Author: AndersonCountyECD

Techtronic Industries Expanding Operations

Techtronic Industries Logo

Techtronic Industries expanding operations in Anderson County

$100 million investment will create 525 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Techtronic Industries (TTI), a global leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of quality consumer, professional and industrial products, today announced plans to expand its operations in Anderson County. The $100 million investment will create 525 new jobs over the next several years.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Hong Kong, TTI has continuously expanded around the world through organic growth and acquisitions and is a recognized world leader in designing and manufacturing a variety of power tools, outdoor products and accessories for both residential and industrial clients. The company provides products from brands such as Milwaukee®, AEG®, Ryobi®, Homelite®, Hoover®, Oreck®, Vax® and Dirt Devil®.

Located at 100 Innovation Way in Anderson, TTI’s expansion will include a new 1 million-square-foot manufacturing plant and warehouse to support production and assembly operations. The expansion will also include a reconditioning plant.

The expansion is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2022. Individuals interested in joining the TTI team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

QUOTES

“This is a significant step in our continued growth and evolution as a company. This will be a world class manufacturing and warehousing facility – to support our ever-expanding outdoor product and power tool businesses. We certainly appreciate the support of the state of South Carolina and Anderson County to help make it possible for us to continue to invest in facilities, people and innovative product in Anderson.” –Outdoor Products Group President Lee Sowell 

“This investment by TTI in Anderson County is further proof that South Carolina is an important hub for international business. These 525 new jobs will make a big impact in the Palmetto State, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this great company’s continued growth here.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Team South Carolina works hard every day to cultivate a pro-business environment so companies like TTI can be successful. Congratulations to this great company on their $100 million investment that will create 525 new jobs for South Carolinians. We look forward watching them continue to succeed for years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“We are truly fortunate to have Techtronic Industries as a partner in our community. Major expansion announcements like this help show the world the degree of trust that several multinational corporations have placed in our local workforce, and I couldn’t be more proud than I am today of our county and our people.” –Anderson County Council District Four Vice Chairman Brett Sanders

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Techtronic Industries (TTI) is expanding operations in Anderson County.
  • The $100 million investment will create 525 new jobs.
  • TTI was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Hong Kong.
  • Located at 100 Innovation Way in Anderson, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the TTI team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

The Shores of Asbury Groundbreaking Scheduled

Shores of Asbury

The Shores of Asbury groundbreaking set for November 10th at 11 a.m.

The Lake Hartwell Development Group is so excited to be working with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and Anderson County to bring a multi-use recreational RV Resort to Lake Hartwell in Anderson County.

The Shores of Asbury will be home to Anderson County’s first RV Resort with treehouses, yurts, cabin rentals, primitive camping, a waterfront grill, Firefly landing wedding venue, and a water park we have named, The Aqua Zone.

Lake Hartwell Development Group wants all other campgrounds and restaurants around the lake to know, we are here to offer another venue for families to be able to enjoy family time together during these times of COVID. We embrace working with others already on the lake to strengthen the tourism and recreational pull for Lake Hartwell and Anderson County; thus, providing recreation, jobs and a boost to the local economy for all of us.

Although, the Lake Hartwell Development Group has our own builders and grounds crews, we will be providing jobs by working with local contractors to get this project up and running by Spring of 2021.

We will have a sign unveiling and offer promotions to acquire Shore Bucks to be used in our Park. Also, we will have door (gate) prizes and time to introduce the individuals who are making this exciting venture possible.

Join us November 10th at 11 a.m. at The Shores of Asbury!

Groundbreaking Location:

The Shores of Asbury – 1600 Asbury Park – Anderson, SC 29625

 

MEDIA CONTACT:      Rusty Burns, Administrator

                                    864.844.5700 | rburns@andersoncountysc.org

###

Anderson County Unemployment Rate Continues to Decline

Anderson County Unemployment Declines

SCDEW today released the monthly employment situation report for September 2020.  Here are the reported numbers for Anderson County:

VS LAST MONTH

 

LF

EMP

UNEMP

RATE

Sep-20

93,948

90,088

3,860

4.1%

Aug-20

94,650

89,018

5,632

6.0%

CHANGE

(702)

1,070

(1,772)

 

The unemployment rate showed an encouraging decline from 6.0% in August to 4.1% now, driven by the addition of 1,070 jobs for county residents over the month.   Please note also, though, that the total labor force declined by 702 during the month as well.

What we’re seeing here (increased employment, decrease in labor force) generally agrees in principle with what we usually observe from August to September; however, in this case the changes are a bit more extreme than what we would see under what might pass for normal conditions.  All things being equal, I would have expected an increase in employment of between 600 and 700 accompanied by a decline in labor force of about 200.

Using the comparison against last year method, total employment in Anderson County is up by 571 versus September 2019, so that seems to indicate we are still on our way towards getting “caught up” from the COVID-induced strains on the economy; however, we are not there yet and still have some ways to go. 

To put in practical terms—things are still rather unsettled out there. 

Our community’s numbers seem to mirror what is going on throughout the Upstate.  Our regional numbers are, in general, on par with or better than those observed statewide and in other regions across the Palmetto State.  The state’s full report can be accessed here: https://www.dew.sc.gov/docs/default-source/press-releases/september-2020-press-release-final.pdf?sfvrsn=95e64888_0.

Gov. Henry McMaster Announces Minority, Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Grant Application Start

SC Governor McMasters

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. McMaster today announced that two new South Carolina CARES Act grant programs, the Minority and Small Business Relief Grant Program and the Nonprofit Relief Grant Program, will begin accepting applications on Monday, October 19, 2020. The programs will provide financial reimbursement to South Carolina’s small businesses and nonprofits for COVID-19 related financial or operational impacts. 

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of South Carolina’s economy, and many small businesses have been financially devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “These grants will help keep the doors open at many of our small businesses and will invigorate and accelerate our economic recovery. I encourage every single eligible small business and nonprofit to use resources available through accelerateSC to be prepared to apply for the program with it opens Monday.”

The Minority and Small Business Relief Grant Program will reimburse qualified recipients from $2,500 to $25,000. To qualify, minority and small businesses must employ 25 or fewer employees and be physically located in South Carolina. A full list of grant eligibility requirements can be found here

The Nonprofit Relief Grant Program will reimburse qualified recipients from $2,500 to $50,000. To qualify, nonprofits must be designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by the Internal Revenue Service, be registered as a public charity with the South Carolina Secretary of State, and be physically located in South Carolina. A full list of grant eligibility requirements can be found here, on accelerateSC’s website. 

The online application process for both grants will open Monday, Oct. 19, and run through Sunday, Nov. 1. At that time, the application can be accessed here. For help with the application process contact the SC Cares Call Center at 803-670-5170 or by email at SCCares@admin.sc.gov

Duke Energy Foundation Awards Anderson County a $50,000 Nature Grant

Duke Energy Foundation Grant Awarded To Anderson County

Today, Anderson County received a Duke Energy Foundation Nature Grant Program, which awards South Carolina organizations funding for environmental projects, wildlife conservation efforts, and environmental educational programs. Anderson County is one of 11 awardees (and the only county or municipal entity) to receive the 2020 Duke Nature Grant program.

Anderson County was awarded a $50,000 grant that will support the installation of an ADA-accessible kayak launch and landing at Dolly Cooper Park, located on the Saluda River in Powdersville. The new kayak launch will provide a secondary river access point at the park and will be supported by a 1,200-foot long shared-use “River Walk” path. In combination with an existing kayak launch located upriver on the park grounds, this improvement will allow convenient point-to-point access to a ¼ mile length of the Saluda for kayakers, rafters, tubers, and swimmers— all without users having to leave the facility grounds.

“We cannot thank our friends at the Duke Energy Foundation enough for their support. The Foundation’s assistance has been a key part of Anderson County’s efforts to establish recreational facilities that serve the heart of the Saluda River Blue Trail, and I am proud to have them as our partner.” – Councilman Jimmy Davis

Tactical Medical Solutions LLC expanding operations in Anderson County

Tactical Medical Solutions LLC, a global leading developer and manufacturer of pre-hospital medical products and patient simulators, today announced plans to expand operations in Anderson County. The company’s more than $1.7 million investment is projected to create 21 new jobs.

Founded in 2003, Tactical Medical Solutions LLC supplies customized kits and emergency response supplies to support federal agencies, law enforcement and medical personnel nationwide and internationally. The company has more than 2,000 products available and a presence in 70 countries around the world.

Located at 1250 Harris Bridge Road in Anderson, Tactical Medical Solutions LLC’s expansion will enable the company to increase capacity to meet growing demand and increase its research and development capabilities.

The expansion is completed and operational. Individuals interested in joining the Tactical Medical Solutions LLC team should visit https://www.tacmedsolutions.com/Contact-us.  

QUOTES

“We are excited to expand our facility in Anderson to allow us to better serve our customers and provide quality employment opportunities to our community. Anderson provides a great place for businesses and families to grow together. The business-friendly environment and high-quality workforce has further secured our commitment to the county.” – Tactical Medical Solutions LLC Founder and Co-Chairman Ross Johnson

“It’s always a reason to celebrate when an existing company expands within our borders. Tactical Medical Solutions LLC’s decision to grow its Palmetto State operations is a win for the company and for our entire state, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this company will continue to make in the local community.” – Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina’s world-class workforce and positive business climate have made our state the ideal location for industry, and, as a result, the manufacturing sector in our state continues to thrive. Tactical Medical Solutions LLC’s Anderson County expansion is a testament to that, and I look forward to watching them succeed here for many years to come.” – Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“The societal benefits of this new cutting-edge medical equipment, created and manufactured right here in Anderson, are so vast they cannot be measured. Thanks to this next-generation healthcare technology, medical practitioners around the globe will have access to the most advanced medical training methods and can develop the skills necessary to save lives and help their communities. It is very gratifying to know that our workforce and our people played a major role in bringing this life-saving technology to the world.” – Anderson County Council Vice-Chair Brett Sanders

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Tactical Medical Solutions LLC is expanding operations in Anderson County.
  • The company’s more than $1.7 million investment is projected to create 21 new jobs.
  • The company is a global leading developer and manufacturer of pre-hospital medical gear.
  • Located at 1250 Harris Bridge Road in Anderson, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Tactical Medical Solutions LLC team should visit https://www.tacmedsolutions.com/Contact-us

USACE Redevelopment of Asbury Park Project Public Meeting

USACE Redevelopment of Asbury Park

Anderson County is seeking public comment on the redevelopment of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) campground, formerly known as Asbury Park. Comment period will close on September 9, 2020. A public presentation will be held on August 27, 2020 form 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Anderson Civic Center, 3027 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Anderson, SC 29625.

For many years Anderson County Council has received community requests for quality development on Lake Hartwell. In an effort to foster development Anderson County approached the USACE Hartwell Project Office in January 2019 concerning recreational development on Hartwell Lake. The specific request concerned the possibility of redeveloping the long closed Asbury Park and Campground. In April 2019 Anderson County issued a request for proposal (RFP) using the process as described in the Anderson County procurement ordinance seeking a third party development group (developer) that would work with Anderson County in the redevelopment of Asbury Park and Campground, a USACE property. In June 2019 Lake Hartwell Development Group, LLC was selected by the County to be the development partner with Anderson County.

The RFP indicated that Anderson County would request a lease agreement from USACE for the purpose of creating a sub-lease with a developer. The County and the developer are required to meet all USACE rules and regulations for development of facilities on USACE owned property.

In June 2019 Anderson County began the request process to USACE through the USACE Hartwell Project Office. There are multiple USACE requirements that must be checked, verified and approved. These requirements include environmental testing, threatened and endangered species, historical and archeological surveys and a market feasibility study; this has been done in collaboration with the USACE Hartwell Project and Savannah District team.

We look forward to your comments. To submit comments, please call (864)260-4386 or email, economicprojects@andersoncountysc.org.

Rooker Invests $22M in the Pelzer Point Development

Rooker to break ground on $22,000,000 speculative industrial real estate development in Anderson County, SC

Construction is set to begin August 5 on Pelzer Point Commerce Center, a 212,500-square-foot speculative industrial development in Anderson County, South Carolina. Rooker’s total investment in the Pelzer Point development is projected to be $22,000,000 at full build-out. Rooker expects to complete construction of Pelzer Point Building One in the 3rd quarter of 2021.

The companies that occupy Pelzer Point Building One will benefit from the lowest property taxes in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson (Upstate South Carolina) industrial market. Thanks to a Fee in Lieu of Tax agreement passed by Anderson County to attract high-quality employers, Rooker estimates that Pelzer Point property taxes will be $0.45 to $0.65 per square foot lower than similar properties in Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg Counties.

When complete, Pelzer Point Building One will be Anderson County’s first speculative, Class A industrial development with I-85 frontage. The facility will be less than a two-minute drive from I-85 Exit 32 in a location adjacent to Jeff Martin Auctioneers. Pelzer Point is highly visible to more than ±68,500 passers-by daily on I-85, the main transportation artery connecting Anderson to Greenville, SC, Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC.

Rooker and Colliers believe that Anderson County’s strong labor pool will be a major factor in attracting new manufacturing, logistics and distribution companies to Pelzer Point. In recent years, Anderson County has successfully recruited major investments from companies like Arthrex, a Florida-based medical device manufacturer. The area has also seen significant expansions from companies like TTI, which recently took occupancy of its new 375,000-square-foot Innovation Center on Ryobi Drive and Electrolux, which is currently undergoing a $200-million expansion on Masters Boulevard.

“The Pelzer Point project will help fill a major need in our region for this type of commercial space,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. “Furthermore, the logistics and distribution services to be provided by the development will provide crucial support for numerous enterprises operating in our community.”

Increased demand for distribution and warehousing space along the I-85 corridor is a driver for speculative development in this area, which already has a strong industrial base anchored by users such as Walgreens, Bosch, Plastic Omnium and Michelin. Pelzer Point Commerce Center is located within a 15-minute drive of major industrial users in Greenville at SCTAC (formerly the Donaldson Center).

“We have been working for years to find the right site for this kind of investment in Anderson County, and we are excited to be starting construction on our first speculative Class A project,” said John Rooker, CEO of Rooker. “Rusty Burns, Burriss Nelson and their Anderson County colleagues have been great to work with so far. We look forward to working as a team with Anderson County and Colliers to bring new employers and high-quality jobs to Pelzer Point.”

The facility will feature 212,500 square feet of Class A industrial space with 32’ ceiling heights, rear-load orientation, 50 dock doors and office space to suit. In addition to Building One, Pelzer Point Commerce Center includes a second building pad which can accommodate up to 187,000 square feet for either build-to-suit or speculative development.

“We are pleased to welcome Pelzer Point Commerce Center to our Anderson County family,” said Anderson County Council District Six Representative Jimmy Davis. “The professionals at Colliers International have done a fine job planning this facility, and I am sure it will be a major driver of economic activity throughout the region for years to come.”

“Anderson County is a great location for industrial development,” said Brockton Hall, SIOR, Senior Brokerage Associate with Colliers International. “The market benefits from a fantastic manufacturing base and a pro-business mindset which has created a lot of demand for industrial space over the last couple of years. We’ve seen new users come into the market as well as continued investment and expansions from existing industries. This has resulted in declining vacancy which puts Pelzer Point in a great position to take advantage of growing demand. Continued demand for logistics and distribution space along I-85 will also be a driver for activity. We’re excited about the Pelzer Point opportunity and continuing to work with Rooker and Anderson County to bring new investment to the local community.”

Rooker is a full-service real estate development, design and construction management firm specializing in industrial manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and government office projects. The company has developed more than 500 sites and has more than 50 million square feet of construction and development to its credit. Since its original development project in 1968, Rooker has evolved into a trusted turn-key real estate development firm by carefully understanding the goals of the client and consistently exceeding client expectations.

The firm has developed multiple facilities in the Upstate of South Carolina including Spartan Ridge Logistics Center, a 559,000-square-foot industrial development in Spartanburg, and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Hearing Operations (OHO) in Greenville which completed in 2018.

The Colliers industrial team has proven experience advising development clients in the Upstate of South Carolina and will leverage its local relationships, network of regional experts and the Colliers national platform to find the right tenant for this location.

Sargent Metal Expanding Operations in Anderson County

Sargent Metal Fabricators, Inc. (Sargent Metal), a custom metal fabrication company, today announced plans to expand operations in Anderson County. The company’s $9.5 million investment will create 50 new jobs over the next five years.

Recently celebrating 45 years in business, Sargent Metal provides precision metal fabrication, welding, powder coating and assembly services to leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in a variety of markets.

Located at 5500 Airport Road in Anderson, Sargent Metal’s 80,000-square-foot expansion will allow the company to increase capacity to meet growing customer demand. This investment will expand Sargent Metal’s current precision fabrication equipment base with a new fiber laser cutting and material handling system. The expansion also includes additional assembly areas and a 1,200-foot automated powder coating system.

The expansion is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022. Individuals interested in joining the Sargent Metal team should visit www.sargentmetal.com/contact.

QUOTES

“We are proud to be a family-owned business born in Anderson, S.C. and are excited for this new phase in the growth of Sargent Metal. We look forward to the creation of new job opportunities for our community and additional capabilities with which to serve our customers with excellence.” -Sargent Metal President & CEO Tim Hayden

“It’s exciting to see a local, family-owned company like Sargent Metal grow here in South Carolina. The company’s decision to invest and create 50 new jobs in Anderson County is a reason to celebrate in the local community, and we look forward to watching this company continue to grow and thrive.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina continues to build on its success in the manufacturing sector, and Sargent Metal’s decision to invest $9.5 million in our state will provide yet another boost. Today’s announcement is further testament that South Carolina’s business-friendly climate is perfect for businesses, both new and existing, to succeed.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Sargent Metal has been an integral part of our business community for more than 45 years, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the news of their latest announcement. We congratulate them on this expansion and thank them for the confidence they have shown in our community.” -Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Sargent Metal Fabricators, Inc. (Sargent Metal) is expanding S.C. operations in Anderson County.
• The $9.5 million investment is projected to create 50 new jobs over the next five years.
• Sargent Metal is a precision metal fabrication company.
• The company recently celebrated 45 years in business.
• Individuals interested in joining the Sargent Metal team should visit www.sargentmetal.com/contact.

Dolly Cooper Park Construction Taking Place Over Coming Weeks

Dolly Cooper Park New Construction

Anderson County, S.C. (June 26, 2020) – Hon. Jimmy Davis, Anderson County Councilman for District Six, advises County residents that several projects are underway to improve Dolly Cooper Park.

County officials thank the public for its patience during the next several weeks, which may see disruption to the normal flow of activity at Dolly Cooper Park.

###