Business establishes North Charleston plant to be near defense sector

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Elbit Systems of America LLC, a subsidiary for Elbit Systems Ltd., plans to establish operations in Charleston County, creating an anticipated 300 jobs, the S.C. Department of Commerce said in a news release.

The Texas-based company provides high-performance products and system solutions that focus on the defense, homeland security, commercial aviation and medical instrumentation sectors.

Elbit Systems of America President and CEO Raanan Horowitz said the new facility builds on “decades of investment and growth in the U.S. defense market.”

“Establishing this facility is part of a strategy to increase Elbit’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. and contribute to strengthening America’s defense industrial base,” Horowitz said in a statement. “We selected South Carolina due to its strong support for economic development, the availability of skilled workforce, and the existence of a robust supply chain.”

The new facility will be located at 9028 Palmetto Commerce Parkway and will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity, in addition to supporting future growth of new products, according to the news release. The facility is expected to be completed by fall 2022.

“South Carolina continues to show itself as extremely competitive for companies looking to set up new operations," said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. "Elbit Systems of America LLC’s decision to locate its new facility in South Carolina is another sign that our state’s business-friendly climate, skilled workforce and exceptional market access are working to attract investments that create new jobs within our borders.”

While headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Elbit has offices in Virginia, New Hampshire, Florida and Alabama.

The North Charleston facility will be the company’s first in South Carolina. Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman Mike Fuller said the decision was driven in large part by the success of the Port of Charleston as one of the most productive and efficient in the U.S.

“Charleston’s globally-connected infrastructure, robust defense sector, established automotive supply chain and reputation as a talent magnet influenced the company’s decision to locate here to better serve its customers," Fuller said. "Elbit Systems of America LLC will be a tremendous asset to our thriving defense, automotive and advanced manufacturing clusters.”