Richland County marks record-breaking year for capital investment

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One word: Scout. Well, two, if you want to be precise: Scout Motors. That’s all you need to know about the reason behind record-breaking capital investment in Richland County in 2023.

The Richland County Economic Development Office recently celebrated a record-breaking year of achievements from 2023, including a total investment exceeding $2.35 billion and the creation of 4,532 new jobs, as it released its latest Annual Report.

These results represent the most successful year of new capital investment in the history of Richland County, as well as the best year for job creation since the establishment of the Economic Development Office in 2011, according to a news release. These achievements underscore years of collaborative effort to establish the county as a dynamic hub of economic activity, bolster local industry, attract innovative industries with growth potential and, most importantly, enhance opportunities for its citizens and the Columbia region, the release stated.

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The report was unveiled during the Richland County Economic Development Office’s Annual Report Breakfast at the USC Alumni Center. The breakfast showcased the accomplishments of the past year, provided an outlook for 2024 and featured an exclusive presentation from Scout Motors Vice President of Growth Cody Thacker.

“We are thrilled to reflect on the impressive economic strides made in Richland County throughout 2023 as we lay the groundwork for a prosperous future in our community,” said Jeff Ruble, director of the Richland County Economic Development Office, in the release. “These investments are more than just numbers – they embody our goal to make Richland County a place where residents and their families can flourish and build a lasting legacy. The Annual Report Breakfast provided a platform to highlight the effectiveness of our partnerships and set a positive tone for the year ahead.”

Throughout the past year, Richland County attracted multiple new business establishments and expansions, including Cirba Solutions LLC, FN America, Xerxes – Shawcor Ltd., Mungo Homes and TMC Transportation.

One standout project marked a particular economic milestone, the release stated. On March 3, Scout Motors announced plans to build a $2 billion, 4,000-employee manufacturing facility in Blythewood, ranking among the biggest deals in South Carolina history and positioning Richland County as a key player in the electric vehicle revolution.

“Scout Motors couldn’t be more proud to call Blythewood home and to contribute to a promising, economically prosperous future in Richland County,” Thacker said in the release. “Witnessing the community and Richland County leaders come together throughout the process — from early evaluation to project planning and even to today’s Annual Report Breakfast — further validates our decision to establish manufacturing operations here. We’re bullish on what lies ahead for Scout Motors, and Richland County is an integral part of that journey.”

In addition to these achievements, more than 771,700 square feet of new speculative space was added at county-owned industrial parks, the release stated. These developments not only signify growth but also pave the way for additional opportunities in our community.

“As the newly elected Chair of the Richland County Council, it’s gratifying to witness the results of our collaborative efforts within the community,” said Jesica Mackey, chair of the Richland County Council, in the release. “The Annual Report Breakfast brings together key stakeholders and reinforces the collective commitment we all share in building a brighter future in Richland County for generations to come.”