Lowcountry Palmetto Pulse, August

SPOTLIGHT

NAI Charleston Represents Red Metals in Securing North Charleston Manufacturing Facility

NAI Charleston has announced that it represented Red Metals, Inc. in securing a ±42,261 SF industrial facility situated on ±6.41 AC at 4500 Leeds Avenue in North Charleston, South Carolina. The property, zoned Heavy Industrial, will serve as the company’s first manufacturing facility as Red Metals reshapes the domestic copper supply chain through innovative copper refining and manufacturing technology. Red Metals recently announced $10 million in seed funding and plans to invest approximately $70 million in its Charleston operations. NAI Charleston brokers Dexter Rumsey and Whit Jones represented Red Metals in the transaction. The property ownership was represented by Alex Whittemore and Jon-Michael Brock of Colliers. Red Metals’ North Charleston facility is expected to create at least 45 jobs during its initial phase of operations.

Kim, Lahey & Killough Earns Chambers USA Ranking for Intellectual Property Law in South Carolina

Kim, Lahey & Killough has announced its recognition for expertise in intellectual property law in the 2026 edition of Chambers USA. The firm was ranked among the state's leading intellectual property practices, with Charleston-based attorney B.C. (Bill) Killough earning an individual ranking. Killough is one of only six intellectual property attorneys recognized statewide by Chambers USA in the 2026 guide. The Chambers USA ranking reflects the firm's long-standing commitment to helping businesses establish, protect, enforce, and leverage intellectual property assets.

Red Metals Establishes First Copper Manufacturing Operation in Charleston County

Red Metals, a next-generation copper manufacturer, has announced it is establishing its first copper manufacturing operation in Charleston County. The company’s $70 million investment is expected to create at least 45 jobs. The company’s Charleston County facility will serve as its first production operation. Located at 4500 Leeds Ave. in North Charleston, the company’s 42,000-square-foot facility will manufacture high-conductivity copper rod used in wire, cable and other electrical applications.  Operations are expected to come online in the fourth quarter of 2026.

International African American Museum Hosts Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration: J.O.Y. | Juneteenth on the Yard

The International African American Museum (IAAM) hosted its signature Juneteenth celebration, J.O.Y. | Juneteenth on the Yard on June 19. IAAM officials described this annual, multigenerational program as a vibrant center for joy, reflection, culture, and community. It also commemorated the powerful turning point in American history when news of emancipation finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. This year’s mainstage featured the three-time Grammy-nominated artist D Smoke, who headlined the program.

HelloNation Article Highlights North Charleston as a Finalist for the National Civic League's 2026 All-America City Award

The All-America City Award recognizes communities that strengthen local democracy through collaboration, civic engagement, and inclusion. North Charleston's recognition as a finalist reflects years of resident-focused efforts aimed at rebuilding trust, expanding civic participation, and creating more inclusive opportunities. One major focus of the article is North Charleston's response following the 2015 killing of Walter Scott, which deeply affected public trust in law enforcement. North Charleston responded by expanding community policing efforts, introducing recurring neighborhood engagement programs, and implementing anti-bias and racial equity training for officers.

Bittermilk Expands Charleston County Operations

Bittermilk Bottling Co., a manufacturer of nonalcoholic beverage products, announced it is expanding its operations in Charleston County. The company’s $8.2 million investment will create 12 jobs, according to Gov. Henry McMaster's office. Founded in 2013, Bittermilk produces nonalcoholic cocktail mixers and complex syrups. The family-owned and -operated business uses all-natural ingredients to manufacture the products at its current facility in North Charleston. Bittermilk is relocating to a new 12,000-square-foot facility in Ravenel. Operations are expected to be online in summer 2026.