Paxton Access, a global manufacturer of security technology, confirmed plans to grow its South Carolina footprint by building its new United States headquarters in Greenville County.

The company is investing $10 million into the project, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“South Carolina’s tech industry is booming, and we are proud that companies like Paxton Access are on that roster,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

“We welcome these new tech jobs in the Greenville community and know this company will accomplish great things in our state.”

Based in the United Kingdom, Paxton Access provides advanced security solutions through a portfolio of products.

The company offers a variety of services including internet protocol (IP), wireless and battery-powered access control and video solutions to provide security for customers around the world.

Relocating within the county to 28 Global Drive in the Global Trade Park, the new Paxton Access facility will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters and accommodate its growth trajectory, Commerce officials said. 

The new facility is expected to be operational in 2024.

The Reynolds Company, a Greenville, S.C.-based subsidiary of Itochu International, Inc, announced the retirement of Neel Reynolds, CEO, effective October 1, 2022.

Reynolds will continue to lead as senior advisor to the CEO until March 31, 2023.

Douglas (Doug) Deitz, who joined Reynolds as vice president of sales and marketing in 2018, was promoted to president in February 2022 and will serve as CEO and president.

Said Deitz: “Under Neel’s leadership, Reynolds created next-generation products that have led the industry in relevance and value. He successfully expanded the company’s growth through direct sales, distribution, and geographic expansion. In this new leadership role, The Reynolds Company will continue to maintain our “lasting bonds” culture.”

The Reynolds Company, a national manufacturer of hot melt, water based, and dry blend adhesives and coatings, was founded in 1978 in Greenville.

Hardee Greens LLC, a startup indoor, vertical farm company, announced plans to establish operations in Jasper County.

The company’s $1.3 million investment will create 58 new jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Established by South Carolina natives, Hardee Greens LLC will grow fresh herbs and salad greens.

The company is partnering with Local Grown Salads, which will supply the materials for Hardee Greens LLC to grow pesticide-free, fresh herbs and greens every 30 days.

Located at 11 Randall Street in Hardeeville, Hardee Greens LLC’s farm in Jasper County is initially expected to produce 10,000 pounds of greens and salads monthly to serve restaurants, schools, and grocery stores in the Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head and Savannah areas.

Operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2023. Those interested in joining Hardee Greens LLC should email resumes to the company.

In recognition of the impact and importance South Carolina’s manufacturing industry has throughout the state, Gov. Henry McMaster issued a proclamation recognizing “National Manufacturing Day” and declaring October “South Carolina Manufacturing Month.”

“Manufacturing is at the heart of what makes South Carolina a great place to work and live,” McMaster said. “This incredible industry has been a driving force for prosperity throughout our state and will continue to be a pillar of our economy for generations to come.”

McMaster made the announcement alongside the leadership of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) and the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) at the Anderson-Oconee-Pickens (AOP) Business & Industry Showcase on Oct. 5, 2022.

This is the 14th year the AOP Business & Industry Showcase has been held. The annual event hosts all 8th graders from the three-county region at the Civic Center of Anderson over a two-day period where students can meet local business leaders and learn about career opportunities in manufacturing and other industries.

In 2021, SC Future Makers, a nonprofit education and workforce organization affiliated with the SCMA, released an economic impact study highlighting the impact manufacturing has in South Carolina.

Key findings include:

- South Carolina’s manufacturing economic impact is estimated to total between $194 billion and $206 billion annually;

- 16 percent of the State’s GDP is associated with manufacturing;

- Manufacturing supports, either directly or indirectly, over 30 percent of all jobs statewide;

- The industry pays an average annual salary that is 33 percent higher than the state’s average wage;

- Manufacturing creates more jobs than virtually any other sector and has a multiplier effect of 2.4;

- 38 percent of South Carolina’s General Fund revenue comes from the manufacturing industry;

- South Carolina manufacturing is largely anchored by the aerospace, automotive, and tire sectors along with their extended supply chains. The three sectors experienced growth at a collective rate of more than three times the state average over the past decade.

- South Carolina has announced more than 45,000 new jobs and $16 billion in capital investments in manufacturing since 2017.

A copy of the proclamation can be viewed by Clicking Here.