Business in Charleston

Because of Charleston’s alluring charm, many people move to the Lowcountry first and look for a job later. Fortunately, the region is bursting with big businesses and manufacturers, and the hospitality and tourism industry is growing annually. Cars, boats, planes, and technology are just a few of the prelevant industries here in the Lowcountry.

The luxury car manufacturer Volvo selected the Ridgeville / Summerville area as the site of its first North American plant in 2015. The factory produces approximately 100,000 cars each year and employs more than 2,000 assembly and personnel workers. Mega car dealerships such as Baker Motor Company and Mercedes-Benz, Rick Hendrick BMW and Chevrolet, Fred Anderson Toyota, Stokes Honda, and Palmetto Ford are scattered throughout the region.

Summerville is also home to Sportsman Fishing Boats, a company founded by South Carolina natives Tommy Hancock and Dale Martin, both veterans in the boating industry. Focusing on center console and bay boats, Sportsman is highly praised for its innovative design and ranks #2 nationally in boater registrations. The locally owned Scout Boats corporation designs and manufactures its luxury boats in Summerville as well. The company, which was established in 1989, builds high-performing and fuel-efficient vessels and is one of the industry’s most respected name brands. Located in nearby Moncks Corner, Sea Fox boat manufacturers are 20-year veterans in creating saltwater vessels. The company, which consistently produces the top selling fishing boats marked with lifetime hull warranties.

In addition to cars and boats, Charleston is thrilled to be the home of Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing manufacturing facilities. Located next door to the Charleston International Airport, the 140-acre campus employs more than 8,000 assembly workers, engineers, and personnel. The company has three separate facilities: the Interiors Responsibility Center, the Research and Technology Center, and the Propulsion South Carolina, the assembly plant for 737 MAX engines.

In Berkeley County, Nucor Steel is an environmentally-conscientious plant that manufactures various forms of carbon and alloy steel. The company employs 1,000 people and is contributor to the local community, especially veterans’ groups.

A technology company based out of Germany, Bosch Company in Charleston employs 2,000 people and manufacturers industrial, technical supplies including antilock brake systems, common rail, and fuel injectors. The company is located off Dorchester Road in North Charleston.

Located on Daniel Island, BenefitFocus is a technology software company that bridges the common communication barriers between company employee health benefits and insurance carriers. Founded in 2000, the company has witnessed tremendous growth with satellite offices in Greenville, South Carolina; Tulsa, Arizona; and San Francisco, California. In Charleston, the company employs approximately 1,200 people.

Also located on Daniel Island is Blackbaud, a leading technology company who provides software services for nonprofits, schools, and foundations. A seasoned company with more than 35 years of industry knowledge, Blackbaud is committed to helping organizations and corporations achieve their financial and educational goals.

Charleston Joint Base is a U.S. military command center that provides support to more than 60 Department of Defense and federal agencies. With approximately 36,000 personnel, the Charleston Joint Base operates three seaports and two civilian-military airfields, and it oversees more than 24,000 acres of coastline and rail line.

Of course, as the number one city in the world, Charleston has a robust tourism and hospitality industry. The city is a popular destination for weddings, corporate events, and family vacations. From five star restaurants to historic hotels to concerts , the tourism industry is ever evolving to ensure visitors get a memorable taste of Charleston life.

Apart from these major corporations and industries, Charleston’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving too. Fitness clubs, spas, technology firms, dance studios, attorney offices, and other small businesses typically enjoy great success as Charlestonians overwhelmingly appreciate and support local businesses.

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