Rolls-Royce expands Aiken County manufacturing operations

    Rolls-Royce expands Aiken County manufacturing operations

 $75 million investment will create 60 new jobs

For Immediate Release
July 15, 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. Rolls-Royce Solutions America Inc. (Rolls-Royce), a provider of off-highway engines and complete power generation systems, today announced it is expanding its mtu engine manufacturing operations in Aiken County. The company’s $75 million investment will create 60 new jobs.

With more than 110 years of experience, Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division manufactures and services propulsion engines and energy systems under the mtu brand. The company’s products include high-speed combustion engines and emergency power systems used in data centers, hospitals, universities and municipalities.

Located at 660 Bettis Academy Road in Graniteville, the two-phase facility expansion will accommodate increased production volume for Rolls-Royce’s mtu Series 4000 engines to meet growing demand for backup power in the data center industry.

Construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with expanded operations expected to be online in July 2027. Individuals interested in joining the Rolls-Royce team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

QUOTES

“Today’s announcement underscores Rolls-Royce’s commitment to the U.S. market and demonstrates our robust manufacturing capabilities. We are proud to support America’s growing demand for reliable, domestically made energy systems that strengthen our nation’s energy independence and security. With more than half the world’s hyperscale data centers located here in the U.S., this will continue to be a key growth market for many years to come.”
Rolls-Royce North America CEO Adam Riddle

“Rolls-Royce Solutions America Inc.’s expansion in Aiken County further positions South Carolina as a leader in advanced manufacturing. This investment and the 60 jobs it will bring represent a big win for the community, and we are proud of the success Rolls-Royce has found in our state.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“Today’s announcement reinforces Rolls-Royce Solutions America Inc.’s commitment to doing business in South Carolina and contributing to our world-class manufacturing base. We are excited to celebrate Rolls-Royce’s ongoing growth and $75 million expansion in Aiken County.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“I’m pleased that Rolls-Royce is announcing this critical expansion at its Sage Mill Industrial Park location. The investment of $75 million and 60 new jobs is a welcome addition to Aiken County’s industrial base. Rolls-Royce is an outstanding corporate citizen, and the Aiken County Council is glad that we’re maintaining our healthy manufacturing environment.”
-Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker

“We congratulate Rolls-Royce on this exciting $75 million expansion of their Aiken County facilities. For 15 years, they’ve been a vital part of our region’s growth, and this new investment — bringing 60 high-quality jobs — underscores their continued leadership in supporting the rapidly growing demand for backup power in the global data center industry.”
-Western SC Economic Development Partnership Board Chairman Gary Stooksbury

Five fast facts
  • Rolls-Royce Solutions America Inc. (Rolls-Royce) is expanding its manufacturing operations in Aiken County.
  • The company’s $75 million investment will create 60 new jobs.
  • Rolls-Royce is a provider of off-highway engines and complete power generation solutions.
  • The company is located at 660 Bettis Academy Road in Graniteville, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Rolls-Royce team should visit the company’s careers page.

S.C. COMMERCE MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce

(803) 737-1998

kcoakley@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

ROLLS-ROYCE MEDIA CONTACT:
Whitney Smith
External Communications Lead
Rolls-Royce

(703) 357-6016

Whitney.Smith@Rolls-Royce.com

Kimberly-Clark Corporation expanding Aiken County operation

For Immediate Release
May 1, 2025

     Kimberly-Clark Corporation expanding Aiken County operation

 Over $200 million investment will create more than 150 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Kimberly-Clark), a producer of personal care products, today announced it is expanding its operations in Aiken County. The company’s investment of over $200 million will create more than 150 new jobs.

Founded in 1872, Kimberly-Clark’s well-known brands, including Cottonelle, Huggies, Kleenex, Scott and more, are sold in over 175 countries. The company is headquartered in Texas and has more than 40,000 employees worldwide.

Kimberly-Clark will add 1.1 million square feet to its existing facility located at 246 Old Jackson Highway in Beech Island. The expansion will streamline Kimberly-Clark’s distribution footprint, significantly increasing its ability to ship directly from its mega-manufacturing facility located on the same site. The facility will leverage advanced robotics, artificial intelligence-powered logistics systems and high-density automated storage to dramatically improve operational efficiencies. Established in 1968, the Beech Island manufacturing facility is the company’s largest globally.

Operations are expected to be online in the second quarter of 2027. Individuals interested in joining the Kimberly-Clark team should visit the company’s careers page.

Quotes

“This investment represents the strong progress we are making on our end-to-end supply chain transformation. By bringing together manufacturing and distribution under one automated roof, we are building a more agile, responsive and resilient operating model that will enhance service levels for our retail partners. Beech Island is the largest facility in our manufacturing network, so this new investment will drive impact at scale.”
-Kimberly-Clark Chief Supply Chain Officer Tamera Fenske

 

“Thanks to South Carolina’s exceptional business climate, global leaders like Kimberly-Clark Corporation are finding lasting success in our state. The company’s commitment to investing in South Carolina is truly something worth celebrating, and we congratulate Kimberly-Clark and Aiken County on this milestone.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

 

“Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s decision to build upon its decades-long legacy in Aiken County is great news for our state and our people. South Carolina is proud to be the home of Kimberly-Clark’s largest manufacturing facility and celebrate its latest investment of over $200 million in the Aiken County community.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

 

“I’m pleased to hear the news of this major expansion at Kimberly-Clark’s Beech Island facility. Kimberly-Clark has been a cornerstone in Aiken County’s economy for decades, and this investment represents a continued vote of confidence in our community and what it offers the manufacturing sector. Maintaining a business-friendly environment is not only good for business, but also for the county, the taxpayers and the talented workforce on Kimberly-Clark’s team.”
-Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker

“We are proud to support Kimberly-Clark’s continued investment in Aiken County. This expansion not only reinforces their long-term commitment to the region but also brings new opportunities for economic growth and job creation.”
-Western SC Economic Development Partnership Board Chairman Gary Stooksbury

FIVE FAST FACTS
  • Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Kimberly-Clark) is expanding its operations in Aiken County.
  • The company’s investment of over $200 million will create more than 150 new jobs.
  • Kimberly-Clark is a producer of personal care products.
  • The company’s South Carolina facility is located at 246 Old Jackson Highway in Beech Island, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Kimberly-Clark team should visit the company’s careers page.

About Kimberly-Clark:

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the seventh year in a row and one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the website.

KIMBERLY-CLARK MEDIA CONTACT:

Media Relations
media.relations@kcc.com
www.kimberly-clark.com

About S.C. Commerce

Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state’s lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle – allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.

S.C. COMMERCE MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
kcoakley@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

 

 

 

Palmetto Gourmet Foods Expanding Operations In Saluda County

$11.6 million investment to create 73 new jobs

Palmetto Gourmet Foods, Inc. (Palmetto Gourmet Foods), a producer of innovative, sustainable ramen noodles, today announced plans to expand its operations in Saluda County. The company is continuing its growth by investing $11.6 million and creating 73 new jobs to add to the approximately 200 positions that it has already created.

Founded in 2019 and headquartered at 782 Columbia Highway in Saluda County, Palmetto Gourmet Foods is the innovator and producer of the world’s first high protein organic ramen noodle, sold under the Chef Woo brand and the popular Ramen Express brand. Both products are available nationwide in over 11,000 stores, including major retailers such as Walmart and Costco. These products are also being exported coast-to-coast in Canada, with growing international demand.

With a focus on sustainability, the company strives to partner with local and environmentally friendly suppliers and use recyclable packaging. With its Chef Woo product, Palmetto Gourmet Foods has created an affordable, convenient, shelf-stable and planet-friendly instant protein meal that can help in the fight against protein malnutrition both domestically and on a world scale.

The expansion is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2022. Individuals interested in joining the Palmetto Gourmet Foods team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. The council has also awarded a $300,000 Set-Aside grant to Saluda County to assist with the cost of building renovations.

QUOTES

“We are thrilled to be in South Carolina and part of a community that has been involved in farming and food production for generations. True to our core values, we take pride in developing and mass producing affordable, quality food – particularly now – at a time when food inflation is the cause of distress in so many families nationwide. In addition to our investment of $45 million to date, we are undertaking a further investment of $11.6 million to meet the growing demand for our products.” -Palmetto Gourmet Foods, Inc. CEO Dr. Reza Soltanzadeh

“When a homegrown company like Palmetto Gourmet Foods experiences success within our borders, all of South Carolina wins. These 73 new jobs the company is creating will make a big difference in Saluda County, and we’re excited to celebrate Palmetto Gourmet Foods’ success.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Palmetto Gourmet Foods’ latest expansion in Saluda County further proves that South Carolina has the recipe for success for companies. We congratulate Palmetto Gourmet Foods on this $11.6 million investment and the 73 new jobs they are creating, and we value our strong business relationship.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are excited to see one of our existing industries growing here in Saluda County. I am thankful for these new job opportunities for our citizens and the capital investment that will help strengthen our tax base.” -Saluda County Council Vice Chairman Justin Anderson

“It’s exciting to see an existing industry in our region grow with new capital investment and jobs, and for that we are grateful. Congratulations to Palmetto Gourmet Foods and Saluda County on today’s news.” -Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • Palmetto Gourmet Foods, Inc. (Palmetto Gourmet Foods) is expanding operations in Saluda County.
  • The company’s $11.6 million investment will create 73 new jobs.
  • Palmetto Gourmet Foods is a producer of innovative, sustainable ramen noodles.
  • Located at 782 Columbia Highway in Saluda, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Palmetto Gourmet Foods team should visit the company’s careers page.