Success Stories

Industry Success

Itron investing in Oconee County operations

Expands in Oconee County - May 2017

“Itron’s leadership in innovation is exemplified at our facility in Oconee County, from cutting-edge grid technologies to automated manufacturing lines. Itron, through past acquisitions, has been located here for more than 50 years. We are proud of our roots in the area, and we are glad to support economic growth in South Carolina.”- Mike Higgins, Itron Oconee Senior Operations Manager

“Itron is an important partner to our state, and we couldn’t be prouder to see them succeed in Oconee County. With announcements like this one, we’re letting the world know that South Carolina is open for business, and we can’t wait to watch this great company’s continued success here.”- Gov. Henry McMaster

“When a great company like Itron chooses to expand its existing operations in our state, it’s yet another testament to the fact that our state is ‘Just right’ for business. The 100 new jobs that this investment is creating will make a real difference in Oconee County, and we look forward to what the future has in store for Itron.” – Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt 

“On behalf of Oconee County, we are grateful to Itron for this recent decision to continue investing within their operations in West Union and for these new jobs. For decades now, Itron has called Oconee home and continued to showcase to the world that companies in our community will have long-term success manufacturing products for a global consumer base.”– Oconee County Council Chair Edda Cammick

 

Baxter Enterprises and Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering

Opens in Oconee County - March 2016

“Our company values our team members, service, dedication and commitment to superior quality, engineering, mold making, injection molding and value-added assemblies. We are excited to join the Oconee County community and look forward to serving our customers in the Carolina region at our new facility.”– President and CEO of Baxter Enterprises and Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering Robert Schulte

“We’re thrilled to celebrate both Baxter Enterprises and Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering and their decision to join the South Carolina family. This investment of more than $20 million means 87 new jobs for our Upstate community, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch them grow and thrive for many years to come.” – Gov. Nikki Haley

“The decision by Baxter Enterprises and Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering to call South Carolina home is further proof that our state’s manufacturing sector continues to shine. I applaud these companies for deciding to establish operations in the Palmetto State and look forward to the impact they will have on Oconee County.” – Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“We appreciate both companies’ confidence in our workforce and the substantial commitment they have made to Oconee County. Baxter and Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering are creating jobs that will improve the lives of many area families. Having a technology companies of this caliber locate in our community validates the investments we have made in infrastructure, workforce development and education, and proves that that these investments are now paying dividends to Oconee County.” - Oconee County Council Chairman Paul Cain

 

CRM Global Manufacturing

Opens in Oconee County - July 2016

“This investment to support growth in our North American valve business is great for our customers, employees, and  the communities where we live and work. We especially want to thank the South Carolina’s Department of Commerce and the Oconee County Economic Development Commission for their support in helping make the expansion in the Westminster facility come to fruition.” - Richard K. Blackwell, Executive Director of the Oconee Economic Alliance

“Oconee proved to be the right spot to locate our new operations.” “We are looking forward to being part of the Oconee manufacturing community for many years to come.” - Charles O. Henthorn III, CRM Global Manufacturing managing partner

 

Small Business Success

MoreSun Design

Located to the Oconee Business Center - February 2014

“Chanda relocated to Walhalla in order to expose her business to new opportunities. This is a prime example of why the Oconee Business Development Center was established and how the county is working to focus on small business growth.  The volunteer staff of TCEDC have partnered with over 400 individuals in the last two years to provide guidance in navigating the waters of starting a business or getting over certain growth hurdles.” -Dave Eldridge, CEO of the Tri-County Entrepreneurial Development Corporation (TCEDC)