South Carolina ranked No. 1 for jobs linked to foreign investment
September 15, 2015
IBM-Plant Location International report ranks S.C. first,ahead of both Tennessee and Kentucky
COLUMBIA, SC – For the third time in the last four years, IBM-Plant Location International (IBM-PLI) has ranked South Carolina first per million inhabitants in attracting jobs through foreign investment. In this year’s report, the Palmetto State is ranked above Tennessee and Kentucky, which are second and third, respectively.
“The reason we’ve seen so much success in recruiting international companies to South Carolina is our highly-skilled workforce that has proven, time and time again, that it’s capable of making any product, and making it well,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “With major companies like Daimler and Volvo Cars continuing to move into our state, we have shown the world that when you invest in our state and her people, we will warmly welcome you to the South Carolina family.”
Each year, IBM-PLI publishes a report titled Global Location Trends, looking at foreign investment around the globe. The report outlines the latest trends in corporate location selection, showing where companies are locating and expanding their businesses and creating jobs. The numbers in the new report were based on data gathered in 2014
In addition to ranking first in foreign investment job creation per capita in this year’s report, the Palmetto State also holds the spot for job creation through both foreign and out-of-state domestic investment per capita. Furthermore, South Carolina ranks third in total absolute jobs created through foreign investment.
“With more than 1,200 international establishments currently operating within our borders, South Carolina is enjoying tremendous success in foreign investment, and this ranking by IBM-PLI is a confirmation of that. Moving forward, the recruitment of international companies will remain a critical component of our economic development strategy as we seek to cultivate a dynamic, globally-connected economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
The full report can be accessed online at www.ibm.com/gbs/pli.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Monster.com, Volvo Cars, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. IBM-Plant Location International reports in 2012, 2013 and 2015 ranked South Carolina first in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012, 2014 and 2015. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
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