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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

I-77 International Megasite Poised to be Manufacturing Hub in Fairfield County, South Carolina

01/16/2019
Officials from local and state economic development agencies are poised for the 1,500 acre I-77 International Megasite 20 miles north of Columbia in Fairfield County, South Carolina. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs in the central part of the Palmetto State.

“The work to attract that one mega-manufacturer for our Megasite is now officially underway,” Ty Davenport, Director of Fairfield County Economic Development said. “We’re thrilled about the potential impact this industrial development will have on our community and beyond.”

According to the I-77 Alliance, which markets the I-77 corridor for Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Richland and York counties, the 1,500-acre site was recently acquired by Fairfield County in partnership with the S.C. Department of Commerce and is designed for use by a single occupant. The master plan calls for more than 9-million square feet under roof, along with a rail spur, electrical substation, and million-gallon water tank.

“State and local officials are targeting their marketing of the International Megasite toward landing an operation such as; a major automotive supplier looking to take advantage of easy access to multiple interstate highways, air hubs in Charlotte and Columbia, and the Port of Charleston,” officials said.

A civilian labor force of nearly 850,000 people, and more than 20 vocational and technical training opportunities, are within an hour’s drive or less, I-77 Alliance officials noted.

“The International Megasite is ready to represent the next chapter in the Palmetto State’s record of building a major presence in the transportation manufacturing space, including automotive and aerospace. When this property is a thriving workplace, the benefits will be felt across South Carolina,” said S.C. Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“We’re excited to begin marketing the International Megasite. Competitive incentives, a ready and willing workforce and proximity to Charlotte and Columbia, both known for their outstanding lifestyle, entertainment and educational opportunities, is going to make this a great home for a world-class manufacturer,” said Rich Fletcher, President & CEO of the SC I-77 Alliance.

Davenport said “we’re working with the Department of Commerce to attract a single employer large enough to be game-changer that will be employing people from Fairfield County and beyond. There are very few sites like this in South Carolina, or across the Southeast right now.

In his website blog he noted, “we have a solid manufacturing history. In fact, 14% of Fairfield County’s workforce is employed in some form of manufacturing. Companies located in our county tell us that they enjoy the lower costs associated with a rural county, but have the benefit of a large talented labor force with a track record in manufacturing. In addition to our existing labor pool, it is easy to recruit employees from elsewhere.”

The site has previously received The South Carolina Department of Commerce’s “Certified” designation.

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