Spartanburg County Mayors Unite to Boost Economic Development Ahead of Saluda Grade Trail Launch

Major Economic Developments Ahead for Spartanburg County Mayors

In a collaborative first, the mayors of three Spartanburg County municipalities have pledged to team up to maximise economic development opportunities waiting just over the horizon. Spearheaded by OneSpartanburg, the historic initiative aims to make the most of the forthcoming Saluda Grade Trail and its expected impact.

Campobello Mayor Jason Shamis hosted the roundtable event, joyfully welcoming Landrum Mayor Bob Briggs and Inman Mayor Cornelius Huff. Held at The Old Mill Village retreat, a picturesque event venue that might soon benefit greatly from its proximity to the proposed trail, the meeting aimed to foster cooperation on economic development for their respective communities.

Shamis voiced the belief that growth opportunities in the northwestern corner of the county that will anchor the South Carolina portion of the 31-mile Saluda Grade Trail stand a better chance of becoming reality if the communities band together. The trail towns, as they are referred to, are looking into what opportunities lie ahead, a path which will be charted over the next year, according to Laura Ringo, executive director for PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well.

Upcoming Developments

Milo’s Tea production facility in Moore is just about to be completed. This $130 million, 200,000-square-foot plant is expected to be operational by early November. Known for their signature sweet tea and lemonade, the family-owned, Alabama-based company is set to start production at its new facility at the junction of U.S. Highway 221 and state Highway 290 near Interstate 26 in southern Spartanburg County. Hiring has already begun and will continue in the upcoming months.

Oshkosh Defense is also in the process of enhancing their production for new mail delivery vehicles at its $155 million production facility at the Flatwood Industrial Park in Spartanburg County. As part of the U.S. Postal Service’s Next Generation Delivery Vehicle program, the plant is producing zero-emission battery electric vehicles and fuel-efficient, low-emission internal combustion engine vehicles. The first few training vehicles were delivered to the United States Postal Service in April, with the first delivery units set to be active by June. Hiring for both salaried and production positions is currently underway.

Furthermore, Champion Foods, a Michigan-based producer renowned for their pizza and breadsticks creations, is inviting applications for positions at its Gaffney facility. Operating over multiple shifts, the facility at 131 Corporate Drive, Gaffney has positions available for all interested candidates.

These developments underscore a promising future for the economy of Spartanburg County. As businesses continue to thrive, the collaboration between mayors will surely pave the way for holistic growth and development. Neighbouring communities can now look forward to a prosperous, collaborative future buoyed by the anticipated Saluda Grade Trail and other promising ventures.