When it comes to describing business and industry in Aiken County, diversity is the first word that comes to mind. From everyday products, such as over-the-counter medicines and paper products, to cotton cloth, tires, automotive parts, vending machines and materials for nuclear defense and environmental restoration, some of the most advanced businesses and industries call the Aiken area home. The range and diversity of these companies provide a stable working environment and strengthen Aiken County’s economic base. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the largest employer in Aiken County and one of the largest in South Carolina, plays a major role in the area’s economy at the Savannah River Site, which includes the Savannah River National Laboratory.
Several other large employers in the area, including Washington Savannah River Company (URSWashington Division), Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Shaw AREVA MOX Services, Advanced Glassfiber Yarn, and Dixie-Narco, Inc. have invested heavily in Aiken County and contribute significantly to economic prosperity. Kimberly-Clark Corporation is a Fortune 500 company as are Carlisle Tire and Wheel, ASCO (Emerson Electric), Pepperidge Farm (Campbell Soup Company), and Owens Corning.
The area also enjoys a strong global presence with several international companies, such as Bridgestone/Firestone South Carolina (Japan), GlaxoSmithKline (United Kingdom), Rieter Automotive Systems North America (Switzerland), Metso Paper USA (Finland), Newman Technology SC (Japan), BAE Systems (United Kingdom), BOC Gases (United Kingdom), and Shinsho American Corporation (Japan).
Aiken County recognizes the value of its economic base and works closely with existing industries to help ensure their success and longevity. The testament of these efforts shows several existing industries have significantly expanded their operations in recent years.
Another industry that boosts the economic base and draws considerable community support is the equestrian industry, which contributes more than $65 million annually to the local economy.
With its friendly, progressive business environment, the Aiken area offers a diverse, well-trained work force and numerous incentives to potential business and industry. Aiken Technical College and the University of South Carolina Aiken are instrumental in preparing students for the business and technical needs of local employers. In addition, their Continuing Education programs support new technological needs brought on by an ever-changing market.
Aiken’s convenient location and accessibility also make it attractive for many different kinds of businesses. With its proximity to I-20 and to two commercial airports, Augusta Regional Airport in Augusta, Georgia, and Columbia Metropolitan Airport in Columbia, South Carolina, the Aiken area is blessed with excellent transportation access.
In addition, the Aiken Municipal Airport accommodates corporate jet service, and the area offers two railway companies, bus lines, and 40 motor freight lines that provide transportation services. Add to this the fact that the major ports of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia are only 3 hours away and business transportation needs are easily met in the Aiken area.
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