Upstate SC Alliance

10/07/2026

CurTec USA (CurTec), a high-performance packaging manufacturer, announced that is expanding its operations in Oconee County. The company’s $10 million investment will create 10 new jobs.
​
Founded in 1991, CurTec produces plastic drums, pails and jars to safely handle and contain critical materials in the life sciences and fine chemicals industries.

CurTec’s first facility in Westminster was established in 2023, and the company is continuing to grow its presence in the Upstate. This expansion represents a strong commitment to the workers, quality of life, and business climate of our region.

Congratulations, CurTec!

https://bit.ly/4hO2pLc

Cc: Oconee Economic Alliance

10/05/2026

There’s a lot ahead for the Greenville Triumph SC. Wallace Cheves, Chairman of the Triumph, spoke at our recent Coffee & Conversation about how the team is involved in the local community, international partnerships, and what is in store for their future at its new home at BridgeWay Station.

“Sports is the front door of every community.” Wallace shared his vision for GE Vernova Park as more than a place for soccer, with plans to make it a year-round community asset and host events, gatherings and other sporting activities.

Owned by the City of Mauldin SC Government, the stadium was made possible through a public-private partnership, bringing together community investment and private-sector support. The name of the stadium also highlights the role that Upstate industries like GE Vernova can play in supporting quality of life in our region.

The conversation also touched on the Triumph’s growing international connections, including its partnership with Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho. Wallace shared how his experiences living abroad shaped his approach to building international relationships and bringing a global perspective back to the Upstate.

With a new home, growing partnerships, and a park designed to bring people together beyond game day, the Triumph is another piece of the Upstate’s growing quality of life story.

And thank you to our Coffee & Conversation sponsor, MTC Federal Credit Union!

10/01/2026

An Upstate company is getting a global spotlight.

Greenville-based Skillionaire Games is featured in Forbes for its innovative approach to workforce development. Skillionaire is helping young people explore careers through interactive games that connect them with real industries, employers and education pathways in their communities.

The goal is simple but important: help students discover opportunities they may not know exist, especially in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing and life sciences.

Connecting the next generation to the careers and industries shaping that growth is an important part of building a workforce for the future.

We’re proud to have supported Skillionaire Games early on, and it’s exciting to see an Upstate company take an innovative approach to career discovery beyond our region and see initiatives like this grow from Upstate minds!

Read the full Forbes story:

Skillionaire Games addresses the paradox of generational poverty persisting near high-paying jobs due to a lack of awareness and access. Founded by Tina Zwolinski, the platform provides free, web-based games simulating various careers, such as manufacturing and healthcare.

09/30/2026

Adeptus USA (Adeptus), a wood products manufacturer, has selected Anderson County to establish its first South Carolina operation. The company’s $215.56 million investment will create 217 new jobs.

Adeptus’ new facility will manufacture value-added and processed pine wood products for a diverse range of building products and millwork applications. This investment is a reflection of Adeptus' long-term commitment to Anderson County and the whole of the Upstate. Our strong workforce, business climate, and great quality of life all continue to attract investments like this.

Congratulations, Adeptus! We are glad to have you in the Upstate!

https://bit.ly/4ykrRPl

Cc: Anderson County Economic Development

09/18/2026

What if you could see how Clemson University helped shape America?

Clemson engineers and scientists have been behind innovations that helped transform American industry, technology and infrastructure, from advances in manufacturing and transportation to major engineering projects.

A new interactive from Clemson explores some of these contributions and the people behind them, offering a look at how Clemson’s research, engineering and talent have made an impact far beyond campus.

It’s a reminder that innovation has long been part of Clemson’s story, and continues to be a driving force in the Upstate – and across many industries – today.

Take a look here:

As America marks its 250th year, the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences reflects on Clemson’s role in shaping the nation — and the work still ahead.

09/17/2026

USA Rare Earth broke ground last week on its new rare earth metal and magnet manufacturing facility in Blacksburg, marking the next step in a $1.2 billion investment expected to create approximately 490 high-skill, high-wage manufacturing jobs in Cherokee County.

The approximately 800,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin commissioning in 2028. Once operational, it will produce rare earth metals and NdFeB permanent magnets used across industries including aerospace, defense, semiconductors, energy, mobility and more.

And the project’s Upstate impact goes beyond the facility itself. USA Rare Earth selected Blacksburg after evaluating nearly 275 potential sites nationwide, citing the region’s advanced manufacturing workforce, infrastructure, reliable power and proximity to customers and suppliers. The company also announced a $250,000 contribution to Spartanburg Community College's new SPARK Center in Cherokee County to support workforce and business development.

Read more about the groundbreaking: https://bit.ly/3TxoDcc

Cc: Cherokee County Development Board

09/16/2026

A strong workforce is at the heart of a strong Upstate economy. Across our region, employers, educators, technical colleges and community partners are working together to prepare talent for the opportunities ahead.

With a labor force of more than 800,000 people, 26+ colleges and universities, and four technical colleges serving nearly 30,000 students, the Upstate has a strong foundation to build on.

This month, we’re celebrating the people and partnerships helping our region’s workforce continue to grow and thrive.

Learn more about the Upstate’s workforce: https://bit.ly/3tJisUZ

Learn more about Workforce Development Month in SC: https://bit.ly/4xxJ9ay

Learn more about the technical skills, engineering expertise, education pipeline, and custom workforce training programs.

09/11/2026

The Upstate is home to a growing medical device and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. For companies and organizations working at the intersection of manufacturing, healthcare, and innovation, Clemson University is hosting an upcoming opportunity to connect with others shaping the future of the industry.

On September 18, Clemson University’s Brook T. Smith Launchpad (Clemson Entrepreneurs) will host its third annual Medical Devices Symposium, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, students and community members to explore the latest in medical device technology, funding and regulatory trends.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4iY7AtZ

09/10/2026

Lower property taxes. Strong schools. Safe communities. Reliable public services.

These are goals most Upstate residents share.

And the balance between industrial, commercial and residential properties plays a significant role in helping communities fund and sustain those priorities.

Economic development focuses on attracting and maintaining business investment and jobs so that the region’s communities can grow sustainably — without putting all of the taxpayer burden on households. Learn more about how local property taxes work from LandWise: https://bit.ly/3VjRReY

09/09/2026

Tyson Steel Buildings, a producer of pre-engineered metal buildings, has selected Pickens County for its first South Carolina operation. The company’s $15.15 million investment will create approximately 20 new jobs.

Founded in 1976 by James L. Tyson, Tyson Steel is a family-owned company that designs and installs pre-engineered metal buildings for residential, commercial and agricultural use.

Investments like these reflect the Upstate's outstanding workforce, strong business climate, and strategic location. Congratulations to Tyson Steel on this investment!

https://bit.ly/4gT38Kr