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Tag: Local Industry

Green Energy Biofuel improves operations to accept bigger contracts, more food waste

From Biobased Diesel Daily

RonKO Media Productions

March 3, 2025

While the U.S. market for green, renewable energy like liquid biofuels made from recycled fats, oils and greases may be uncertain right now thanks to shifting federal tax policies and a new administration, the future of green energy—and Green Energy Biofuel LLC—is certain, according to BioJoe Renwick, “head honcho” and co-owner of the South Carolina-based recycling company.

“Regardless of what the government is doing, we are contracting with new clients, placing new tanks, and growing capacity and scale every month,” Renwick said.

Recent developments at Green Energy Biofuel continue to help the firm fulfill its mission of being the Southeastern U.S.’s premier, vertically integrated organics-recycling company and service provider.

The company owns and operates a large-scale grease-processing plant in Warrenville, South Carolina, a facility that over the years has undergone—and continues to undergo—incremental improvements.

One of the more recent enhancements at the plant includes a complete system to accept and process trap grease.  

“Our new trap-grease processing system includes a boiler, centrifuges and specialty equipment designed to recover marketable grease from the nastiest sludge imaginable,” Renwick said.

As part of the system, the company installed an 18,000-gallon cone-bottom secondary-process receiving tank—bringing total dedicated process tankage to over 150,000 gallons—and a concrete spill-containment transloading pad.

In addition to trap grease, the new tank provides Green Energy Biofuel the unique option to bring in volumes of waste streams with heavy solids and water from tank and railcar cleanings—just one of the many services the company offers its industrial clients.

“In my 18 years of doing this, I have not seen a tank like this before,” Renwick said. “It will serve as a key piece of equipment needed to easily deal with hard-to-accept and hard-to-process wastes.”

Three years ago, the company bought a Depackaging Boss equipped to handle wet or dry food waste in industrial-scale, bulk quantities. The unit is designed to unwrap prepackaged, expired foods such as mayonnaise, salad dressing and similar goods to recover the oil and other organic materials. In February, Green Energy Biofuel set the first of two 34-yard trash compactors needed to reduce energy-intensive trips hauling the remaining inorganic materials offsite four to one, reducing costs and further lowering its environmental footprint.

To read more visit Biobased Diesel Daily

Or visit Green Energy Biofuel

 

Aiken County Council approves tax incentive for Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Pictured: Western SC Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Will Williams, left, and Jeff Hutter, the plant manager for Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s manufacturing facility in Beech Island, listen during Aiken County Council’s meeting Feb. 18 at the Aiken County Government Center.

February 18, 2025

Aiken County Council showed its support Feb. 18 for the possible expansion of one of the largest manufacturing operations locally.

The panel unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance that will provide the Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Palmetto Inc. with an incentive known as a fee in lieu of property taxes.

The vote was 8-0.

P.K. Hightower, who participated in much of County Council’s meeting at the Aiken County Government Center via telephone from Hong Kong, wasn’t on the line when the panel made its decision.

According to the ordinance’s language, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Palmetto Inc. “acting for themselves, one or more current or future affiliates, and other project sponsors” would like to “establish and/or expand a manufacturing and distribution facility in county.”

If that happens, there would be a “taxable investment in real and personal property of not less than $400,000,000,” the ordinance states.

During a public hearing prior to County Council’s vote, Jeff Hutter, who is the plant manager for Kimberly-Clark’s Beech Island facility, told the panel that nothing had been finalized.

The “potential new investment is still being evaluated by our [company’s] CEO and board of directors,” he said. “I’m not able to divulge full details as far as what the future plans may be. However, once the project is approved for our site, I will be sure to touch base back with the county.

“The requested [property tax] abatement will help boost our financial case with our board of directors as we go through the approval process,” he added. “It will help increase the chances for that approval.”

Operations began at Kimberly-Clark’s Beech Island plant in 1968. Products made there include Huggies diapers, Kleenex facial tissues and Cottonelle toilet paper.

The plant has roughly 2,000 employees, Hutter said.

To learn more visit Aiken Standard. 

Data centers will benefit Aiken County, economic development executive says

The announcements by Facebook owner Meta and DC BLOX that they are planning to build data centers in Aiken County have generated mixed reactions locally.

“Data centers are a hot topic right now in the news,” said Will Williams, president and CEO of the Western SC Economic Development Partnership on Jan. 16. “Some people love them, and some people hate them.”

He addressed several of the controversies during a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Aiken at the Park Avenue Oyster Bar & Grill.

One complaint about data centers is that they will employ fewer people than companies with manufacturing operations in Aiken County such as Bridgestone Americas, with 1,900 or so workers; Kimberly-Clark Corporation, with approximately 1,200, and Shaw Industries, with approximately 900.

There will be 100 employees at the Meta data center being built in Sage Mill Industrial Park and only one at the DC BLOX facility, which will be constructed in the North Augusta area.

“Would we rather them (data centers) be in Aiken County? Would we rather them somewhere else? [The bottom line is] they’re going to be somewhere,” Williams said. “I don’t see file cabinets for sale anymore. Everything is stored somewhere in a data center. The infrastructure that is put in place from the fiber and everything [for a data center], I equate it to the early 1970s when the interstate, I-20, was built.”

The work it took to construct the superhighway resulted in no real permanent jobs, “but because we have that interstate [now], other jobs have come about,” Williams explained. “That’s one of the benefits.”

And while there won’t be many jobs at the data centers, the ones they plan to offer will help diversify employment locally, Williams told his audience.

“Over time, we’ve been intentional not to put our all our eggs in one basket,” he said. “If you’ve driven [in] or know the Upstate, [you are aware that] there is one big employer, and many, many jobs are associated with one employer, BMW. So if BMW catches a cold, the rest of the area is going to catch pneumonia.”

Also on the plus side, Meta already has shown that it plans to be a good corporate citizen, Williams reported.

To read more visit Aiken Standard online


Aiken Standard reporter
Dede Biles is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. She covers Aiken County government, business and horse industry.

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.

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. to expand operations in Aiken County

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. to expand operations in Aiken County

Approximately $400 million investment will create more than 300 new jobs

 

For Immediate Release

November 1, 2021

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw), a leading global flooring provider, today announced plans to expand its operations in Aiken County. The approximately $400 million investment will create more than 300 new jobs at the manufacturing facility, which creates fiber used to manufacture residential carpet.

 

Located at 136 East Frontage Road in Aiken, Shaw’s expansion will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity and support future growth for new products. This location currently employs more than 600 associates.

 

The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Individuals interested in joining the Shaw team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

 

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. Aiken County was also awarded two Set-Aside grants, totaling $1,750,000, to assist with costs related to this project.

QUOTES

“Our expansion in Aiken represents a significant, long-term investment in our people and processes that will allow us to meet current and future projected market demand for high-quality carpet products. This investment positions Shaw well for the future and represents tremendous career opportunities for current and future associates.” -Shaw Executive Vice President of Operations David Morgan

 

“Shaw benefits from a talented, well-trained associate base in Aiken County. We’re proud to have been a part of the community for almost 20 years and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.” -Shaw Plant 78 (Aiken, S.C.) Plant Manager John Riley

 

“The expansion of Shaw Industries Group, Inc.’s operations in Aiken County signals yet another vote of confidence by this great company in South Carolina and our people. Congratulations to Shaw on this $400 million investment that will create more than 300 new jobs for our citizens.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

 

“South Carolina continues to provide the business climate where companies can find long-term success. Shaw has been a part of the Aiken community for nearly two decades which makes today’s announcement and the opportunities it represents even more exciting.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

 

“The Aiken County Council appreciates Shaw’s decision to expand its Aiken County operations. This announcement is a grand slam for Aiken County and represents the largest single capital investment in the county in over a decade. With an approximately $400 million capital investment and more than 300 new jobs to be created, this is a win-win for both Shaw and Aiken County.” -Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker

 

“A company like Shaw has options where to deploy a job creation and capital investment opportunity of this significance. We are grateful they chose Aiken County. It shows a company that is pleased with the business conditions that Aiken County Council works hard to maintain. Congratulations to Shaw and Aiken County!” -Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury

 

FIVE FAST FACTS
  • Shaw Industries is expanding operations in Aiken County.
  • The approximately $400 million investment will create more than 300 new jobs.
  • Shaw Industries is a leading global flooring provider.
  • Shaw’s facility is located at 136 East Frontage Road in Aiken, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Shaw team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

 

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

 

About Shaw Industries

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is more than a flooring company – we are more than 20,000 people united in our vision of creating a better future for our customers, for our people, for our community and for our company. We provide carpet, resilient, hardwood, tile & stone, laminate, synthetic turf and other specialty items for residential and commercial markets worldwide. We meet diverse customer needs through an expansive portfolio of brands, including: Anderson Tuftex, COREtec, Floorigami, Patcraft, 

Philadelphia Commercial, Shaw Contract, Shaw Floors, Shaw Sports Turf, Southwest Greens and more. 

 

Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, USA, Shaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway with $6 billion in annual revenue and representation throughout the U.S., as well as in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, India, Mexico, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. For more information about our company brands, operations and community involvement, or to join our industry-leading team, visit www.shawinc.com. 

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alex Clark, CMP

Director of Marketing & Communications

South Carolina Department of Commerce

(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

 

Sara Martin

Senior Director of Corporate Communications

Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

sara.martin@shawinc.com

(770) 387-7274

Opening of new Generac hub in Trenton celebrated by government, community leaders

A ribbon is cut Thursday at Generac Power Systems’ new manufacturing, assembly and distribution facility in Edgefield County. Pictured are Kyle Raabe, with Generac Power Systems; state Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield; state Rep. Bill Clyburn, D-Aiken; Tom Pettit, with Generac Power Systems; Gov. Henry McMaster; and state Rep. Bill Hixon, R-North Augusta. (Colin Demarest/Staff)

By Colin Demarest | cdemarest@aikenstandard.com

Oct 21, 2021

TRENTON — S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster and a slate of other government, community and industry leaders on Thursday helped celebrate the grand opening of a Generac Power Systems hub.

Together, the officials cut the ribbon on a manufacturing, assembly and distribution facility in Trenton that has created hundreds of jobs in Edgefield County.

“This building houses an amazing team,” said Generac Power Systems Chief Operations Office Tom Pettit. “We are proud to be here in the community of South Carolina, and proud to have so many new Generac employees join the Generac family.”

Generac makes backup power generation products for residential, commercial and industrial markets. The new 421,000-square-foot facility – awash in robotics, automation and cutting-edge digital systems – is “critical to meeting the needs of our customers” as demand increases, Pettit said.

To read more of the article please visit: Aiken Standard

Staff writer Dede Biles contributed to this report.

Accudraft Establishing Operations in Aiken County

Accudraft Establishing Operations in Aiken County

$4.7 million investment will create 42 new jobs

For Immediate Release

August 10, 2021

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Accudraft Finishing Systems (Accudraft), a leading global finishing systems company, today announced plans to establish operations in Aiken County. The $4.7 million investment will create 42 new jobs.

Founded in 1977, Accudraft manufactures finishing systems and paint booths for the automotive, aircraft, marine vessel and train and railcar industries. With best-in-class products, Accudraft designs and engineers finishing enclosures and systems around the user and is continuously improving design and materials to produce durable finishing systems.

Located at 10 Windham Boulevard in the Verenes Industrial Park in Aiken, Accudraft’s new facility will accommodate additional production capacity and the company’s need to provide more efficient and effective service to its growing base of customers, distributors and partners.

Operations are expected to be online in 2022. Individuals interested in joining the Accudraft team should email info@goaccudraft.com.

QUOTES

“We are proud to work with the state of South Carolina and Aiken County to expand our manufacturing operations into the Southeast. We’d like to sincerely thank Aiken County and the state for their outstanding support, and we look forward to their continuing partnership for years to come.” -Accudraft Finishing Systems President Giovanna Helton

 

“Accudraft’s decision to establish operations in Aiken County is another great example of how companies recognize all South Carolina has to offer. We congratulate them on their new operations and look forward to watching them succeed for many years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“We appreciate the $4.7 million investment and 42 jobs Accudraft will bring to South Carolina. I look forward to the amazing work that will take place in Aiken County.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“This major announcement is a win-win for both Accudraft and Aiken County. The $4.7 million capital investment and the jobs it creates will favorably impact our community and our local economy. In addition, this project further highlights Aiken County’s pro-industrial, business-friendly environment. Aiken County continues to maintain the infrastructure, competitive workforce and favorable tax policies necessary to attract high-end manufacturing.” -Aiken County Council Chair Gary Bunker

“We welcome Accudraft to Aiken County and appreciate their investment here. They are a world-class company that will further diversify employment opportunities in the county. We look forward to working with them on their startup which hopefully leads to additional growth. Today’s news would not be possible without the years of tireless work by Aiken County Council to ensure the business conditions are right for companies to locate and be profitable.” -Economic Development Partnership Board Chair Gary Stooksbury

 

FIVE FAST FACTS
  • Accudraft Finishing Systems (Accudraft) is establishing operations in Aiken County.
  • The $4.7 million investment will create 42 new jobs.
  • Accudraft is a leading global finishing systems company.
  • Located at 10 Windham Boulevard in Aiken, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Accudraft team should email info@goaccudraft.com.

 

 

S.C. COMMERCE MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Clark, CMP
Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

Generac Power Systems, Inc. Expanding Operations in Edgefield County

Generac Power Systems, Inc. Expanding Operations in Edgefield County

Expansion will create 300 new jobs

For Immediate Release

June 17, 2021

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Generac Power Systems, Inc. (Generac), a leading global power and energy technology company serving the residential, commercial and industrial markets, today announced plans to expand operations in Edgefield County and create 300 new jobs. This new commitment adds to the company’s initial announcement this year and will bring Generac’s collective total of new jobs in the state to 750.

Founded in 1959, Generac is an industry leader that offers a broad range of power and energy solutions including back-up and prime power generator systems; engine-powered and battery-powered tools and equipment; and solar + battery storage systems.

Located at 30 Industrial Park Boulevard in Trenton, Generac’s expansion will increase the company’s capacity to meet growing demand for Generac’s home standby generators and associated energy technologies. The company’s location in South Carolina also serves as a distribution center to customers in the Southeast.

Individuals interested in joining the Generac team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

 The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. Edgefield County was also awarded a $750,000 Set-Aside grant to assist with costs related to this project.

 

QUOTES

“Given multiple megatrends at play, including the growing unreliability of the grid and the increasing number of people working and learning from home, there has been significant and strong demand for Generac’s residential power systems. We are pleased to be able to substantially grow our operations in South Carolina so quickly to meet the needs of consumers.” -Generac Power Systems, Inc. President and CEO Aaron Jagdfeld 

 

“Generac’s announcement demonstrates the seemingly unlimited growth of our economy. After establishing operations in South Carolina earlier this year, Generac is already expanding and creating 300 more jobs. We are proud of this expansion and all of the good that will come from it.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“The fact that Generac is already expanding within our borders – just months after announcing operations in South Carolina – is a true testament to our business-friendly climate. We congratulate Generac on today’s announcement, and we look forward to our partnership with this great company for years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Today’s news is very exciting for Edgefield County. We are grateful that Generac is growing their presence in our county, and we look forward to the great things the future holds in our partnership with them.” -Edgefield County Council Chairman Scott Cooper

“This news is a testament to the hard work that Edgefield County has put in over the years. We are extremely proud that Generac is expanding their new operation in the county, and we wish them continued success.” -Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury

 

FIVE FAST FACTS
  • Generac Power Systems, Inc. (Generac) is expanding operations in Edgefield County.
  • Expansion will create 300 new jobs.
  • Generac is a manufacturer of backup power generation products and energy technology solutions.
  • Located at 30 Industrial Park Boulevard in Trenton, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the Generac team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

 

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis. Additionally, the state has won the Gold or Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine every year since 2011. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

About Generac

Generac Power Systems, Inc. (NYSE: GNRC) is a leading global energy solutions company, supplying backup power and prime power systems, engine-powered and battery-powered tools and equipment, and solar energy storage systems. In 1959 our founder designed and manufactured the first affordable backup generator. 62 years later, the same dedication to innovation, quality and performance has expanded the company’s industry-leading product portfolio into homes and small businesses, job sites, and industrial and mobile applications across the globe. Generac offers battery storage systems for homes, energy management systems for businesses and utilities, backup and prime power systems up to 2 megawatts, and paralleled power solutions up to 100 megawatts.

 

S.C. COMMERCE MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Clark, CMP
Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com