When it comes to attracting new industries and advancing economic development, South Carolina has been on a roll. And it’s being noticed on the national level.
South Carolina was recognized with the Gold Shovel Award for its economic development efforts. The annual Gold and Silver Shovel Awards, compiled by Area Development, showcase states and individual projects that bring significant investment and high-quality jobs. Area Development is a leading national publication covering economic development topics such as site selection, facility planning, industry and investment.
The state has business-friendly policies and offers strong incentive packages to companies seeking to locate manufacturing facilities.
As a whole, South Carolina was awarded the Gold Shovel Award for its highly successful economic development efforts. Additionally, the Giti Tire plant win was named Investment Project of the Year by the awards.
Investment Project of the Year
Giti Tire – Chester County, South Carolina
Singapore-based Giti Tire selected Chester County, South Carolina, for a new tire plant that is expected to create 1,700 new jobs over the next decade. Slated to open by the end of 2016, the facility is estimated to make 30,000 tires daily.
Giti Tire is the 10th-largest tire company in the world, and the Chester County plant is the company’s first North American facility. The state awarded Chester County a $38 million grant to attract Giti Tire to the region.
On its own, South Carolina produces the most tires of any state in the United States. In addition to several tire production facilities, South Carolina is growing in appeal to auto manufacturers to establish production facilities.
Gold Shovel Award: State of South Carolina
South Carolina’s diverse transportation infrastructure, strong workforce training programs, and burgeoning reputation as a business-friendly climate is putting the state on the map for attracting new investment and industry.
The state has seen a steady growth in manufacturing jobs, with big names like Volvo, Boeing and BMW fueling the progress.
Read more about the 2015 Gold Shovel Award for South Carolina.
