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 From trading post to textile hub to international manufacturing and technology center, the Upstate has always exemplified business success. While growth was modest during its first two centuries, the region has enjoyed unprecedented economic expansion and job creation in recent years, thanks to wise planning, solid recruitment efforts and unique features that benefit business.The primary feature is the Upstate’s location off I-85 between Charlotte and Atlanta. This major north-south run — nicknamed the “Autobahn” because of the many German businesses that have located in the region — facilitates exceptional ground transportation for people and goods alike. The region’s proximity to the Port of Charleston and the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport are especially attractive to new businesses. In addition, business leaders from well-recognized national and global companies have selected the region for operations because of its well-developed infrastructure. This region, once known as the “Textile Center of the South,” today sustains a diversified economy. A wide spectrum of businesses in manufacturing, banking, transportation, engineering, electronics, and service, as well as textile-related interests, call the Upstate home. In fact, nearly 300 companies have some type of headquarters in the 10-county metro area. The region also has seen the advent of rapidly growing high-tech and communications companies such as NuVox Communications. Furthermore, the region’s housing market has experienced steady growth in response to its strong economy. Expansion Management magazine recently named Greenville one of the top 25 housing markets. Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) set off its own business stampede when the automaker chose the Upstate for its first manufacturing facility outside Germany. That decision — fueled in part by access to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport — spawned a great deal of corporate development that brought more European businesses to the Upstate. The globalization of the economy has resulted in the creation of additional jobs for Upstate residents and has helped create a “who’s who” of corporations operating here. Besides BMW, they include Michelin, AGFA, Datastream Systems Inc., Fluor Daniel, Lockheed Martin, Ahold USA Support Services, Aimco, Bausch and Lomb and others. Site Selection Magazine named Greenville #5 in the nation for highest per capita international investment. Many business gains involve companies that manufacture components for the autos that BMW is manufacturing at its facility off I-85 in Greer. The Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research – a joint venture between BMW Manufacturing Corp., the State of South Carolina and Clemson University – is currently under construction. When completed, it will cover 250 acres and is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the Upstate. Over $100 million in private construction is invested annually – a statistic that has been maintained or exceeded for the past seven years. To help companies design and build new facilities, the region has attracted engineers from all over the world. In fact, Greenville County has more engineers per capita than any county in the United States. The business community is also attracted to the Upstate for the outstanding quality of life. The cost of living and cultural, educational and sports amenities entice organizations that are committed to meeting the needs of their employees and their families. Schools, housing affordability and retail shopping options contribute to the family-oriented environment. Thanks to its solid infrastructure, exceptional accessibility and unparalleled quality of life, the Upstate has rapidly evolved from its textile heritage to a center for international business. With diversified business interests and an ongoing diligence for sustaining a favorable business atmosphere, the area has established a solid economic base, which serves as a foundation for the 21st century. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ICAR The Upstates largest employers General Electric St. Francis Health System Bob Jones University Sealed Air Corp – Fluor Corporation Michelin North America MCI WorldCom Hitachi Electronic Devices Lockheed Martin Aircraft Bi-Lo Warehouse Distribution SPARTANBURG COUNTY BMW Manufacturing Corp. Springs Industries Sealed Air Corp – Michelin North America Mary Black Health System Beverage Air Kohler Co. R R Donnelley AFL Telecommunications Tietex International Ltd Spartanburg Steel Products Reeves Brothers Inc. Mrs. Smith’s Bakery of Spartanburg KoSa PICKENS COUNTY Alice Manufacturing OWT Industries, Inc Palmetto Baptist Central Textiles, Inc. ANDERSON COUNTY Electrolux Home Products Bosch Corp Michelin North America Honeywell Nylon Glen Raven, Inc. Timken Co. Nutricia Mfg. Owens Corning
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