Birla Carbon selects Orangeburg County as first SC operation, creating 124 jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A company announced Tuesday they’ve selected Orangeburg County as its first operation in the Palmetto State.

Birla Carbon is a manufacturer and supplier of carbon solutions.

The $1 billion investment will create 124 jobs in the county and will be located at a 435,000-square-foot building in the Tri-County Industrial Site.

“Birla Carbon is excited to join the state of South Carolina in making this significant investment that will contribute to the growth of this critical industry domestically. As a global leader in our industry, we are constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded partners that make a real difference. This plant is an investment in the future as the demand for electric vehicles and energy storage markets will only grow. The investment aligns with our purpose to ‘Share the Strength’ as we will create value and drive positive change, supporting our stakeholders, especially our customers and the communities in which we operate,” said Birla Carbon President and Chief Executive Officer John Loudermilk.

According to a press release, the company operates 17 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries and provides solutions for rubber, plastics, coatings, inks and other niche industries.

Officials said the Orangeburg operation will supply anode active materials, which is enough to support more than 40 gigawatt hours (GWh) battery plants.

“South Carolina’s strong economy and pro-business climate continue to attract major investments for our state. Birla Carbon’s substantial $1 billion investment and the 124 new jobs it will create will have a transformative impact in Orangeburg County, and we look forward to the company’s success in our state,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.

In September the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)announced South Carolina’s $850 million boost for the domestic production of advanced batteries and battery materials nationwide. The operation is a result of this increased investment in the area.

It was announced companies in the Sixth Congressional District will receive at least $350 million of the total $848,679,760 investment. In the Midlands, Orangeburg and Columbia are included in that investment.

Birla Carbon is one of the companies that received federal funding of $150 million as a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure law.

Officials said Birla Carbon will be providing education and internship opportunities to build a pipeline of employees, as well as childcare subsidies to help new parents work at the company’s facility.

Operations are expected to be online in 2026 and employment opportunities will be available in 2025.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.