From aerospace to automobiles to lawnmowers, Orangeburg County makes things.
About 20 percent of the county's employed workforce is in the manufacturing sector, according to the nonprofit economic development organization Central South Carolina Alliance. It is the largest sector of the county's workforce.
About 29,654 of Orangeburg County's 35,131 employed are working in the industrial sector, while 5,961 are employed in manufacturing through the first quarter of 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"The core of economic development is making something," Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson said. "It is about creating wealth.
"The importance of manufacturing in generating wealth for the community is so small business can flourish and small business can service industry that work in manufacturing," Robinson continued.
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Last year, the county alone saw $97.7 million in investment and 164 net new jobs. Â That does not include temporary or seasonal jobs.
The numbers are despite the county having roughly 57 visits by industrial prospects. The visits have decreased over the past few years because of lack of available building space.
The 2015 investment and job totals come on the heels of a combined $214.9 million investment and 390 new jobs by companies in the county since 2012.Â
Jobs and capital investment numbers are company projections over several years and may not have been fully realized.
Orangeburg County is joining other counties across the state in honoring the impact industries have on the local economy during Industry Appreciation Week, April 25-29.
Husqvarna, which employs more than 2,000 people, is the county's largest employer. The seasonal company manufactures riding lawnmowers.
Other large employers and the number of employed according to the OCDC website are: Food Lion distribution, 498; Zeus Industrial Products, manufacturer of polymer tubing, 450; Koyo, ball and roller bearing, 400; Allied Air, heating and cooling systems, 400; and Si Group, specialty chemical manufacturing, 322.
Highlighting 2015 was the 60th anniversary of the OCDC. The OCDC is the county's economic development arm.
The OCDC held three events throughout the year in recognition of its anniversary. Each highlighted economic development efforts underway in the county, including along U.S. 301 at the John W. Matthews Jr. Industrial Park and at the Western Orangeburg County Industrial Park in Neeses.
Orangeburg County has seen a number of economic development announcements over the past year.
- Koyo Bearing North America’s Orangeburg plant announced in April 2015 it was getting a $10 million equipment overhaul over five years while maintaining its 500-member workforce.
The company also celebrated its 40th year anniversary in Orangeburg.
- Bimbo Bakeries USA announced in April 2015 it would begin a $9.3 million expansion, which will create 30 additional jobs at its Broughton Street facility.
Bimbo Bakeries USA will remain in its existing facility, located at 272 Broughton St., but will renovate and install new equipment to expand its capability.
- British-based GKN Aerospace upfitted its second Orangeburg County facility as the company prepared for the manufacture of inlet lip skins for the Boeing 737 MAX and 777X.
The company announced in June 2015 that it would invest more than $20 million in a new manufacturing facility adjacent to its existing plant at the intersection of U.S. Highway 301 and Interstate 26.
A lip skin is a part of the pod-like structure that houses the aircraft’s engine. Lip skins aim to provide the aircraft with better engine fuel economy and reduce engine noise to meet increasingly stringent airport noise regulations.
Production on the lip skins is expected to begin in June 2016.
- British carbon fiber textile manufacturer Sigmatex announced in November 2015 it would invest a minimum of $6.5 million and create 50 new jobs at its existing facility.
Sigmatex broke ground on its $6 million, 75,000-square-foot facility at the John W. Matthews Jr. Industrial Park in January 2015.
- A company identified as Project Satyr announced in November it would invest $15 million for a solar farm. The farm will not bring additional jobs. The company has yet to be identified.
* The Okonite Co. in December said it would invest $15 million for an expansion of its facility. Okonite, which is a manufacturer of electric power cables, said the investment will bring 12 new jobs.
The company's Rowesville Road plant employs 220.
- An unidentified distribution company said in March 2016 it is planning to invest about $3.5 million and create five jobs in Orangeburg County.
The county received 10 to 12 acres of land in the Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park to the prospect for about $150,000.
The company, which plans to construct a 50,000-square-foot building, has expressed a desire to remain confidential for now. The county refers to it only as Project Bulldog.
In recognition of Industry Appreciation Week, the county will have an event later in the year honoring industry. A banquet and golf tournament will be included.
As part of the Industry Appreciation Week observance, the county recognizes an individual who has contributed to the local community in terms of new job opportunities and capital investment.
The ambassadors are to be recognized April 28 as part of South Carolina's 25th annual Industry Appreciation Week. The ceremony takes place in Columbia at the Governor's Mansion.
Information on the ambassadors will be released following the April 28 announcement.
