Laurens County Council Advances Economic Development Projects, Approves Second Reading on Proposed Moratorium
July 16, 2025
Meeting Recap: Monday, July 14, 2025
The Laurens County Council met on Monday, July 14, 2025, addressing a range of issues from public safety reminders to significant economic development approvals.
The meeting opened with remarks from Laurens County Emergency Management Director Sonny Ledda, who urged residents to remain vigilant as hurricane season continues. “After what we experienced last year with Hurricane Helene, this should be something everyone takes seriously,” Ledda said. He encouraged residents to take the necessary steps now to be prepared.
County Coroner Patti Canupp also spoke to council, expressing concern over a troubling rise in untimely deaths among young people in Laurens County due to homicide, suicide, drownings, and DUI-related incidents. She asked the public to keep the affected families in their prayers and urged everyone to make responsible choices to help prevent further tragedies.
Executive Session and Legal Matters
Council entered executive session earlier than usual during the meeting to discuss a proposed settlement related to a workers’ compensation claim involving a Laurens County EMS employee, potential legal claims concerning a moratorium on open space developments, participation in a class action lawsuit regarding ultra-processed foods, and other pending litigation. Upon returning from executive session, council announced that no reportable action had been taken.
Economic Development Approvals
Council then moved forward with votes on two key economic development matters. Following public comment periods, during which no one came forward to speak, council gave unanimous approval on third reading to a Fee-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (FILOT) agreement for Project Wolf, an initiative tied to Wirthwein, a German-based automotive supplier specializing in technical plastics and injection molding. Wirthwein operates a facility in Fountain Inn and plans to expand under the codename Project Wolf. This expansion represents a $9.2 million investment and is expected to create 22 new jobs. Council also approved adding the project to the Octagon Multi-County Industrial Park.
Additionally, council unanimously approved a FILOT agreement on third reading for Project Armor, tied to Brawo USA (sometimes referred to as Bravo). Brawo operates two facilities in Hunter Industrial Park, specializing in forging and machining non-ferrous metals such as brass and aluminum. This expansion will cover both existing buildings and represents a $23.4 million investment expected to create 24 new jobs.
Open Space Development Moratorium
The meeting also included a public hearing ahead of a second reading vote on Ordinance #989, which would establish a six-month moratorium on open space developments or developments not yet in their final stages. Those who spoke during the hearing expressed unanimous support for the ordinance, citing concerns about the strain that unchecked development places on roads, bridges, and public services.
The ordinance was approved on second reading, though councilmembers Patterson, Philson, and Brownlee voted in opposition.
