Chief Executive
By Craig Guillot
Global Growth in the Palmetto State
A perennial manufacturing powerhouse, South Carolina set a record for total export sales for the ninth consecutive year in 2018. Top export commodities were vehicles and parts, aircrafts, nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and parts. South Carolina now has a 16 percent market share of the entire U.S. passenger market, and top export countries include China, Canada, Germany and Mexico. “We’ve cultivated a globally connected economy in South Carolina, and last year’s export sales total reflects that,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt in a press release.
Aerospace has been a particularly growing sector. French aerospace supplier AHG Fasteners-USA announced in June 2019 it will open a new U.S. operations in Charleston, citing the availability of skilled workers and proximity to Boeing as major factors in the location decision. “Not only is Charleston ideally suited as a distribution hub for both domestic and overseas customers, the business-friendly climate, the support from the regional economic development authorities and other partners have been extremely welcoming,” said Francoise Montsarrat, AHG executive vice president, in a press release on the opening.
AHG is the sixth company to locate in the region as part of the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Charleston Regional Development Alliances’ Landing Pad program, which supports global companies as they enter the U.S. market.
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Blog
April 9, 2026
Charleston County welcomes Morgan Grimes as Marketing Manager. She will play a key role in translating strategy into high-quality marketing deliverables that position Charleston County’s competitive advantages to site selectors, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
Announcement
March 26, 2026
AVM Group, a leading national provider of turnkey controlled environments, today announced it is establishing its national headquarters in Charleston County. The company’s $5 million investment will create 30 new jobs.
Blog
January 20, 2026
Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) brought together business leaders, elected officials, and community partners on Tuesday, January 13, for its annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon, recognizing the companies and individuals driving investment, innovation, and job creation across Charleston County. The event was held at Trident Technical College’s Complex for Economic Development.
