickens County: A Surge in Business Expansion & Innovation
Easley, S.C. – The economic future of Pickens County is looking incredibly bright, with several businesses poised to make significant investments in the area. A robust surge in business expansion and innovation is on the horizon, promising new job opportunities and economic development in the region.
Carolina Handling’s Major Investment and Expansion
A top integrated material handling solutions company, Carolina Handling, recently announced a notable investment of $23.2 million to enhance its presence in South Carolina. This large investment aims to consolidate its four Upstate South Carolina distribution and logistics centers into one massive, 267,000-square-foot facility in the Speedway Industrial & Technology Park, conveniently located at 3800 Calhoun Memorial Highway in Easley.
With an expected operational date slated for spring 2025, Carolina Handling’s new facility will be home to a warehouse, training center, office space, and customer experience center. The consolidation of operations is projected to create 100 jobs in five years. President and CEO of Carolina Handling, Brent Hillabrand, highlighted how this growth is likely to continue even beyond 2024.
A Boost for Economic Development
In a bid to support the region’s economic development, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development provided a $250,000 Set-Aside grant to Pickens County. These funds are intended to support the expenses related to site preparation and building construction for Carolina Handling’s upcoming facility.
Princeton NuEnergy: Recycling for the Future
In another promising business venture, innovative clean energy company Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) announced an $11 million investment to establish their first South Carolina operation in Chester County. Born out of Princeton University in 2019, the company focuses on recycling lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and manufacturing scraps. The upcoming 25,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2024.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development provided job development credits and a $500,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to support Chester County as part of PNE’s project. Commenting on the development, Harry M. Lightsey III, Secretary of Commerce, hailed PNE’s arrival as an advancement for South Carolina in the sphere of alternative energy.
David Moore & Partners Fuelling Rogue Motion’s Transition
Crossing into the realm of marine businesses, Rogue Motion Boat Sales & Storage is preparing for a big move, facilitated by an over $2 million financing received through David Moore & Partners. This funding will be utilized for the purchase, remodeling, and transition of the boat dealership to its new location. The relocation to 2026 Herbert St. in Charleston is scheduled for July.
