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York County is a long-established economic development success story with a healthy growth rate sustained by all the right reasons for relocating, expanding, and creating new operations here.
The South Carolina county shares a state border with both bustling Charlotte and suburban, exurban, and rural neighborhoods to the west of the Carolinas’ biggest city.
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, is about a 30-minute drive and the deepwater port of Charleston lies just three hours away by truck, making global connections seamless. Interstate 77 runs through the county and Interstate 85 is very nearby.
County and city leaders here have worked hard to create extraordinary lifestyle opportunities that combine urban amenities with small-town charm and excellent schools. That’s while maintaining a welcoming business environment that, as industrial recruiters explore opportunities, makes us stand out as a dynamic hub for continued economic development.
Continued Economic Growth Across Multiple Sectors
In the past five years, there have been more than 50 significant new projects and expansions announced in York County, totaling more than 4,000 new jobs. In 2023 alone, the county successfully completed eight projects that account for about $1.6 billion in capital investments.
The diverse nature of these businesses speaks to the economic resiliency and broad appeal of the county. They range from corporate headquarters for traditional equipment rental and manufacturing firms and mortgage companies to advanced technology manufacturers in the semiconductor, automotive, and aerospace sectors.
Here are some recent highlights:
- QTS Data Centers plans to invest $1 billion in a 400-acre site that will host a new data center for the global provider of colocation infrastructure and related services. The project will serve as a hub for the county’s fast-growing presence as a technology hub.
- Pallidus is investing $443 million to create 405 new jobs by moving its corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations to York County. The company produces silicon carbide semiconductor wafers for the transportation, green energy, and industrial power electronics markets.
- Silfab Solar, a leading North American solar panel manufacturer, is investing $150 million and creating 800 new jobs to expand its U.S. footprint by establishing next-generation solar cell technology operations in York County. The new plant joins operations in Washington state and Toronto, Canada.
We work with each company to create an incentive package specific to their individual needs. Each company we work with receives its own mix of infrastructure, property tax, and workforce training incentives. In the process, you’ll find yourselves negotiating with state and local officials long committed to providing a business-friendly environment in one of the nation’s least-unionized states.
An Educated, Ready Workforce
York County is at the heart of the Charlotte metropolitan area, providing access to a workforce of about 1.3 million people. York County itself has a population of about 300,000. The county boasts some of South Carolina’s best public schools and more than two-thirds of the local workforce has had at least some higher education.
The Palmetto State’s nationally regarded technical college system is represented locally by York Technical College, which functions both as a two-year start to a four-year education and as a host to a robust range of industry- and company-specific offerings. Anchoring that is readySC, one of the oldest and most experienced workforce training programs in the United States.
Rock Hill’s 5,000-student Winthrop University also is an anchor for higher education here, while Charlotte is home to numerous institutions of higher education, including the 30,000-student University of North Carolina Charlotte.
The Life You Want, The Sites You Need
Quality of life is an essential piece to the industrial recruitment process, and York County truly stands out here with its unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities making it an exceptional place to live.
Our three largest communities – Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and York each boast their own distinct character and appeal. York, with its historic downtown district and beautifully preserved architecture, exudes a sense of nostalgia and Southern hospitality. Rock Hill, meanwhile, has evolved into a thriving hub of culture and commerce, with a vibrant arts scene and a multitude of dining and shopping options. Fort Mill seamlessly combines its quaint, small-town roots with contemporary, upscale living, attracting families and professionals alike.
Quality of life is an essential piece to the industrial recruitment process, and York County truly stands out here with its unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities making it an exceptional place to live.
We also boast ample natural and manmade recreational opportunities, including Lake Wylie, and in town, a robust network of parks that host national and international events – including Adidas-sponsored high school basketball tournaments that attract major college recruiters from across the country. There’s even a velodrome that’s hosted national cycling championships.
Attention also has been given to preserving greenspace, such as the 2,100-acre Anne Springs Close Greenway and its 40 miles of trails, and carefully managed access and development along the Catawba River to maintain its renowned fishing, kayaking, and riverside picnicking. Work is well under way now on the Catawba Bend Preserve, a 1,900-acre stand of woods, fields, and ponds along a sweeping curve in the scenic river.
There also are historic sites like Kings Mountain State Park and Historic Brattonsville, each of which preserve and present the area’s extraordinary connections to the Revolutionary War and agrarian past through living history.
Then there’s nearby Charlotte, with its NFL, NBA, Major League Soccer teams and PGA tournaments, along with world-class entertainment and a vibrant metropolitan culture.
Housing costs in York County tend to be below national averages and options for family living range from rural to urban. A high quality of life for employees and a business and commercial/industrial real estate environment that’s accommodating and affordable make our community a great place to consider for your next project.