News Summary
In 2024, Greenwood County is experiencing significant economic development, highlighted by a $37 million investment from ES Foundry that promises 500 new jobs. The North Greenwood Industrial Park is set for expansion, while the area sees a booming solar energy sector with a $62 million solar farm planned. Job creation stats indicate a total of 603 jobs this year, the highest in 18 years, showcasing a community-driven push towards sustainable growth and resilience.
Greenwood County Experiences Economic Boom with New Developments and Job Creation in 2024
Greenwood County is buzzing with exciting news! The year 2024 has kicked off a wave of economic opportunities, and folks from all over are feeling the positive vibes. With impressive investments pouring in, new jobs are sprouting up like wildflowers, and the local community is eager to embrace the changes.
Expanding Horizons with ES Foundry
One of the standout highlights of 2024 has been the announcement from ES Foundry. Back in August, they declared plans to expand into Greenwood County with a hefty investment of $37 million. This move is set to transform the former Fuji Film facility, paving the way for around 500 brand-new jobs! By June 2025, residents are expected to gain meaningful employment at this state-of-the-art facility, which aims to be the largest producer of high-quality crystalline silicon photovoltaic solar cells in the United States. Talk about shiny possibilities!
A Thriving Industrial Scene
The excitement doesn’t stop there. The North Greenwood Industrial Park is gearing up for phase two of its construction, which will not only add new entrances but additional buildings as well. This expansion is a clear indicator of the growth potential in the area, catering to even more businesses looking to establish themselves in Greenwood County.
Moreover, Palmetto Sites has doubled its capacity from 200 acres to 500 acres—a bold move that can potentially accommodate five to ten new companies. Now that’s some serious room to stretch out!
A Financial Surge
2024 has proven to be a landmark year for Greenwood County, featuring over $500 million in capital expenditures fueled by six major projects. In fact, this marks the second-highest capital investment ever recorded in the county! This financial boost has not just filled the coffers but has also delivered real opportunities for locals.
Powering Up with Solar Energy
Greenwood County is also investing in our planet’s future with the recent announcement of a $62 million solar farm by Sweetwater Solar. This venture aligns perfectly with the county’s mission to become a leader in solar energy. The expected economic impact of the solar sector in South Carolina is set to skyrocket to nearly $1.4 billion by 2035, creating around 3,315 permanent jobs. The future is indeed looking bright!
Job Creation Statistics in Focus
With all these developments, the job market is absolutely thriving! A total of six projects this year have created 560 new jobs and retained another 43 jobs, bringing the grand total to 603 jobs. That’s the highest number Greenwood County has seen in the last 18 years!
Supporting Our Workforce
While efforts to expand the job market are booming, there was a setback when Ascend Performance Materials announced its closure. However, fear not! Efforts are underway to transition employees to the wonderful opportunities at ES Foundry. This commitment to helping workers find new paths is what community is all about.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Greenwood County Economic Development Department, established in 2020, has already been a game-changer. Since its inception, it has driven a cumulative $1.4 billion in capital investment, resulting in 1,252 jobs created in the community. This magic leads us directly into developments like the $400 million mixed-use project on Lake Greenwood, which will create 103 full-time jobs and bring a vibrant life to the area.
As the community comes together to embrace these exciting changes and investment opportunities, it’s clear that Greenwood County is well on its way to becoming a shining star in economic development. With all these facilities on track and projects in the works, residents can look forward to a future filled with growth, innovation, and fulfilling employment opportunities!
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Greenwood County Sees Half a Billion Dollars Invested in 2024
- Fox Carolina: Greenwood Co. Council Approves Incentives for Development Project
- PR Newswire: ES Foundry Launches New Solar Cell Factory in Greenwood, SC
- Solar Builder: ES Foundry Opens First Pure Play Solar Cell Plant in U.S.
- WSPA: $400M Golf Residential Development Underway on Lake Greenwood
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- Google Search: Greenwood County SC economic development
- Google Scholar: Greenwood County South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenwood County
- Google News: Greenwood County development
