AESC Expanding Florence County Electric Vehicle Gigafactory

AESC, a leading electric vehicle battery technology company, announced Dec. 12, 2023, the expansion of its state-of-the-art battery cell facility in Florence County.

The $810 million investment will create 450 jobs, according to Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

Expected to be complete by 2026, the new commitment follows AESC’s initial announcement in December 2022 of $810 million and 1,170 jobs, resulting in a total investment of $1.62 billion and 1,620 new jobs, according to state officials.

As part of a multi-year partnership with BMW, AESC will supply technology-leading battery cells to be used in the next generation electric vehicle models produced at Plant Spartanburg.

Officials said the advanced battery format will result in 20 percent more energy density than the current generation, reduce charging time, and increase range and efficiency for electric vehicles by 30 percent.

The company will expand its existing facility that is under construction — located in the more than 1,000-acre Florence Global Technology and Commerce Park — to bolster production capabilities and help accelerate the U.S.’ shift to electric vehicles.

“Our partnership with Florence County and the State of South Carolina has exceeded our expectations and we are proud to commit to creating additional high value jobs for this great community for years to come," said AESC US Managing Director Jeff Deaton. 

Deaton added, "As we continue to make significant strides towards the development of high-performance, longer-range batteries to propel the EV transition in the U.S., we are excited to have Florence County as a partner on this journey with us.” 

Said McMaster: "AESC's continued investment in South Carolina is a testament to the business-friendly environment we've fostered, which has helped to solidify our place as the premier destination for electric vehicle companies to call home."

He added, "I look forward to the transformative impact that AESC's historic investments will have on not only the Pee Dee but all of South Carolina.” 

At meetings on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, 2023, the Joint Bond Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority authorized issuance of up to an additional $50 million in state general economic development bonds in support of the expanded project to offset the costs of additional off-site infrastructure and site preparation, subterranean construction support, and an expanded training center.

The state’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development also awarded job development credits related to the project.

Those interested in joining the AESC team should go to readySC’s recruitment website to explore opportunities.

Companies interested in becoming a supplier for the company should complete S.C. Commerce’s online interest form.

NOVA Infrastructure Fund I Completes Eighth Platform Investment With Acquisition of A&R Bulk-Pak

NOVA Infrastructure, a middle-market infrastructure investment firm, announced the acquisition of A&R Bulk-Pak, a South Carolina-based provider of contract packaging, transloading, warehousing, and other supply chain services for the petrochemical industry.

Officials said the strategic investment positions A&R to usher in its next stage of growth and continue to serve leading global chemical providers.

“Over the past decade, the Port of Charleston has been one of the fastest-growing export hubs for the North American chemicals industry, and A&R has grown into a leading provider of critical supply chain solutions during that time,” said Allison Kingsley, founder and partner of NOVA Infrastructure.

Kingsley added, “We believe this industry will continue to be a leading exporter into large and high-growth global end markets, and we are excited to support A&R as it expands its service offerings, grows its market footprint and further entrenches its long-term customer relationships.”

Located 26 miles from the Port of Charleston in Moncks Corner, S.C., A&R operates a 240,000-square-foot warehouse that features two high-speed automated packaging lines, rail access to the CSX main-line, and onsite storage for over 120 railcars.

The facility primarily focuses on transloading and packaging polyethylene pellets for a blue-chip customer base comprised of chemicals producers and trading houses.

In tandem with the acquisition, A&R has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Harbor Logistics, a portfolio company of NOVA. Harbor is a leading provider of transportation, logistics and warehousing services in Charleston, S.C.

Officials said the agreement aligns Harbor, A&R and NOVA as long-term partners to deliver a broader suite of comprehensive supply chain solutions in North America.

The partnership will use each company’s resources, operational capabilities, and experience to develop, construct, finance and operate specialized logistics infrastructure across North America, the officials said.

NOVA and Harbor Logistics were advised on the transaction by Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O. and Jones Day.

A&R was advised by IMG Business Advisors and legal counsel was provided by Brown Moskowitz & Kallen, P.C. and The Law Office of Joshua F. Laff.

Tomahawk Processing Establishing Operations in Laurens County

Tomahawk Processing LLC said it will establish meat processing operations in Laurens County.

The company’s investment of $5 million will create 26 new jobs, according to Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

Tomahawk Processing will build a state-of-the-art, U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected processing plant that will provide beef processing and packing services.

It will also provide private label packaging, allowing producers to sell products publicly in South Carolina and other states.

The company will be located at 5336 Metric Road in Laurens. Operations are expected to be online in the first quarter of 2025.

Those interested in joining Tomahawk Processing should email [email protected].

McShane to Build 262-unit Multi-family Community in Greenville, SC

McShane Construction Company has been selected by repeat client Flournoy Development Group to build a 262-unit multi-family community in Greenville, S.C. 

Located at the intersection of Pelham and Boiling Springs roads, the development will integrate five four-story residential buildings on a nine-acre site. Ten of the units will be live/work spaces.

Residents will have access to more than 8,000 square feet of amenity space including a clubhouse with a business lounge, club room, mail room, and fitness center.

Adjacent to the club room there will be a courtyard with an outdoor pool and amenity deck. A separate maintenance building will house a car wash and a pet wash. 

McShane is performing site work at the property, including hazardous material abatement and demolition of existing structures. 

Completion of the development is slated for December 2025.

The Post and Courier Greenville reported last year the property, once home to a church and a few residential homes, sold for $5 million, and Flournoy was behind the project coming to the land across from the QuikTrip gas station in the Pelham Road corridor.

The Post and Courier also reported the property was originally sold to Winston-Salem, N.C., grocery store chain Lowes Foods.

The grocer ended up not building on the land and, instead, set up shop in the former BI-LO down the street in the Milestone Plaza shopping center at 3619 Pelham Road.

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