South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) and SC Future Makers released a study highlighting manufacturing’s $300 billion impact
February 12, 2026
South Carolina Manufacturers & Commerce (SCMC) and SC Future Makers today released an economic impact study detailing the scale, strength, and long-term importance of manufacturing to South Carolina’s economy.
Prepared by Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, Research Economist at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, The Economic Impact of Manufacturing in South Carolina finds that manufacturing generates approximately $313 billion in annual economic output, supporting more than 30 percent of all jobs statewide and producing $59 billion in labor income for South Carolinians.
Manufacturing remains one of South Carolina’s largest and most economically significant industries, combining high employment levels with strong wage growth, deep supply chains, and a powerful multiplier effect that reaches every corner of the state.
“South Carolina is a national manufacturing power, and its success is essential to our economic strength and long-term prosperity,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “It provides good-paying jobs, supports families and communities, and helps position our state as a place where businesses can invest, expand, and compete on a global scale.”
“This impact study is a fantastic reminder of just how deep the manufacturing industry’s roots run through our state,” said Sara Hazzard, President and CEO of South Carolina Manufacturers & Commerce. “The economic development success of the last decade, and the momentum we continue to watch it build, are proof South Carolina is right where we want to be: positioned for long-term economic development competitiveness and prosperity. As we have said, our best days are ahead.”
A Clearer Picture of Manufacturing’s True Footprint
The study uses an expanded definition of manufacturing that accounts for both direct manufacturing employment and manufacturing-related occupations often employed through staffing firms. This approach captures the full scope of modern manufacturing and more accurately reflects the industry’s real economic footprint.
Under this definition, manufacturing in South Carolina:
- Supports approximately 783,000 jobs
- Pays wages that are 24 percent higher than the statewide average
- Generates an estimated $4.6 billion in annual state tax revenue
“Manufacturing is relatively unique among South Carolina’s industry sectors in that it is one of the highest contributors to both employment and GDP,” said Dr. Joseph Von Nessen. “When manufacturing grows, the ripple effects across the economy are substantial, making it one of the most powerful drivers of statewide economic activity.”
Automotive Manufacturing Leads Growth
The report highlights automotive manufacturing as South Carolina’s largest and fastest-growing manufacturing subsector. Automotive manufacturing alone:
- Generates $64.6 billion in annual economic impact
- Supports nearly 120,000 jobs statewide
- Accounts for 16 percent of South Carolina’s total manufacturing footprint
- Carries an employment multiplier of 4.6, meaning that every 10 jobs created in automotive manufacturing leads to the creation of an additional 36 jobs elsewhere in the state – for a total of 46 jobs.
- Pays wages 44 percent higher than the average South Carolina job
Workforce Readiness Remains Critical
The study also underscores evolving workforce demands as manufacturing becomes increasingly advanced and technology-driven. While many manufacturing careers remain accessible without four-year degrees, the fastest-growing roles increasingly require technical skills, post-secondary training, or industry credentials.
“Manufacturing offers clear, attainable pathways to economic mobility, but those pathways depend on a workforce that is prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Sidney Locke, Vice President of Human Resources and Communications at Sage Automotive Interiors and Chair of SC Future Makers. “This report is a call to action for continued collaboration between manufacturers, educators, and workforce partners to ensure South Carolinians are ready to fill these high-demand, high-value roles.”
The full report, The Economic Impact of Manufacturing in South Carolina, is available at myscmc.org and scfuturemakers.com.
