Sandvik Coromant Making $29 Million Expansion in Oconee County

Sandvik Coromant, a tooling solutions supplier, announced it is expanding operations in Oconee County. The $29.4 million investment will improve the company’s Westminster production facility.

Part of Sandvik, a global industrial engineering group, Sandvik Coromant produces carbide inserts and round tools used in the metal cutting industry. The company’s Oconee County operation manufactures more than 2,300 standard article and customized carbide inserts.

The investment will provide updated machinery and automation processes to Sandvik Coromant’s world-class carbide manufacturing facility located at 2424 Sandifer Blvd. in Westminster.

“Oconee County has been our home since 2002,” said Sandvik Coromant Production Unit Director Arun Pattanik. “Sandvik Coromant’s Westminster site is the company’s state-of-the-art carbide manufacturing plant in North America and is known for its highly engaged, committed and passionate people.

“We always want to make sure that we have the most current machinery and technology to serve our North American and global customers. This investment helps and supports the company’s long-term sustainability and strategic initiatives. We very much appreciate the local partnership with Oconee Economic Alliance and the support we get from the county and state.”

Operations will be phased in over four years.

Landmark Properties to Build Student Housing Community in Columbia

Landmark Properties, a fully integrated real estate firm specializing in development, construction, investment management, and operation of high-quality residential communities, has partnered with Peninsula U.S. to acquire a 67-acre site in Columbia, South Carolina, and commence construction on a 197-unit, 826-bed cottage-style student housing community. 

Landmark Cottage Construction, the in-house general contractor for Landmark Properties, is managing construction on the project.  The new student cottage community is expected to open for occupancy in August 2026.

“Strong enrollment growth at the University of South Carolina has led to a surge in demand for quality housing options proximate to campus,” said Wes Rogers, CEO of Landmark Properties.

“We're excited to begin another development in the Columbia market and feel that our cottage-style community will offer students a spacious and amenity-rich housing solution while remaining close to campus.”

Located at 1050 Idlewild Blvd., just 1.3 miles from the University of South Carolina main campus and less than a mile from Williams-Brice Stadium, the community will rise adjacent to a parcel earmarked for the university’s Stadium Project, a $1 billion modernization initiative slated to transform over 800 acres west of the stadium for commercial and entertainment uses.

The property’s proximity to these redevelopment areas will place residents at the heart of the action as the University has challenged developers to plan for uses such as hospitality, retail or additional athletic facilities.

The community will include a mix of floorplans ranging from two- to six-bedroom options. Fully furnished residences will be wired for high-speed internet and will include private bathrooms and high-end finishes such as hardwood-style laminate floors, quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances as well as oversized kitchen cabinets and a full-sized washer/dryer in each residence.

The new cottage-style community will add to the portfolio of properties managed by Landmark in Columbia which include The Standard at Columbia, which opened in 2023, and Saga Columbia, acquired by the firm in 2021.

Liteworks Window & Door Acquires Southern Components Inc.

Atlanta-based Liteworks Window & Door, a portfolio company of The Macallan Group, and a leader in the window and door industry, announced the acquisition of Southern Components, Inc., a distributor of high-quality windows and doors in Charleston, South Carolina; St. Simons, Georgia; and Northeast Florida. 

This strategic acquisition will enhance Liteworks Window and Doors’ market presence while broadening its product portfolio and accelerating its growth in the residential and commercial construction industries.

With a legacy of providing luxury custom windows and doors, Southern Components, Inc. brings over three decades of experience and a reputation for quality, innovative product solutions, and excellent customer service. This acquisition aligns with Liteworks Window and Doors’ mission to deliver exceptional products and services to its customers, combining the strengths and capabilities of both companies.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Southern Components, Inc. team to the Liteworks Window and Doors family,” said Scott Barr, principal of Liteworks Window and Doors.

“This acquisition represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy, and we are excited about the opportunities it brings. Together, we will provide even greater value to our customers with an expanded product range, enhanced innovation, and continued commitment to quality.”

Timken Foundation Donates $250,000 to Anderson University College of Engineering

A gift of $250,000 from the Timken Foundation will boost the Anderson University's College of Engineering’s efforts to renovate its new home in downtown Anderson.

At this week’s presentation ceremony, Kurt Timken represented the Timken

Foundation, located in Canton, Ohio. Todd Kingsbury and Kendrick Meekins represented the local Timken Company facility, which is in Honea Path, South Carolina.

The Timken Foundation has made a strong commitment to Anderson University with previous support for the construction of the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center.

“The College of Engineering is grateful for the support from the Timken Foundation as we build the engineering programs,” said Anderson University College of Engineering Dean Dr. Lisa Zidek.

“The partnership exemplifies the fusion of academic excellence and industry support, propelling innovation and education forward for the betterment of society.” 

“This investment from the Timken Foundation is truly humbling. The Timken Foundation recognizes the present strength and potential of the Anderson University College of Engineering and has made a huge commitment to our future,” said AU President Evans Whitaker.

“We also look forward to having The Timken Company, recognized as one of the most innovative and responsible companies in the world, engaged with the College of Engineering moving forward.” 

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