Technology in South Carolina Changing Industry Operations
- Gretchen Vollmer
- May 6
- 4 min read
South Carolina has emerged as a hub for industrial innovation, leveraging cutting-edge physical technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity. From advanced manufacturing to drone-powered solutions, these innovations are reshaping sectors like automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure maintenance.
Table of Contents
Below, we explore five transformative technologies driving this evolution in South Carolina.
1. Manufacturing & 3D Printing
South Carolina’s manufacturing sector is embracing additive manufacturing (3D printing) and advanced materials through initiatives like the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) by Savannah River National Laboratory.
Slated to open in mid-2025, this 60,000 sq. ft. facility in Aiken County will focus on:
Composite materials: Lightweight, durable components for aerospace and EVs.
Biomanufacturing: Sustainable production methods for pharmaceuticals.
AI-driven automation: Optimizing assembly lines for companies like BMW and Boeing.
The state’s 2025 Manufacturing Vision emphasizes workforce training through partnerships with technical colleges, ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers for high-tech roles. For example, Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research trains students in EV battery tech alongside industry leaders like GE and KUKA Robotics.
2. Building Cleaning Drones
Drone-powered cleaning systems are redefining building maintenance across South Carolina. Companies like VSI Aerial use drones to clean high-rise windows, solar panels, and building facades without ladders or scaffolding. These drones employ soft washing (low-pressure water and cleaning solutions) or precision pressure washing, reaching heights of 250+ feet while reducing labor costs by up to 25–50% compared to traditional only methods.
Sherpa drones can tackle a six-story apartment complexes deemed impossible with conventional equipment. Hospital windows can be easily cleaned without disrupting operations, showcasing how this technology minimizes risks and maximizes efficiency.
Key benefits:
Safety: Eliminates fall risks for workers.
Cost-effectiveness: Reduces insurance premiums and labor hours.
Environmental impact: Uses biodegradable solutions and less water.
3. Electric Vehicle Battery Production
South Carolina has seen historic levels of investment in EV and battery manufacturing, with sources noting billions invested in new facilities and expansions across the state. For example, AESC’s expansion brings their total investment to over $3.1 billion.
BMW’s Spartanburg plant continues to play a pivotal role in South Carolina’s EV landscape. In 2024, the facility assembled over 396,000 vehicles, including more than 57,000 plug-in hybrids-over 14% of its total output. Nearly half of all BMWs sold in the U.S. were built at Spartanburg. The plant recently launched the fourth-generation X3, opened its first North American press shop, and completed expansion of the X3/X4 assembly hall to prepare for full EV production. By late 2026, the first fully electric BMWs will roll off the line, and by 2030, at least six fully electric models will be assembled in South Carolina, supported by a new high-voltage battery plant in nearby Woodruff
Volvo’s Ridgeville plant anchoring growth:Volvo’s Ridgeville plant has begun production of its all-electric flagship SUV, the EX90, and has invested in battery pack production lines, further anchoring South Carolina’s EV sector.
Scout Motors’ $2 billion Blythewood facility, 200,000 annual vehicle capacity, and supporting details:Scout Motors is investing more than $2 billion in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Blythewood, South Carolina. The plant will create more than 4,000 jobs and is designed to produce up to 200,000 vehicles per year at peak capacity. Initial production is targeted to begin in 2027.
4. Aerospace Composite Fabrication
South Carolina’s aerospace sector is further bolstered by cutting-edge research into thermoplastics and advanced composites, with institutions like the McNAIR Center at the University of South Carolina leading the way in developing minimally intrusive sensors and machine learning applications to monitor manufacturing quality in real time. These innovations help identify and address defects during production, accelerating the adoption of lighter, stronger materials that can reduce aircraft structural weight by as much as 20% compared to traditional aluminum alloys.
The Clemson Composites Center also plays a pivotal role, supporting more than 800 advanced materials and composites companies statewide, and driving $7.2 billion in capital investment and over 10,000 jobs since 2011. The application of automated fiber placement (AFP) not only allows for faster and more precise construction of complex air vehicle structures, but also supports the transition from laboratory-scale breakthroughs to full-scale industrial solutions.
As a result, South Carolina has become a national leader in the development and commercialization of lightweight, sustainable aerospace materials, attracting major industry players and fostering economic growth.
5. Photonics & Optical Technologies
South Carolina’s photonics industry is supported by more than 300 optics and photonics facilities, with applications stretching across automotive, telecommunications, biosciences, defense, and consumer products.
At Clemson University, the Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET) operates the only academic facility in the U.S. with industry-grade optical fiber fabrication capabilities, driving innovation in specialty fibers, lasers, and optical sensors. Research at COMSET spans a wide range of topics, including organic LEDs, biophotonics, and advanced optical nanomaterials, all of which have critical commercial uses in telecommunications, sensing, and medical imaging.
The state’s commitment to advanced materials research is evident in Clemson’s allocation of $14.3 million in research expenditures in this cluster in a single fiscal year, ensuring that South Carolina remains at the forefront of photonics innovation. These collaborative efforts between academia and industry are positioning South Carolina as a key supplier of complex photonic devices and materials for global manufacturers.
Conclusion
South Carolina’s rapid embrace of advanced physical technologies is transforming its industrial landscape and setting a benchmark for innovation in the Southeast. Through strategic investments in manufacturing, aerospace, photonics, and infrastructure technologies like drone-enabled cleaning and inspections, the state has created a fertile environment for both established companies and startups to thrive.
Collaborative efforts among leading research universities, industry giants, and public agencies have fueled a robust pipeline of talent and ideas, ensuring that South Carolina remains at the forefront of technological advancement and economic competitiveness.
As new facilities, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative and next-generation EV battery plants, come online, the state’s industries are poised for even greater growth and diversification. With a strong foundation in research, workforce development, and public-private partnerships, South Carolina is not only meeting the demands of today’s industries but actively shaping the future of American manufacturing and technology.
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