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Columbia Business Monthly

The Business Narrative: $200 Million Investment

Sep 01, 2022 01:26PM ● By David Dykes

Bosch Expansion in Anderson County to Create 350 Jobs

Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, announced plans Aug. 31, 2022, to expand operations in Anderson County. 

The company’s $200 million investment will create 350  jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Bosch’s operations are divided into four business sectors: mobility solutions, industrial technology, consumer goods and energy, and building technology. 

As a leading Internet of Things (IoT) provider, Bosch offers solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0 and connected mobility.

Located at 4421 S.C. Highway 81 in Anderson, the Bosch facility will be the company’s first production operation of fuel cell technology in the United States. 

The fuel cell stacks produced will drive hydrogen-powered Class 8 trucks in the next few years, Commerce officials said.

The Bosch expansion includes capital upgrades to the Anderson campus, where an estimated 147,000 square feet of floorspace will be developed to manufacture the fuel cell stacks, as well as support clean room and climate-controlled environments required for quality-critical processes. 

Fuel cell stack production is planned for 2026.

“The hydrogen economy holds great promise and at Bosch we are all in," said Bosch North America President Mike Mansuetti "This is a significant milestone as we announce the first fuel-cell related production for Bosch in the U.S. to support the growing demand from our customers as part of a diverse approach to powertrain technology.”

“Helping Bosch to be among the first to commercialize fuel cell stack production in the U.S. speaks to the strength of our manufacturing industry and workforce," said Gov. Henry McMaster. "We are grateful for Bosch’s commitment to our state and look forward to strengthening our partnership.”

Added Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn: “The investment and jobs provided by this new technology are significant for Anderson County and for our long-standing collaboration with Bosch as one of the largest local employers.”

The state's Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.


DMA Sales, LLC Expanding Operations in Marion County

DMA Sales, LLC, an automotive body parts supplier, announced plans to expand operations in Marion County.

The company’s $5 million investment will create 30 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Founded in 2008, DMA Sales serves original equipment suppliers (OES), big box retailers, and wholesale and e-retail sales channels.

The company assists the North American sales and distribution arm for overseas manufacturing facilities and is responsible for sales, marketing, logistics and product development.

Located at Marion County Industrial Park, DMA Sales has purchased three additional buildings that will accommodate quality testing, receive inbound ocean containers and house excess inventory.

Operations are expected to be online by early September. Those interested in joining the DMA Sales should email resumes to the company.



SC Launch Inc. Announces Investment in AICG

South Carolina Research Authority’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc., has invested in AICG.

SC Launch officials said the $250,000 investment will help the startup continue as a leader in machine learning, data integration, and business analytics. 

AICG Inc. became an SCRA member company in 2021 and received a $25,000 Project Development Fund Grant. It became a SC Launch Inc. portfolio company this year with the investment.

With its flagship product, DataLakeHouse, AICG helps businesses, startups and large enterprises become more informed about their operational metrics and gain insights on how to better run their businesses.

Its product helps businesses create competitive advantages and reach their goals by extracting the business value found in data, SC Launch officials said.

With a mix of professional services and product development, AICG is innovating in several sectors including the restaurant, airline, transportation, gaming, health care, finance, and manufacturing industries.

Snack Wars: South Carolina's Favorite Snack Revealed

As America’s love for snacking continues to grow, Wisevoter, a bipartisan educational platform, delved into America's favorite snack by state.

Dorritos won hearts of 23 states and thus the title of America’s favorite snack beating M&M’s, which are loved in 13 states.

South Carolinians, however, seem to have a sweet tooth when it comes to snacks, as they chose M&M's as their favorite. 

Americans’ snacking habit has seen a rise since the pandemic, the snacking continues to grow in 2022 with an increase of 13 percent compared to last year.

Most Americans like their pantry stocked with sweet and salty snacks and 41 percent indulge in two snacks a day while 24 percent indulge in three snacks a day. 

* Snack Wars State Index *

Most popular snacks in South Carolina ranked in order of popularity in 2022:

1. M&M's

2. Doritos

3. Cheetos

4. Fritos

5. Lay's.


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