From The Director's Desk I recently attended a Leadership Summit held by the International Economic Development Council. This annual event brings together an array of economic development professionals from across the globe.
Here, we have the opportunity to network and hear from speakers about the latest trends and approaches we as leaders can take to achieve fruitful results in our communities, as well as providing both relevant reflection on how our location is performing, and necessary steps we must take to ensure our team is operating at the highest level.
2019 concluded with eight firms announcing over $308 million in investment and 400 new jobs. More than half of these successes came from companies already residing in York County – National Manufacturing & Fabrication, Honeywell Safety Products, Transaxle Manufacturing of America and New Indy Containerboard– all existing businesses that continue to grow, expand and succeed within our community.
Similarly, 2020 has started out strong with several new projects over the past few months. We feel cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, while also recognizing the potential impacts that world events and election years can bring to growing local economies like ours. I believe York County will remain strong as we are positioned with available buildings, a growing labor supply and an attractive location that balances live, work and play.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” This resonates in York County today as we see so much happening with planning for our future. Whether it’s investing in our infrastructure or supporting quality employers and community projects, all endeavors will have lasting impacts on future generations to come.
Stay tuned in 2020 for more on the topic of planning our future. A collective best effort to ensure York County is now and always -- The Location You Need. The Life You Want.
Sincerely,
– David Swenson, Director of York County Economic Development
Optimized Armor, Inc. establishing new operations in York County Optimized Armor, Inc., an industry-leading armor steel supplier, announced plans to establish operations in York County. The more than $3.7 million investment is expected to create 100 new jobs.
Founded in 2019, Optimized Armor, Inc. provides armored steel to a variety of industries, including defense and security, off-highway equipment manufacturers and transportation vehicle manufacturers. The company is recognized as a leader in the U.S. market for complex bending of specialized, ultra-high-hard armored steel.
"Optimized Armor, Inc. is delighted to be opening our first U.S. operation in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We have experienced tremendous growth across the globe and look forward to continuing to serve our U.S.-based customers out of our new facility. The city of Rock Hill, York County and the South Carolina Department of Commerce are key partners in making this next level of growth a reality. The willingness to support Optimized Armor, Inc. helps ensure a bright future for those that will work with us here and the surrounding community. Optimized Armor, Inc. is looking forward to making Rock Hill, South Carolina our new U.S. home!"”
–Optimized Armor, Inc. Director Simon Hurst
National Machining & Fabrication, Inc. expanding operations in York County National Machining & Fabrication, Inc. (NMF) today announced plans to expand its current operations in York County. The more than $4.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.
With more than 30 years of experience, NMF designs, retrofits, fabricates and welds machine parts, weldments and equipment. The company serves manufacturing equipment suppliers, pulp and paper mills, steel mills, mining operations and many other manufacturers.
NMF utilizes state-of-the-art technology in its fabrication, machining, fiber laser and water jetting processes. Located at 4977 Steele Village Road in Rock Hill, NMF’s new 12,500-square-foot facility will increase the company’s operating capacity to better serve its client base.
"York County is excited to see National Machining & Fabrication, Inc. expand in our community. This company’s commitment to manufacturing is great news and we look forward to continuing to support them in their future endeavors." – York County Council Chairman Michael Johnson
QEMS: Ready for Success in South Carolina EDGE magazine recently spoke with QEMS executives Phuong Nguyen, Chief Executive Officer, and Hannah Pham, Executive Vice President, as well as Quality Manager PJ Marshall about the importance of South Carolina’s training and recruitment programs to the company’s plans for future growth.
York County emerges as one of Charlotte’s hottest submarkets for industrial As reported in 2018 by the Charlotte Business Journal, the Charlotte region is experiencing explosive growth in transportation and warehouse employment. Nowhere in the region has this growth been more evident than in York County.
Fueled by red-hot development, York County continues to lead the way as one of the hottest submarkets for Charlotte area developers.
VIDEO: Road Trip York County:Get to Know the Greenway The Location You Need. The Life You Want. It's not just a tagline. Check out this episode of Road Trip York County put together by our friends at Visit York County. "Get to Know The Anne Springs Close Greenway" walks you through the 2,100-acre nature preserve dedicated by the Close family. The land, nestled into the Town of Fort Mill, was dedicated to the public to forever remain as it is, while the area around it booms with housing and business development.
