Manufacturer to add 280 jobs, invest $24M in expansion of Columbia, Upstate facilities

A company that manufactures electrical products is expanding two of its South Carolina facilities and adding hundreds of jobs.

Schneider Electric announced Tuesday that it will expand facilities in Seneca and in the Columbia area. The company is making a collective $23.8 million investment in those facilities, and will create 280 jobs. Of those jobs, 130 are planned for the Seneca facility, and 150 are planned for the Columbia area facility, which is on Garners Ferry Road in Hopkins.

A release from Schneider Electric said the workers from the expansion will manufacture custom power distribution products that are “integral to electrification and energy efficiency, bolstering support for critical infrastructure, industries — particularly healthcare and wastewater treatment — and the escalating demand for data center solutions across the U.S.”

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster touted Schneider’s commitment to its facilities in the Upstate and in the Midlands.

“Schneider Electric’s further investment in South Carolina is a testament to our strong business climate and skilled manufacturing workforce, and we look forward to the economic opportunities this expansion will create for residents in Oconee and Richland counties,” McMaster said in a statement.

The expansions announced Tuesday are part of a larger effort from Schneider, announced earlier this year, to invest $140 million in its facilities across the U.S.

“As our economy becomes more digitized and electrified, Schneider Electric is spearheading this transformation through investments in a robust domestic supply chain,” Schneider Electric President of North American Operations Aamir Paul said. “By improving our factory efficiency and growing our talented South Carolina workforce, we’re further contributing to the revitalization of American manufacturing.”

Richland County Council Chairwoman Jessica Mackey said she’s thrilled to see Schneider affirm its commitment to doing business in the county.

“Schneider Electric has a long history in Richland County and has become an integral part of our community,” Mackey said in a statement. “It is always exciting to hear that a successful company is expanding, but county council is especially thrilled to have an established business partner continuing to add to the impressive economic growth in Southeast Richland. We look forward to supporting Schneider Electric’s future success.”