Industry Sectors
Key Industries in Florence County
Life Sciences
Florence County is a major regional hub for pharmaceutical and life-science companies. More than 600 PhDs in the community offer medical-related businesses a skilled and educated workforce.
Life-science related companies in Florence County include:
- Hoffmann La-Roche (Roche Carolina, Inc.)
- IRIX Pharmaceuticals
- GE Medical Systems
- HealthSouth
- Carolina Hospital System
- McLeod Regional Medical Center
Fabrication & Metalworking
In addition to its cluster of fabrication & metalworking companies, Florence offers superior training in the field at the ESAB Welding & Cutting University, the only accredited American Welding Society certification facility in South Carolina, and at The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing & Technology.
Fabrication/Metalworking companies in Florence County include:
- Honda Manufacturing of South Carolina
- ESAB
- Angus Palm
- Nucor Steel
- Superior Machine
- Southeastern Steel
Distribution/Logistics
Midway between New York and Miami, Florence offers a strategic southeastern location, ideal for distribution and logistics operations. The city provides close proximity and direct highway access to deepwater seaports in Charleston, SC (90 miles), Willmington, NC (100 miles), Savannah, GA (180 miles), and Norfolk, VA (290 miles). What's more, nearly 75% of the nation's population is within a days drive. Excellent rail and air service are also key selling points.
Distribution/Logistics Companies in Florence County:
- QVC
- Johnson Controls
- Institution Food House (IFH)
- W. Lee Flowers
- Fed-Ex
- Pepsi
- Crown Beverages
Key Industries in South Carolina
Aerospace
South Carolina's thriving aviation-related companies span the state and include such industry leaders as Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and 3D Systems.
Automotive
South Carolina has a strong automotive industry, boasting BMW’s only North American assembly plant, Michelin’s North American headquarters and multiple manufacturing facilities, Daimler AG’s newest Sprinter van assembly plant and American LaFrance’s new corporate headquarters and commercial vehicle manufacturing plant. In addition, more than 200 suppliers support automotive companies in the state, including Bosch, Magna International, INA USA, GKN Driveline, Bridgestone Firestone and Pierburg, Inc.
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals
Manufacturing, research and development, and service companies make up South Carolina's growing biotech and pharmaceuticals industry. Prospering companies include ArborGen, Argolyn Bioscience and Martek Biosciences, Bausch & Lomb, Pfizer’s Capsugel, General Electric, GlaxoSmithKline, Holopack, IRIX Pharmaceuticals, Perrigo and Roche.
Distribution
Many companies, including Target, Walgreens, Dollar General, Wal-Mart, International Food House, Shimano and QVC, have chosen South Carolina as a base for their distribution logistics. Among the state's major selling points: easy access to five interstate highways, 54 general aviation airports, major freight services by air, truck and rail, and the second largest container port (Port of Charleston) on the U.S. Atlantic coast.
Food Processing
South Carolina is home to a number of food manufacturers and processors, including Starbucks' first roasting and distribution facility in the Southeast. Also located in the state are H.J. Heinz, Kraft, Nestlé, Pepperidge Farm, Perdue Farms, SOPAKCO and Tyson Foods.
Forestry & Wood Products
South Carolina has more than 270 wood product companies in the state, plus more than 150 pulp, paper and paperboard plants. Over $1 billion of these products are exported. Companies headquartered in the state include Sonoco Products, a global manufacturer of industrial and consumer packaging, Canfor, Flakeboard, Georgia-Pacific, Grant Forest Products, International Paper, MeadWestvaco and Norbord.
Plastics & Chemicals
South Carolina offers a well-established plastics industry, including both materials production and processing. Companies with operations in South Carolina include Fujifilm Manufacturing USA, Inc., 3M, Bayer, BP, Cryovac, DuPont, Eastman Chemical, Nan Ya, Rhodia and Sonoco Products.
Recreation
Honda's assembly plant for ATVs and recreational watercraft is located in South Carolina, as well as a growing number of other businesses including Beneteau, Adidas Group, Shakespeare, Scout Boats, Sea Ray, Famous Craft Boats, Shimano, Talley Rings and Jarrett Rifles.
