Western South Carolina is a Workforce Wonder

Western South Carolina is the perfect place for job seekers and companies to call home.

By John McBryde on December 20, 2023

Courtesy of Shaw

Like many companies in Western South Carolina, Shaw Industries, which has a manufacturing facility in Aiken, is an ideal place to advance one’s career. In fact, over the past couple of years, this global flooring and turf supplier has become even more attractive to those seeking positions in the entry-level to leadership range. One reason is the company’s growth. 

In fall 2021, Shaw announced it was investing $400 million in its Aiken facility, which employs more than 600 associates. 

“There has never been a more exciting time to be part of Shaw Industries in Aiken, South Carolina,” says Brian Cooksey, director of workforce development for Shaw. “The new plant will soon become our most advanced fiber manufacturing facility. This means new and more high-skilled jobs for our workforce, with many opportunities to develop new skills, explore a variety of career paths and work in an innovative, growing and supportive environment.” 

The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. 

Strong Community

Companies spanning a variety of industries – from advanced manufacturing, chemicals and plastics to energy, food processing, and research – are offering similar landing spots for people in Western South Carolina. For example: 

• Tire manufacturer Bridgestone recently listed jobs for a maintenance technician and senior health and safety specialist at its Aiken County facility. 

• Fluorochemicals producer Halocarbon in North Augusta advertised positions for an industrial refrigeration mechanic, sales representative and environmental engineer. 

• Energy technology company Generac Power Systems, which opened a 421,000-square-foot facility in Trenton in July 2021, is recruiting for several management and engineering positions. 

“When we began the search for a new manufacturing facility, we set out to find a community that would help us grow,” says Steve Andrejack, senior director of operations at Generac. “Most importantly, we set out to find a community that would help us meet demand from our customers. We found in Trenton a special workforce, a community we can count on to help us thrive and help the people who put their trust in Generac to keep the power on, no matter what.” 

While a great fit for Generac, Western South Carolina is also the perfect match for companies across industries, as it offers small-town charm, yet provides access to big-city resources. 

“Our region is filled with smaller towns, but we are actually on the edge of bigger cities like Columbia and Augusta, which allows us to access resources that we can’t otherwise find,” says Will Williams, president and CEO of the Western SC Economic Development Partnership. 

Courtesy of Shaw

Advancing From Within

Though Western South Carolina boasts a growing number of jobs, Williams points out that the majority of job creators in the region are companies that have been established here for years – and they are growing their workforces from within. For instance, employees who start at an hourly rate of $20 can often climb in the ranks through internal training and other advancement methods. 

Many of these companies, Williams says, “have training opportunities, both for those who want to do it on their own time or where the companies offer them through their growth and development (programs). All of these have been successful.” 

Williams further notes that 70% of new investment and job creation in the region has come from businesses that are already established here. 

“I think that speaks pretty highly to the labor force that they’re able to create once they get them,” he says. 

And while Western South Carolina offers great career opportunities and ample resources for businesses, there’s something else about the region that draws people and companies’ eyes. 

“You know, people don’t work all the time,” Williams says. “They have things to do when they’re off work. We’re situated where we have lots of things to do in our region, but you can also be in Charleston, Savannah, Hilton Head, Charlotte and Spartanburg in about 2.5 hours. You can take a daytrip to all these locations. There are plenty of things offered.”