From The Director's Desk. It is surreal to think that just over a year ago this month, we started to experience the effects of the Coronavirus that would slow down the economy and ultimately change the world. For most of us, having never lived through a global pandemic, chartering this new territory was extremely challenging, bringing along with it much uncertainty and fear.
Some twelve months later, we are beginning to see recovery in many areas of the economy. We are seeing rapid implementations of vaccines and declining COVID rates, as people gain a greater sense of confidence and a renewed hope of normalcy.
In York County, we are thankful indeed, as what could have been deemed as swimming upstream, looks more to be like persistent progress in the community overall. Reflected in our quarterly Economic Indicators, we can see these trends within our population as well as with industries and real estate activity. Even in the last quarter, we continue to see companies locate or expand here, like 3D System’s endeavor to accelerate their innovation, or Scentsy establishing a new operation in York County.
Also during these past several months, we began the important process of planning for our economic future. Working with a consultant to gain a more expansive perspective, input was gathered on the potential of how our future could look, and what activities or steps we may need to undertake to achieve this vision. These insights, to be shared next month with our leadership under the new Strategic Plan for Economic Development, lay out how this plan might set us on a course for the future.
And just like over the past year, though goals change and evolve over time within our growing community, one goal always stays the same. To make sure that now and in the future, York County remains -- The Location You Need. The Life You Want.
Sincerely,
– David Swenson, Director of York County Economic Development
3D Systems Expands Operations 3D Systems, a global additive manufacturing solutions company, recently announced plans to expand operations in York County. The $13 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
3D Systems brought the innovation of three-dimensional (3D) printing to the manufacturing industry through the invention of Stereolithography. The company provides additive manufacturing solutions comprising 3D printers, materials, software and services that empower customers to create products and business models.
3D Systems' solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace and defense and automotive and durable goods.
"We're excited to expand 3D Systems' presence here at our headquarters in York County. We look forward to enhancing our facilities and growing our workforce to not only accelerate our innovation but to contribute to the economic development of Rock Hill and South Carolina.”
–President and CEO Dr. Jeffrey Graves
Scentsy Establishes Operations in York County Scentsy, a scented product distributor, recently announced plans to establish operations in York County. The more than $6 million investment will create over 200 new jobs in the first year.
Founded in 2004, Scentsy distributes scented products such as wickless candle warmers, aromatic diffusers, all-natural oils and other fragrance-related products. Located at 2104 Williams Industrial Boulevard in Rock Hill, Scentsy's new location will increase the company's storage and distribution capacity to meet growing demand.
"We have felt so welcomed by the community already as we have prepared for this facility's opening, and we're looking forward to being operational this summer." –Scentsy President Dan Orchard
York County Economic Indicators Below you will find York County Economic Development's Q4 2020 Economic Indicator report. This quarterly report is intended to provide insights on current trends and the overall economic health of York County compared to the surrounding region.
Welcome to Aspen Business Park Have you seen the plans yet? York County's newest up-and-coming corporate setting is a 215+ acre master planned business park located in Rock Hill, SC.
Just 30 minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, this new park is directly adjacent to the Rock Hill/York County general aviation airport, and only five miles to interstate I-77.
The park is minutes away from amenities including hotel, restaurants and retail. With 1.8 Million SF of planned development, the options are many, with industrial sites available for purchase or build-to-suit lease. Pass it on!
As they describe it, they are "challenging the traditional production line approach". In this particular video you will learn more about their microfactory model, glimpses of their future operations in York County and the Greater Charlotte region, as well as their approach on communities being a big part of the process.
Plant Tour Reveals Progress On DIRTT Several local leaders recently got a peek inside the progress being made at DIRTT Environmental Solutions, located in Legacy Park. If you haven't checked them out yet, take a minute to read about how they use technology and sustainable construction to create dynamic spaces. DIRTT, we are so glad you are here in York County, SC.
