Eaton Expands South Carolina footprint With New Manufacturing Facility in Union County

(123rf.com Image)

Eaton, a global leader in power management technologies, said it is growing its South Carolina footprint with new operations in Union County.

The company’s $340 million investment will create 700 jobs and establish a new manufacturing facility for three-phase transformers, critical to the nation’s power grid and across industries, according to Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

A longtime South Carolina employer, Eaton provides intelligent power management solutions for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets.

The company serves customers in more than 160 countries.

Eaton’s new Jonesville manufacturing site will be the company’s 11th facility in South Carolina and its third manufacturing facility for three-phase transformers in the U.S.

Eaton will acquire and retrofit the 861,000-square-foot facility at 3805 Furman L. Fendley Highway in Jonesville.

The new operation will manufacture three-phase transformers, which support grid modernization and are critical in providing secure and reliable distribution of power in utility infrastructure and commercial applications.

Production and hiring in Jonesville are expected to begin in 2027.

Currently, Eaton is hiring for existing positions at its other facilities in South Carolina, and individuals interested in joining the Eaton team should go to the company’s careers page.

The company will work closely with readySC and regional schools to support hiring and industry training.

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

The council also awarded a $10 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Union County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

Said Eaton Electrical Sector Americas Region President Mike Yelton: “Electrical power demand is increasing dramatically, and our solutions are at the heart of energy systems everywhere, from the utility grid to industrials, data centers, buildings and more. Eaton is grateful for the strong collaboration and support in South Carolina, where we have a long history of manufacturing and innovation.”

Yelton added, “Eaton is continuing to increase production and add jobs there and across the U.S. to support affordable, reliable and clean energy.” 

Isuzu Selects Greenville County For New U.S. Production Base

Isuzu North America Corporation, a supplier of commercial vehicles, announced Feb. 12, 2025, it has selected Greenville County to establish the company’s new production base in the United States. 

The company’s $280 million investment will create more than 700 new jobs, according to Gov. Henry McMaster's office.

A subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, Isuzu supplies commercial vehicles for the United States and Canadian markets. 

Isuzu trucks entered the North American truck market in 1984, and the company sold 44,000 units in the last fiscal year, its highest total ever.

Officials said Isuzu has purchased a 1 million-square-foot facility, on over 200 acres of land on Augusta Road in Greenville County, that it is converting into a state-of-the-art assembly plant to expand Isuzu’s vehicle supply capabilities in North America.

The officials said the new plant will include a variable-model, variable-volume production line that produces both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles. 

When completed, the plant will produce the company’s N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric and F-Series Diesel trucks, and will have a production capacity of 50,000 units annually.

Operations are expected to begin in 2027. Officials said that in the coming months, Isuzu will provide more details about job opportunities, including how interested applicants can apply.

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

The council also awarded a $7 million Closing Fund grant to Greenville County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction. 

“Isuzu carefully considered numerous factors when deciding where to locate its new production base," said Isuzu North America Corporation President Noboru Murakami. "We found everything that we wanted and more in the State of South Carolina and Greenville County: a supportive business environment, excellent access to transportation, proximity to the Port of Charleston, an excellent labor pool, a skilled workforce being produced by nearby colleges, and the benefits of joining a large and growing automotive production base.”

Murakami added, “We look forward to starting up our operations and making a positive contribution to the state and the local community.”

“Isuzu’s decision to establish operations and create more than 700 new jobs in Greenville County reinforces South Carolina as a top destination for the automotive industry," McMaster said.

The governor added, "We celebrate this significant investment and all that it will mean for our people, and we look forward to witnessing the transformative impact this announcement will have in the years ahead.”

Domtar Funds Indigenous-Led Conservation in Canada

Domtar Corporation announced on Feb. 12, 2025, an investment of $135,000 as a funder of First 30x30 Canada, a program focused on supporting Indigenous-led conservation projects in Canada.

Through the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, more than 190 countries have committed to protect 30 percent of their lands and waters by 2030 ("30x30").

Domtar, whose principal executive office is in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is an early investor in the First 30x30 program.

"Domtar has long been a leader in sustainability, and we, alongside our owner Jackson Wijaya, are committed to forging partnerships that explore nature-based solutions to address climate challenges while delivering social benefits, particularly for Indigenous Nations," said Sabrina de Branco, Domtar's global chief sustainability officer.

First 30x30 Canada projects will primarily focus on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), which are lands and waters that Indigenous Nations identify for conservation.

Indigenous governments across Canada have proposed over 100 IPCAs, including forested areas.  

"Indigenous-led conservation initiatives are vital to protecting culturally and ecologically significant lands within Indigenous territories, as they recognize Indigenous Nations' rights to lead the establishment of protected areas," said Lana Wilhelm, Domtar's director of Indigenous Relations.

Wilhelm added, "By applying the deep knowledge held by Indigenous people, these projects align with Domtar's commitment to sustainable and collaborative resource management, which is at the heart of our operations."  

"For so many Indigenous Nations, forests are interwoven into our culture, our livelihoods, our foodways, our economies and our identities," said Steven Nitah, managing director of Nature for Justice Canada.

Nitah added, "We are grateful for Domtar's leadership in the forest products sector and its support for our program as an avenue to invest in Indigenous Nations and the landscapes that our Nations protect and manage." 

Domtar is a privately held manufacturer of diversified forest products, with a workforce of roughly 14,000 employees in more than 60 locations across North America.

The company has an annual capacity of 9.1 million metric tons of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue annually, and has an annual production capacity of about 3 billion board feet of lumber and other wood products.

Formerly known as the Paper Excellence Group, Domtar is comprised of legacy businesses Paper Excellence Canada Holdings Corporation, Domtar Corporation and Resolute Forest Products.

Craig Gaulden Davis Announces New Partnership with PBK

Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture (CGD), a South Carolina and Maryland-based architecture firm known for its innovative designs in education, civic, and cultural spaces, announced that it has merged with PBK, the nation’s largest education design firm.

As two recognized leaders in architectural planning and design, officials said this strategic partnership enhances CGD’s expertise and strengthens its ability to serve clients throughout the region.

The merged firm, Craig Gaulden Davis | PBK, will reach clients and communities across 31 offices nationwide.

“PBK’s legacy of excellence and client success aligns perfectly with our continued commitment to deliver thoughtful design solutions to our clients and make a positive impact on the communities we serve,” said Scott Powell, president of Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture.

Powell added, “Together, we are creating an architectural powerhouse that combines a deep legacy of regional insight with broad national expertise. This is a great opportunity to elevate our services and provide outstanding results for our clients.”

Founded in 1981, PBK is an innovator in the architecture and design industry, specializing in educational, sports, civic and healthcare facilities.

Officials said its strong national presence and acclaimed designs will complement CGD’s regional expertise and personalized customer service approach.

“Partnering with CGD marks an exciting milestone for both firms,” said PBK CEO James Uhl. “By combining our expertise and expanding our reach along the East Coast, we’ll continue to have a significant design impact in more communities.”

Allow us to tell your company's Business Narrative. Send your press release to David Dykes or for more information email [email protected]