Greenville Palmetto Pulse, January / February

ECONOMIC POLL

Winthrop Poll

A Winthrop Poll asked South Carolinians about holiday spending, finances, and discussing politics with different people, showing that: 42 percent expect to spend less this holiday season; those with annual household incomes of more than $100,000 are more likely to spend the same this year; the population to report being worse off financially have annual household incomes less than $50,000; and 54 percent are very or somewhat concerned about themselves or someone they know being targeted for holding certain political beliefs.

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HIGHER EDUCATION

Clemson’s Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business Launches Master of Science in Finance Program

Clemson University’s Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business has introduced a new Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program, which is now accepting applications. The launch follows formal accreditation approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges on Oct. 31. The MSF is a 10-month, 32-credit, in-person graduate program designed for students seeking advanced preparation for careers in corporate finance, investment management, real estate analysis, corporate banking, and related fields.

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PHYSICAL THERAPY

Architech Sports & Physical Therapy Opens at North Hills Shopping Center

Architech Sports & Physical Therapy has opened its first Greenville clinic at North Hills Shopping Center on the city’s Eastside. The 3,266-square-foot facility features a 25-yard turf lane, state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, and dedicated areas for rehabilitation, recovery, and performance training. Clients have access to manual therapy, dry needling, movement screenings, and personalized training programs designed for athletes and active individuals of all levels. The new location marks the company’s 15th facility across the Carolinas, offering athletic performance therapy and sports performance training.  

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PUBLIC SERVICE

Habitat Greenville Launches Unique Women’s Build

Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County has launched its annual Women’s Build program with a new approach: peer-to-peer fundraising. Michelle Seaver, United Community president for Greenville, Spartanburg, and Cherokee counties, and Kylie Felker, president of Foster Victor Financial Advisors, are two of the 10 team leaders for the project, which has a mission to raise $160,000 to build a Habitat home in the coming year. Each team is expected to raise $16,000 toward their project goal.

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MANUFACTURING

Horton Investing $15 Million in Manufacturing Facility

Horton, a cooling solutions manufacturer, announced it is expanding its operations in Oconee County. The company is investing $15 million in its Westminster facility. The company operates 15 facilities and has a presence in 70 countries. Horton plans to add 100,000 square feet to its facility, located at 301 Oconee Business Parkway in Westminster, doubling the manufacturing area and allowing the company to increase its production of cooling fans and fan clutches.

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MANUFACTURING

Advanced Metalworks Expands Anderson County Operations

Advanced Metalworks, a metal fabrication company, announced it is expanding its operations in Anderson County. The company’s $10.5 million investment will create 69 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Advanced Metalworks specializes in laser cutting, punching, bending, welding, and high-quality computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Advanced Metalworks has purchased a 156,000-square-foot facility at 117 Blake Dairy Road in Belton to consolidate its two existing Anderson County facilities.

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CYBERSECURITY

Gov. McMaster Announces Center for Cybersecurity at SCRA

Gov. Henry McMaster on Dec. 3, 2025, announced the creation of the new Center for Cybersecurity at the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA). The center will lead the implementation of South Carolina’s statewide cybersecurity strategic plan. The plan was developed from a multi-year, comprehensive study completed in 2024 that evaluated the state’s cybersecurity needs, assets, and challenges. Starting in January, the Center for Cybersecurity will implement and evaluate 20 key cybersecurity initiatives.

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RENOVATION AWARD

AIA Greenville Chapter Awards Judson Mill 2025 Honor Award in Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation

(Photo courtesy of Judson Mill), Dec. 4

AIA Greenville selected Judson Mill for the prestigious 2025 Honor Award in Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation in recognition of professional excellence in design and construction. The chapter presented the award at a ceremony on the Judson Mill District campus Nov. 6. Impressed by the remarkable transformation of the 800,000-square-foot historic mill reborn through thoughtful design and adaptive reuse, the jury said the 10-year project, comprising four phases and 30 individual renovations, demonstrated both vision and technical expertise.

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AVIATION

GSP Opens New Parking Garage and Consolidated Rental Car Facility

(Photo Courtesy of GSP) Dec. 3

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) celebrated the opening of Parking Garage C and the consolidated rental car facility. The $97 million project opened in time for a busy holiday travel season, completing a record-setting 2025. GSP recognized its project partners for their contributions. LS3P led the design for Garage C and the consolidated rental car facility. Brasfield and Gorrie served as construction manager and oversaw the successful delivery of the project.

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HEALTH CARE

Bon Secours Announces New Medical Campus in Powdersville

Bon Secours St. Francis Health System announced plans for a new medical campus in the Powdersville area, aimed at expanding access to high-quality care for residents of northeastern Anderson County and surrounding communities. The Bon Secours Powdersville Medical Center, located at 104 Roe Road in Greenville, officially broke ground on Nov. 21. The new site will feature a 40,000-square-foot medical office building housing a wide range of primary and specialty care services.

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MANUFACTURING

Baxter Manufacturing Announces Oconee County Expansion

Baxter Manufacturing, a supplier for the plastics industry, announced it is expanding its operations in Oconee County. The company’s $15.7 million investment will create 36 jobs. The company’s Oconee County operation, established in 2017, is a Tier 1 supplier of manufactured plastic injection-molded automotive parts. Baxter Manufacturing will add 35,000 square feet and new machinery to its facility, located at 1000 Innovation Way in Westminster, to increase its production capabilities and further meet the needs of its automotive customers.

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UTILITIES AWARD

ReWa Recognizes 57 Companies for Regulatory Compliance

Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) recognized 57 companies for safeguarding Upstate waterways during the utility’s 34th Annual Compliance Excellence Awards. The awards celebrate companies for complying with ReWa’s Sewer Use Regulations. Companies recognized received one of two awards. Compliance Excellence Awards were given to significant industrial users that were in 100 percent compliance with ReWa’s Sewer Use Regulations and all permit requirements in 2024. Stewardship certificates were given to significant industrial users with no more than one minor violation in 2024.