Nestlé Moving Production From Ohio to Gaffney

Nestlé is moving production from its Ohio factory to Gaffney, building on a previous investment in its South Carolina operation.

In 2024, the company announced a $150 million investment in its Cherokee County facility to add a production line and upgrade its automation and digital technology.

Meanwhile, Nestlé said it will gradually close its manufacturing site in Ohio and provide transition support to affected employees while allowing them apply for open positions elsewhere in the company. The food and beverage conglomerate employs nearly 3,000 people across seven facilities in Ohio.

Solon, Ohio, Mayor Edward Kraus called the move “difficult news” for his community, the affected workers, and families. Production is expected to end in Solon by the third quarter of 2027, with the factory closure by the end of 2027.

In a statement sent to Greenville Business Magazine, Nestlé said the decision was part of a company effort to best serve its consumers and optimize its network.

“We are supporting impacted Solon factory employees through comprehensive separation and transition support, including collaboration with state and local partners. Impacted employees will also be eligible to apply for open roles at other Nestlé locations, including in Ohio,” a company spokesperson said. “Nestlé has a long-standing presence in Ohio, including manufacturing operations, R&D, corporate functions, and the broader Solon campus. We will continue to maintain a strong presence in the state as we focus on serving customers and consumers now and into the future.”

Nestlé's production move comes amid a wave of new manufacturing investment in Cherokee County ranging from projects in advanced materials, to food-related manufacturing and industrial products.

In August 2026, UFP Packaging announced a $5.31 million investment with 136 jobs, while in June, USA Rare Earth announced a $1.2 billion investment with 490 jobs.