Spartanburg County Invests $2.8 Billion in Computing Center

News Summary

Spartanburg County, SC is set to receive a $2.8 billion high-performance computing center from NorthMark Strategies, transforming the old Kohler Co. factory into a state-of-the-art facility. This project will create hundreds of jobs, support STEM education, and foster economic growth in the region. With operations expected to commence by 2026, the center will contribute significantly to innovation in technology and engineering, highlighting Spartanburg’s strategic advantages in the tech sector.

Spartanburg County Welcomes $2.8 Billion High-Performance Computing Center

Exciting news is sweeping through Spartanburg County, South Carolina, as NorthMark Strategies has announced a colossal investment of $2.8 billion to establish a high-performance computing center. This ambitious project aims to breathe new life into the old Kohler Co. factory located on South Pine Street, which has been dormant since its closure in 2024. The result? A shiny, state-of-the-art facility that will stand as a beacon of innovation in the community.

A Perfect Fit for Spartanburg

After a thorough review of over 100 potential locations across the United States, Spartanburg was chosen as the prime spot for this groundbreaking development. NorthMark recognized the area’s strong community, skilled workforce, dynamic economy, and notable strategic advantages. It’s clear that Spartanburg is ready to take center stage in the tech arena.

The Future is Bright

NorthMark’s president shared insights about the company’s vision for future growth and their commitment to delivering high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities. The Spartanburg location will become NorthMark’s fifth operation in the U.S., designed primarily to support the ever-evolving engineering and technology sectors.

What to Expect?

The renovation plans for the facility are well underway, with operations expected to kick off in the third quarter of 2026. The initial phase will focus on refurbishing an existing 350,000-square-foot warehouse, which will serve as the heart of the facility. Eventually, the entire complex will feature a sprawling 500,000-square-foot manufacturing plant to accommodate the advanced technologies that will thrive within its walls.

Creating Jobs and Boosting the Economy

Job creation is another exciting facet of this project. NorthMark projects it will hire 27 full-time employees to operate the facility, offering salaries that are expected to be quite competitive. Beyond these initial roles, the presence of this center is anticipated to generate between 400 and 600 jobs in engineering and construction during the renovation phase alone.

Tax Incentives Make a Difference

In an effort to sweeten the deal for NorthMark, the Spartanburg County Council has approved significant tax incentives that will reduce the company’s property tax rate from the standard 10% to a mere 4% for the next 40 years. This property tax agreement includes additional credits that may lower the tax burden even further, ultimately saving NorthMark about $1.5 million annually over the first 20 years, followed by savings totaling $2 million for the subsequent two decades.

Sustainable Energy and Future Growth

As technology continues to advance, the new facility will produce its own power and will be equipped with cutting-edge computing resources for machine learning, data analytics, and simulations. This focus on sustainability and innovation demonstrates that NorthMark is committed to a green future while also supporting high-tech industries.

A Positive Impact on Education

This project also aims to have a positive ripple effect throughout the community. NorthMark plans to actively support STEM education and various cultural programs, particularly benefiting the Spartanburg County School District 7 through increased tax revenues. This investment represents both economic growth and a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The announcement of this high-performance computing center marks a pivotal moment for Spartanburg County, positioning it as a leader in technology and engineering. With the potential for growth and innovation on the horizon, this development certainly stirs excitement throughout the region. As the town gears up for these transformative changes, it’s clear that Spartanburg is ready to embrace the future!

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NorthMark Strategies to Invest $2.8 Billion in Spartanburg

Additional Resources

• Greenville Business Magazine
• Wikipedia: Spartanburg County, South Carolina
• Upstate Business Journal
• Fox Carolina
• Google Search: NorthMark Strategies