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Greenville Business Magazine

The Business Narrative: Company Expansion

Aug 31, 2022 01:18PM ● By David Dykes

Nucor Corporation Expanding in Berkeley County

Nucor Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers of steel and steel products in North America, announced plans on Aug. 30, 2022, to expand operations in Berkeley County. 

The Charlotte-based company is investing $200 million over the next five years, according to the Governor’s Office and state officials.

With roots dating back to 1905, Nucor manufactures a variety of products including carbon and alloy steel; hollow structural tubing; electrical conduit; precision castings; and more. 

The company’s products serve the agriculture, automotive and energy industries along with various others.

Located at 1455 Old Hagan Ave. in Huger, Nucor’s expansion will include the construction of an air separation unit (ASU) for the purpose of supplying industrial gases to the mill’s steelmaking operations, according to state officials.

When complete, the ASU will be operated by UIG, LLC, a Nucor wholly owned subsidiary that specializes in industrial gas supply and services. 

The project will allow Nucor – through UIG, LLC – to produce and supply all the gases needed for the steel mill from the new Nucor-owned facility, both now and into the future, state officials said.

The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. 

The state’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with project-related costs.

“Nucor acquired UIG, LLC in 2019 so that we would have the capability to design, build and operate our own air separation units, giving us an alternative to long-term service contracts with outside providers,” said Nucor Steel Berkeley Vice President and General Manager Mike Lee. 

“We are proud of our company’s long-time partnership with the state of South Carolina, and we are excited to continue to invest in the state where Nucor first began operating nearly 60 years ago.” 

“Once again, we’re excited to watch Nucor grow its footprint within our state. This sends a signal to other businesses that South Carolina is a great place to locate and find long-term success,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.  


SCRA Announces New Members, Grant Funding

Heron Farms and FaithStreet were accepted as South Carolina Research Authority Member Companies and received new grant funding.

All SCRA member companies receive coaching, access to experts in SCRA’s Resource Partner Network, eligibility to apply for grant funding, and the potential to be considered for investment from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc.

Heron Farms Inc. has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company and received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Charleston-based startup operates the world’s first indoor saltwater vertical farm.

SCRA officials said Heron Farms employs predictive software and cutting-edge data collection and analysis methods to manage and monitor variables including water salinity, carbon dioxide, growth cycles, and yield.

FaithStreet Inc. has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company and received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Charleston-based startup is a congregation engagement platform for faith communities and nonprofits.

FaithStreet’s app offers innovative online and mobile giving solutions and includes a directory of over 300,000 churches of all denominations across the United States.

Grant funding is made possible, in part, by the Industry Partnership Fund contributions that fuel the state’s innovation economy.

Contributors to the IPF receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit.


Duke Energy Names New Foundation President

Duke Energy announced Amy Strecker as president, Duke Energy Foundation.

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work.

Strecker will focus on Duke Energy's philanthropic strategy that creates positive outcomes for the company and the communities it serves as well as employee engagement programs.

Strecker joined the company in 2010 and most recently led the company's North Carolina philanthropy.

Before joining Duke Energy, she worked in public policy, focusing on affordable higher education, and was an English teacher with Teach for America.

Strecker starts her new role Sept. 1 and will be based in Charlotte.

The foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars.


Anderson University Mourns Loss of Philanthropist, Honorary Alumnus and Lifetime University Trustee Dr. Melvin Younts

Anderson University President Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D., on Aug. 30, 2022, issued the following statement on the passing of South Carolina philanthropist and friend of the university, Dr. Melvin Younts:

“Anderson University mourns the loss of our great friend, Dr. Melvin Younts. The AU campus community is praying earnestly for the Younts family even as together we celebrate the life of this remarkable man to whom we owe such a debt of gratitude.”

Whitaker added, “Words are not sufficient to fully explain the enormous impact Dr. Younts has had not only on Anderson University, but throughout South Carolina. Together, he and his late wife, Dollie Isgett Younts, supported numerous charitable causes in his home state.

"Simply put, the world is a better place for Melvin and Dollie Younts having lived in it and invested in it. They changed countless lives for the better because of their selflessness and commitment to leaving a legacy that will last for generations."

Younts, a noted South Carolina attorney, investor, philanthropist and Anderson University lifetime trustee, died August 27, 2022, at the age of 93. 

Younts was a 1950 graduate of Furman University and 1952 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. He was a retired attorney of the firm Younts, Alford, Brown and Goodson and succeeded in a variety of business endeavors including real estate development.

Younts was preceded in death by his wife, Dollie, in 2018, and their daughter, Kerry Ann Younts Culp, in 1996.

They were members of First Baptist Church of Fountain Inn.

Dr. Younts is survived by four sons Kemp, Joe, David, and Laney. The Younts' grandchildren include graduates of Anderson University. 

A longtime resident of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Younts made countless charitable gifts to Christian non-profit organizations, including a recent $3 million challenge gift to Anderson University to begin a Division II football program in the South Atlantic Conference. 

In consideration of that gift, Anderson’s football stadium will be known as The Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium.


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