Spartanburg Mayors Join Forces for Economic Development
In an unprecedented move, the mayors of three Spartanburg County municipalities have pledged to team up for economic development opportunities on the horizon, particularly with the proposed development of the Saluda Grade Trail. The mayors of Campobello, Landrum, and Inman came together during a first-of-its-kind roundtable to explore ways to work together and boost their communities.
According to Campobello Mayor Jason Shamis, the trail presents several growth opportunities for the northwestern corner of the county. The communities have the best chance of realizing these opportunities if they work together. But what will these opportunities look like? That’s what’s going to be determined within the coming year.
Laura Ringo, the executive director for PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well, explained that continued community input will be crucial in finalizing plans for the trail. PAL, along with two other organizations, form the Palmetto Trail Conservancy which recently contracted with Norfolk Southern to purchase the historic Saluda Grade rail corridor.
Construction of the Milo’s Tea Production Facility is at the Final Stages
In other development news, the construction of the brand-new Milo’s Tea production facility in Moore is nearing completion. The $130 million, 200,000-square-foot plant is expected to be operational by early November, bringing its signature sweet tea and lemonade to pals and picnics across Spartanburg County. Hiring for the facility has already begun and will continue in the coming months, bringing a gust of fresh employment opportunities to the county.
Oshkosh Defense’s Production Facility is Amping Up
Meanwhile, the production of new, eco-friendly mail delivery vehicles is scaling up at Oshkosh Defense’s$155 million production facility at the Flatwood Industrial Park. The facility is producing zero-emission battery electric vehicles and fuel-efficient, low-emission internal combustion engine vehicles for the U.S. Postal Service’s Next Generation Delivery Vehicle program. The first units for active postal service are expected to follow the training vehicles, which were delivered in April. The company is also still hiring for salaried and production positions, promising plenty of job opportunities for the residents.
Champion Foods is Hiring at Its Gaffney Facility
Culminating this whirlwind of economic activities, Champion Foods, a prominent producer of food products for store and private-label brands and famous for its pizzas and breadsticks, is open for hiring at its Gaffney facility. Champion is offering positions for all shifts, bringing more employment opportunities to the county.
It’s clear that from the pledge for collaborative economic development around the Saluda Grade Trail, to Milo’s Tea gearing up for operation, to Champion Foods’ hiring spree, Spartanburg County is certainly heading towards a period of dynamic growth and development. Stay tuned to our space for more news, as this vibrant county continues to surge forward on its exciting journey.
