South Carolina’s largest businesses

South Carolina’s economic giants

South Carolina is home to some of the largest and most influential businesses in the world. While you might come for the sweet tea and stay for the barbecue, it’s the state’s booming businesses that truly bring home the bacon. These corporate giants provide jobs, fueling the state’s economy. Here are some of the Palmetto State’s biggest and brightest businesses. 

Boeing South Carolina / North Charleston

History: Boeing established its presence in South Carolina in 2009, when it announced the construction of a second final assembly line for the 787 Dreamliner. The facility opened in 2011, marking a significant expansion of Boeing’s production capabilities.

Offerings: Boeing South Carolina specializes in assembling and delivering the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The site also manufactures, assembles and installs systems for the aft (rear) fuselage sections of the Dreamliner. Boeing’s presence in North Charleston has brought thousands of jobs to the region.

Michelin North America / Greenville

History: Michelin, a global leader in tire manufacturing, established its North American headquarters in Greenville in 1985. The company has since expanded its operations, opening multiple production facilities throughout the state.

Offerings: Michelin North America produces a wide range of tires for vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and airplanes. The company’s research and development efforts in Greenville focus on creating tire technologies that improve safety, performance and environmental sustainability.

Denny’s Corp. / Spartanburg

History: Denny’s, originally founded as Danny’s Donuts in California in 1953, relocated its corporate headquarters to Spartanburg in 1991. The company has since been a staple of the American dining experience.

Offerings: Denny’s operates over 1,700 restaurants worldwide, offering a menu that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night options. The brand is known for its all-day breakfast menu and 24/7 service.

BMW Manufacturing Co. / Spartanburg

History: BMW’s Spartanburg plant began production in 1994 and has since become a cornerstone of the state’s manufacturing sector. The facility is BMW’s largest production plant in the world, producing around 1,500 vehicles per day.

Offerings: The Spartanburg plant manufactures several BMW models, including the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7. BMW’s investment in South Carolina has not only boosted the local economy but has also attracted numerous suppliers and related businesses to the area.

Milliken & Company / Spartanburg

History: Milliken, founded in 1865, is one of the largest privately held textile and chemical manufacturers in the world. The company’s headquarters in Spartanburg has been a central hub for its operations and innovations.

Offerings: Milliken produces a diverse range of products, including textiles, specialty chemicals, floor coverings and performance materials.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions / Aiken

History: Established in 2008, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions manages and operates the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, a key facility for the nation’s nuclear defense and environmental management efforts.

Offerings: SRNS is involved in nuclear materials management, environmental cleanup and nuclear energy research. The site plays a critical role in the safe disposal of nuclear waste and the development of new nuclear technologies.

Kraft Heinz Foods Company / Newberry

History: Kraft Heinz, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, operates a significant manufacturing facility in Newberry. This plant has been a vital part of the local economy, providing jobs and supporting the community.

Offerings: The Newberry facility produces a variety of condiments and sauces, including the iconic Heinz ketchup.

GE Power Electronics / Greenville

History: GE Power has a longstanding presence in Greenville, with operations focusing on developing and manufacturing power generation technologies. The company is a global leader in providing equipment, solutions and services across the energy value chain.

Offerings: GE Power Electronics specializes in the production of gas turbines, steam turbines, generators and other power generation equipment. The facility also focuses on research and development to advance energy efficiency and sustainability.

Volvo Car US Operations / Ridgeville

History: Volvo opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Ridgeville in 2018. This facility marked a significant investment in South Carolina, aimed at enhancing Volvo’s production capacity for the North American market.

Offerings: The Ridgeville plant produces the Volvo S60 sedan and will manufacture the next generation of electric vehicles for the company. This facility plays a crucial role in Volvo’s strategy to become a leader in electric mobility.

ZF Transmissions / Gray Court

History: ZF, a global leader in driveline and chassis technology, established its transmission plant in Gray Court in 2012. 

Offerings: The Gray Court plant manufactures advanced automatic transmissions for passenger vehicles. ZF’s innovations in transmission technology focus on improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, aligning with the industry’s shift toward sustainable mobility.

Husqvarna Outdoor Products / Orangeburg

History: Husqvarna, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power products, has a major production facility in Orangeburg. The company has been a key player in the lawn and garden equipment industry for decades.

Offerings: The Orangeburg plant produces a wide range of outdoor products, including chainsaws, trimmers, mowers and garden tractors.