MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Tuesday, October 1, 2024) – Berkeley County is pursuing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Grant for the former St. Stephen High School property that closed to the public in 1996 and is located at 1266 Russellville Road in St. Stephen.
The County plans to submit an EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application in November 2024 to apply for funding to remove hazardous materials and/or petroleum products identified at the property. Prior to submitting the grant, the County is encouraging community members to review and comment on the draft application which includes draft Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) online at https://berkeleymeansbusiness.com/brownfield/ beginning October 15, 2024, for public review and comment.
This initiative is part of a larger Brownfield Grant Program the County commenced in 2022 when County Council approved a $500,000 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant to fund a large-scale revitalization initiative in the St. Stephen area. Part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield Community Wide Assessment Grant Program, the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant is helping fund
environmental assessments on certain properties throughout St. Stephen—including the former St. Stephen High School property.
“We are eager to see our revitalization efforts in the St. Stephen area continue to advance and know this EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant will be another critical step in our vision to grow vital opportunities and improve quality of life for all who live and work there. Through solid and supportive partnerships with Terracon, the Asiko Group, and Town of St. Stephen, we have a team of skilled and like-minded individuals passionately working toward the preservation of St. Stephen’s unique landmarks and community members’ enduring success.” -Corey McClary, Berkeley County Workforce Development Manager
The EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant identified the former high school as a potential site for redevelopment in the area with a goal to provide more job opportunities and other quality of life resources for the community.
Over the last two years, community engagement has been a critical part of the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant, including the establishment of the Brownfield Steering Committee, an 11-member team of local residents. This group directs the County in the assessment of properties and establishing goals and outcomes of the grant process.
A community meeting on the new EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant is set for Tuesday, October 29 at 6 p.m. at St. Stephen Elementary School, located at 1053 Russellville Road, St. Stephen. The meeting will be a time for the public to review and comment on the draft grant application and ABCA in person and provide public comment.
Should you need assistance accessing the grant or if you are unable to attend the public meeting or wish to submit public comments, please contact Corey McClary, Workforce Development Manager for Berkeley County Economic Development, at vog.csytnuocyelekreb@yralccm.yeroc or 843-719-4096.
For more information on the Brownfield Grant Program, visit berkeleymeansbusiness.com/brownfield.
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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Google today announced plans to grow its South Carolina footprint by establishing two new data center campuses in Dorchester County and expanding its existing data center campus in Berkeley County. The company’s combined investment of $3.3 billion will create hundreds of new jobs across both counties.
Data centers support the company’s digital services including Google Cloud, Search and Maps. These tools have become an essential part of daily life, molding Google into a global brand with 17 operational data center campuses in the U.S.
The new Dorchester County facilities, located in the Pine Hill Business Campus in Ridgeville and Winding Woods Commerce Park in St. George, represent a $2 billion investment and will create 200 new operational jobs. The facilities will support growing demand for the company’s cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI).
In Berkeley County, Google will invest $1.3 billion to expand its existing data center campus, located in the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Moncks Corner, and support continued job growth. Established in 2007, the Berkeley County operation was the company’s first in South Carolina.
Individuals interested in joining the Google team should visit the company’s careers page.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Google’s collaboration with South Carolina. Our continued investment is a testament to the state’s exceptional workforce and thriving business environment. Google data centers are the backbone of digital services that underpin our modern lives, along with tech innovation like AI. We’re grateful for the collaboration with leaders in the state to not only grow our digital infrastructure here but contribute to this thriving community.” -Google Global Vice President of Cloud Supply Chain and Operations Monique Picou
“Google’s latest investment will strengthen South Carolina’s position as an emerging leader in technology and innovation. We are proud to support Google’s operations in Dorchester and Berkeley counties and look forward to the many opportunities our continued partnership will create for our people.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“We are thrilled Google has once again chosen to invest in South Carolina by establishing two new data center campuses in our state and expanding existing operations. The company’s significant investment of $3.3 billion will greatly benefit the Dorchester and Berkeley communities and beyond for years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“We welcome Google’s historic investment in Dorchester County and the transformative economic opportunities it will bring. This project will have a lasting positive impact on our county, providing new jobs, elevating our schools, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Google’s proven track record of empowering local workforces and strengthening communities, including right here in the Lowcountry, makes them an invaluable partner for our region, and we are excited to work with them to build a brighter future for Dorchester County together.” -Dorchester County Council Chair Todd Friddle
“Google’s growing footprint in the Lowcountry is indicative of the company’s successful partnership with the counties in our region. Over the years, Google has brought critical capital investment and job opportunities to our communities; and we look forward to seeing how expansions, both in Berkeley and Dorchester counties, positively impact our area.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Individuals interested in joining the Google team should visit the company’s careers page.
- Google is growing its South Carolina footprint with new operations in Dorchester County and an expansion in Berkeley County.
- The company’s combined investment of $3.3 billion will create hundreds of new jobs across both counties.
- The expansion will support growing demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence.
- Google’s two new data center campuses will be located in the Pine Hill Business Campus in Ridgeville, S.C. and the Winding Woods Commerce Park in St. George, S.C. The existing data center campus is located in the Mount Holly Commerce Park in Moncks Corner, S.C.
On Thursday, May 2, 2024, Berkeley County Economic Development hosted its annual Industry Luncheon at Dean Hall at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. More than two dozen industry partners gathered to learn more about a new workforce initiative Berkeley County School District is spearheading called “Future Ready.”
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon served as the keynote speaker. Corey McClary, Workforce Development Manager for Berkeley County Economic Development, also spoke. County Economic Development Director, John O. Williams, served as emcee.
The “Future Ready” program is a collaborative effort to prepare local youth for the workforce in the area’s thriving industrial sector. Learn more HERE.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Honor LSV, a startup manufacturing company, today announced it chooses Berkeley County for establishing South Carolina operations to design, manufacture and assemble golf carts and luxury low speed vehicles (LSV). The company’s $34.2 million investment will create 65 new jobs.
Honor LSV is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of golf carts and LSVs, and is a contract manufacturer that utilizes precision lasers and robotic welding while working with mostly American-made metals, plastics and other components to build its products. The company also provides in-house powder coat services utilizing its state-of-the-art, 9,000-square-foot automated powder coat line. As a result, Honor LSV has the capacity for full production – from manufacturing to finishing – at its Berkeley County operations.
Operations are online at the company’s 130,000 square-foot building located at 636 Omni Industrial Blvd. in Summerville. Individuals interested in joining the Honor LSV team should submit resumes electronically.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with the costs of building improvements.
“I am beyond thrilled to be launching my third startup company, the second of which is in Berkeley County. There has never been a more important time to bring manufacturing back to America than now, and we are doing just that!” –Honor LSV Owner Brian Plaisance
“South Carolina continues to provide the workforce and resources needed for startups like Honor LSV to thrive. This investment will bring our people even more opportunity and help continue to propel the state’s rapidly growing economy forward.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“We are excited to announce Honor LSV’s new operations in South Carolina. This is the result of the state’s leading-edge manufacturing infrastructure and Berkeley County’s foundation that enables companies to excel. We look forward to partnering with Honor LSV for years to come.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Berkeley County is excited to welcome Honor LSV to our industrial sector. This state-of-the-art, startup company’s $34 million investment will benefit our county’s economy, workforce and residents by creating more quality paying jobs and helping to keep our taxes low. This project is yet another shining example of how strategic investments can go a long way to positively impact our community.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
| FIVE FAST FACTS: Honor LSV chooses Berkeley County for establishing South Carolina operations. The $34.2 million investment will create 65 new jobs. Honor LSV designs, manufactures and assembles golf carts and luxury low speed vehicles (LSV). Honor LSV is located at 636 Omni Industrial Blvd. in Summerville, S.C. Individuals interested in joining the Honor LSV team should should submit resumes electronically. |
This past June witnessed the first-ever Tri-County STEMersion Student Camp, sponsored by Google. The unique pilot program is designed to advance hands-on stem skills and introduce rising 9th and 10th graders to local career opportunities. Berkeley County Economic Development Workforce Development Manager, Corey McClary, served as the camp administrator with educational partner, ECPI University.
Tri-County STEMersion 2023 marks six years of this two-week, unique hands-on institute for middle and high school instructors and counselors in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina. This collaborative program is presented by the economic development offices in Berkeley, Dorchester County and Charleston counties, along with the SC Department of Commerce and four school districts in the region.
The STEMersion Institute provides an opportunity for select teachers to interface with the region’s leading employers to develop high-impact, meaningful, and thought provoking lessons for their students. Educators accepted the into program spend time under the hood of region’s top manufacturing facilities to experience the practical use of formulas, theories and/or concepts necessary for success. Educators also participate in workplace simulations and lesson writing activities that reinforce why math, science and soft skills are so critical to the Tri-County region’s workforce and economic growth. Participants in the STEMersion Institute serve as the critical connection point between industry and the classroom. Their participation helps to enrich and ensure the bright future of their students and the region’s future workforce. Learn more at
MEDIA COVERAGE HERE:
LINKS:
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Thursday, April 6, 2023) – Berkeley County Economic Development will host a Brownfield 101 community meeting on Tuesday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hut in St. Stephen, located at 180 Ravenell Drive.
This informational meeting will provide more details on the $500,000 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Berkeley County Council accepted in September 2022. Economic Development officials and representatives with Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be on hand to answer questions.
This grant is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield Assessment Grant Program and will help fund the first steps in a large-scale revitalization initiative to improve quality of life opportunities in the St. Stephen/Russellville area. Specifically, the grant will allow the Town of St. Stephen, Berkeley County Economic Development, and the EPA to work together to determine brownfield sites in the St. Stephen area that could be redeveloped to provide more job opportunities and other quality of life resources for the community.
Brownfield sites are properties that are or may be contaminated with hazardous substances, pollutants, petroleum, or other contaminants that pose a barrier to productive reuse. Such sites are often are in struggling neighborhoods and areas with blight, deteriorated infrastructure, or other challenges. A brownfield site may include public or private properties, green spaces, or parks in need of preservation. The grant has already identified two such sites: the former St. Stephen High School, which closed in 1996, and the area’s former Lumber Mill, which operated as a steam-powered lumber mill from the 1930s to mid-1960s and closed around 1970.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit information HERE if they own a property or know of a property in the St. Stephen area that could be considered for an assessment as a brownfield site. Landowners may be asked to participate in an assessment by providing information on the site’s history.
This EPA program also provides funding for these assessments—which are critical for determining real estate values—and will help identify and/or alleviate any potential environmental concerns at a site.
This revitalization initiative, which will be conducted in multiple phases, will include community input and engagement throughout the entirety of the process. For more information on the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant Program, go HERE.
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-Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office-
| COLUMBIA, S.C. – ZEB Metals, as part of a newly established joint venture with Glencore, today announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operations in Berkeley County. The company’s new operations will create 28 new jobs. Founded in 2021, ZEB Metals is a buyer and trader of non-ferrous scrap, as well as a recycler of metals other than iron and steel. The company processes metals through shredding, melting, screening and sorting materials while providing full-service metal recycling including industrial clean-up and off-site demolition. Glencore, a Swiss-based commodities trader and one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies, will partner with ZEB Metals to expand its current aluminum portfolio. The joint venture will allow for the development of a new line of recycled products to support the companies’ regional customer base. Relocating operations from Kentucky to a facility near Highway 52 in Moncks Corner, ZEB Metals’ new facility will process dross and other types of secondary aluminum scrap that would otherwise be destined for a landfill. This is the first secondary re-melt facility of its kind in the Southeast region of the United States. Operations are expected to be online by late 2023. Individuals interested in joining the ZEB Metals team should visit the company’s contact page. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $75,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with site preparation and building construction. QUOTES: “ZEB Metals is very excited about relocating our company to the Lowcountry and cannot wait to be a part of the community. South Carolina brings a unique opportunity in the recycling space with local businesses and government support. We’d like to thank everyone at Berkeley County for all their help in making this project come to life.” -ZEB Metals President and Chief Executive Officer Cole Lanham “We’re delighted to announce the addition of ZEB Metals to our growing family of innovative recycling businesses in our state. Congratulations to ZEB Metals on establishing operations in South Carolina, and we look forward to creating a partnership that will last for years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster “This announcement is further proof that South Carolina has the necessary tools to support recycling companies across the state. We welcome ZEB Metals and look forward to seeing how their investment in Berkeley County will create opportunities for South Carolinians.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III “We are pleased to welcome ZEB Metals to Berkeley County. Berkeley County leadership strongly supports ZEB Metals’ commitment to recycling and properly salvaging our natural resources.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb “Glencore and ZEB Metals are welcome additions to Berkeley County’s aluminum production sector. They are also part of the growing industrial recycling effort in our state, which better secures our supply of critical materials and provides energy savings compared to the manufacturing of raw materials.” -Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman and President and Chief Executive Officer of Berkeley Electric Cooperative Mike Fuller |
| FIVE FAST FACTS: ZEB Metals is relocating / establishing its first South Carolina operations in Berkeley County and plans to establish a joint venture with Glencore.The company will create 28 new jobs. ZEB Metals is a full-service scrap recycling company. Located near Highway 52 in Moncks Corner, S.C. Individuals interested in joining the ZEB Metals team should visit the company’s contact page. |
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Redwood Materials, a producer of anode and cathode battery components for electric vehicles, along with Governor Henry McMaster, today announced plans to establish operations in Berkeley County. The company’s $3.5 billion investment, which marks the largest economic development announcement in the history of South Carolina, will create 1,500 new jobs.
“Redwood Materials’ record-breaking announcement shows that our state’s strategic plan to remain a top destination for automobile manufacturers and their suppliers as the industry innovates is working,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “This $3.5 billion investment, and the 1,500 jobs it will create in Berkeley County, is a transformative accomplishment that can only be attributed to the strong, talented, hardworking South Carolinians who make our state as great as it is.”
Headquartered in Carson City, Nevada, and founded by Tesla’s former Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder JB Straubel, Redwood Materials will use its South Carolina campus to create a circular supply chain for electric vehicles. To do so, the company will onshore production of the most critical components in batteries – the anode and cathode – to drive down costs and emissions while securing the supply chain within the United States. All battery components will be built from as much recycled material as possible. The more than 600-acre campus, located at Camp Hall Commerce Park in Ridgeville, will initially produce enough anode and cathode material for 100 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cell production or 1 million electric vehicles each year.
“South Carolina’s commitment to creating a secure energy future and a competitive landscape for electric vehicle manufacturing, supported by a world-class workforce, fast and efficient logistics, zero-carbon electricity and a phenomenal site made it a smart decision for Redwood to invest here. Redwood’s South Carolina Battery Materials Campus will recycle, refine and remanufacture anode and cathode components allowing us to support our current and future customers in the heart of America’s battery belt. We’re ready to support this region and U.S. electrification by driving down battery costs, emissions, and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains,” said Redwood Materials Founder and Chief Executive Officer JB Straubel.
Currently, nearly 100% of the components required for electric vehicle batteries are manufactured overseas. Redwood Materials works to recover more than 95% of the critical minerals and rare earth elements from batteries, like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper, and then reintroduce those materials into the supply chain through the anode and cathode materials it produces for U.S. battery manufacturers.
Redwood Materials works with multiple partners that have existing operations across the U.S., such as Volvo, Envision AESC, Proterra, Panasonic, Volkswagen and Audi, for reclaiming and recycling end-of-life batteries and production scrap to produce battery components.
Operations will begin in 2023.
Individuals interested in working for Redwood Materials may apply by visiting the company’s website.
After the Joint Bond Review Committee recommended approval, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority authorized the issuance of General Obligation State Economic Development Bonds not exceeding $226 million, and notes in anticipation thereof, to offset the cost of acquiring the site, site improvements, related infrastructure and bond issuance costs.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development also awarded job development credits related to this project.
QUOTES
“The future of the automotive industry is paving a path through South Carolina, and Redwood Materials establishing operations in our state proves that point. The company’s historic announcement and the 1,500 new jobs it will create mean we are strengthening sustained, long-term economic growth that will benefit South Carolinians for years to come. We applaud Redwood Materials for their commitment to creating a circular economy here and working to shorten the supply chain through recycling efforts.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“South Carolina Ports is excited to welcome Redwood Materials to South Carolina. SC Ports is a critical supply chain partner for many of South Carolina’s advanced manufacturers, efficiently importing goods for production and exporting finished products to global markets. SC Ports looks forward to supporting Redwood Materials’ new investment that will strengthen our state’s position as a leader in automotive, electrification and sustainability.”
-SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin
“Redwood Materials represents a tremendous opportunity for South Carolina to increase our sustainable manufacturing footprint and supply chain security. Redwood Materials fits perfectly with Santee Cooper’s vision in developing Camp Hall, and we are proud to welcome JB Straubel and his team to Berkeley County, South Carolina.”
-Santee Cooper Director Stephen H. Mudge
“This historic investment in Berkeley County will offer unique career opportunities for our citizens and region. Redwood Materials’ investment will also allow for significant investments in road infrastructure, schools, and public safety, improving the overall quality of life for our residents.”
-Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
“This record-setting economic development win will have a significant positive return on investment for our community. Congratulations to Redwood Materials, our partners in Berkeley County, and to everyone involved in this impactful economic development deal that will bring not only high-paying jobs to our residents, but innovation opportunities to our region.”
-Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman and President and CEO of Berkeley Electric Cooperative Mike Fuller
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Redwood Materials is establishing operations in Berkeley County.
- The company’s $3.5 billion investment, which marks the largest economic development announcement in state history, will create 1,500 new jobs.
- Redwood Materials will produce anode and cathode battery components for electric vehicles to drive down costs and emissions while securing the supply chain within the United States.
- Locating at Camp Hall Commerce Park in Ridgeville, S.C.
- Individuals interested in joining the Redwood Materials team should visit the company’s website.
SC Ports, Berkeley County, and Town of Summerville officials help celebrate CALI as they cut the ribbon on their first custom-built distribution center at 454 Tradeport Dr., Summerville, SC in the Berkeley Charleston Tradeport Industrial Center. CALI’s $3M investment will create 50 new jobs in Berkeley County.
The new center will serve CALI customers along the eastern seaboard, enabling faster deliveries and more reliable service of high-quality flooring, composite decking, and other home design collections. The SC distribution center is the first of 4 new centers the company is planning across the nation.
“I am excited about what this DC will add to the customer experience,” says CALI COO, Eugene Garcia. “The 250,000 square feet facility supports a multishift operation with product sampling, customer service, and a logistics team. Our goal is to provide a world-class service experience.”
When fully staffed, the center will employ about 50 new CALI team members, primarily recruited from the local community. The company’s acclaimed employee culture will be extended to the Summerville team, along with competitive salaries and benefits.
“We are thrilled to launch this distribution center along with a new relationship with the community of Summerville,” says CALI president, Doug Jackson. “CALI has found success by prioritizing the well-being of not just our customers and partners, but our employees as well. We look forward to supporting our new South Carolina team so that we may all grow and accomplish great things together.”
CALI is one of the fastest-growing flooring leaders with some of the best, most innovative, high-quality, and eco-conscious flooring and building products in the industry. They have been recognized on INC 5000 and San Diego Business Journals’ fastest-growing companies and name a top place to work. CALI recently won the GreenStep Sustainability Award too – for their eco-conscious/friendly flooring options. https://www.calibamboo.com/blog/cali-wins-greenstep-sustainability-award/
ABOUT CALI
CALI empowers stunning home transformations with durable, high-value products that are easy to buy, install, and maintain. Guided by a coastal aesthetic and attitude, the omni-channel home improvement platform enables customers to design responsibly with eco-minded options.
Based in San Diego, California, CALI’s ever-expanding flooring collections include bamboo, European oak, eucalyptus, cork, luxury vinyl, and engineered planks, in addition to composite decking, rugs, fencing, and plywood — all while delivering the industry’s best customer experience.
Founded in 2004 and recognized as an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company for 13 consecutive years, CALI models how individuals, businesses, and communities can implement modern designs with structural strength and authentic coastal style. CaliFloors.com
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Nucor Corporation, a leading steel and steel products manufacturer in North America, today announced plans to expand operations in Berkeley County. The company’s $425 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
With a history dating back to 1905, Nucor Corporation manufactures a variety of products including carbon and alloy steel, hollow structural tubing, electrical conduit, precision castings and more. The company’s products serve the agriculture, automotive and energy industries along with several others.
Located at 1455 Old Hagan Ave. in Huger, Nucor Corporation’s latest expansion at the Berkeley facility will include the addition of a galvanizing line that will expand the manufacturing of corrosion-resistant products.
The expansion is expected to be complete in mid-2025. Individuals interested in joining the Nucor Corporation team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. The council also approved a $400,000 Set-Aside grant to Berkeley County to assist with costs of site preparation.
“We would like to thank the state of South Carolina, Berkeley County and Santee Cooper for their support on this project. We are excited to further expand the capabilities of Nucor Steel Berkeley to better serve our customers.” -Nucor Steel Berkeley Vice President and General Manager Mike Lee
“Only a month after announcing an expansion at the facility, Nucor Corporation is once again growing its Berkeley County operation. We applaud Nucor Corporation for its commitment to our state and our citizens and look forward to many more years of our strong partnership.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Once again, Nucor Corporation is proving that South Carolina has the resources for companies to continually grow and succeed within our borders. We value Nucor’s commitment to Berkeley County and the opportunities created throughout the state.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Last month, Nucor Corporation announced a separate, sizable investment to modernize the Berkeley facility. Now, Nucor Corporation is announcing plans to expand its operations. Anytime a longtime existing industry commits to an expansion, that’s positive proof that a lot of people are doing things right. Nucor Corporation produces high-quality products, and Berkeley County has been proud to supply them with an outstanding workforce — and we look forward to continuing to do so for many years to come. A special thanks to Nucor Steel Berkeley for all you do for our county and region.” -Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb
FIVE FAST FACTS
Nucor Corporation is expanding operations in Berkeley County.
The company’s $425 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
Nucor Corporation is a leading steel and steel products manufacturer.
Located at 1455 Old Hagan Ave. in Huger, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Nucor Corporation team should visit the company’s careers page.
