New Jobs, Big Builds: SC’s Inland Surge

When it comes to South Carolina business headlines, the coast tends to hog the mic. But some of the state’s most serious momentum is happening far from the ocean breeze. In Rock Hill, Florence, and Spartanburg, vacant mills are becoming innovation hubs, minor league stadiums are sparking billion-dollar makeovers, and logistics centers are rising like clockwork. Inland might not mean glamorous—but it does mean growth.

These aren’t just one-off projects—they’re signals. And together, they’re redefining what business success looks like in the Palmetto State. Let’s talk about where the growth is actually happening!

Rock Hill: Mill Town, Modernized

Rock Hill’s old textile district isn’t being replaced—it’s being reworked. Two landmark developments are leading the charge:

• The Power House, a former utility building at University Center, now houses a brewery, food hall, event space, and luxury apartments. Developed by the woman-led Sherbert Group, it’s a model for adaptive reuse backed by public-private alignment with Rock Hill’s long-range plan.
• The Thread, a 400,000-square-foot mixed-use project, is turning a former mill and auto plant into offices, retail, and residential space—representing more than $100 million in investment and a shift toward creative industry jobs.

This isn’t nostalgia alone! It’s a business strategy built on location, history, and intentional zoning.

Florence: Infrastructure As A Growth Engine

Florence is leveraging its geography and industrial park development to attract big players in logistics and healthcare. Recent moves include:

• Cheney Brothers Inc. broke ground on a $66M, 386,000-square-foot cold storage and distribution facility, its first in South Carolina. The location—just off I-95—isn’t a coincidence.
• MUSC Health acquired two regional hospitals, solidifying Florence as a medical hub and expanding healthcare access across the Pee Dee.

Florence’s downtown arts district and growing young professional scene are pulling in talent, but it’s the infrastructure that’s driving deals.

Spartanburg: Scale Meets Strategy

Already home to BMW’s largest plant worldwide, Spartanburg is doubling down:

• BMW exported $10B worth of vehicles in 2024, leading the nation in auto exports by value.
• AFL, a fiber optics manufacturer, is investing $155M to expand local production capacity and create 150 jobs.
• Project Core, a $542M downtown development, includes a new ballpark, hotel, apartments, and a redesigned Morgan Square—all aimed at improving talent retention and regional livability.

Spartanburg isn’t trying to reinvent itself. It’s scaling what already works!

The Takeaway

These cities are building the foundation of Inland South Carolina’s future—and the entire state, for that matter! With coordinated investments in legacy infrastructure, modern industries, and civic space, Rock Hill, Florence, and Spartanburg are making smart plays for long-term economic strength.

Find more go-to businesses in every corner of South Carolina at www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/business-consulting!