Manufacturing and Supply Chain Report for Nov. 13, 2019

Port cargo volumes continue upward trend

The S.C Ports Authority moved 217,360 TEUs at the Wando Welch and North Charleston container terminals last month, up 5.2% from October 2018. The port also handled 20,986 vehicles at the Columbus Street Terminal last month and moved 61,305 pier tons of break-bulk cargo. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)

Report: Forestry generates $21B economic impact in S.C.

The forestry industry has a $21.2 billion impact of the state’s economy, according to a new report from the S.C. Forestry Commission. State Forester Scott Phillips announced the economic impact of forestry in South Carolina, citing the agency's most recent Economic Impact Analysis for Planning. (GSA Business Report)

Thermoplastics company investing $10 million in Westminster expansion

ACI Plastics, a thermoplastics processor and recycler, plans a $10 million expansion to its operations in Oconee County. The company will partner on the project with PreZero, a recyclables manager. (GSA Business Report)

REI Automation acquired by Hahn Group

According to the agreement with the Frankfurt-based provider of factory automation and robotic solutions, REI Automation’s Columbia facility will continue to operate under its existing management. (Columbia Regional Business Report)

Technical college president says schools ready to train workforce

When industry giants like Boeing, BMW and Michelin bring decades of experience to the hills and plains of South Carolina, they’re starting anew when it comes to a workforce, according to Tim Hardee, president of the S.C. Technical College System. (GSA Business Report)

S.C. DOT opens I-526 Lowcountry Corridor project office

The S.C. Department of Transportation has opened an office on Rivers Avenue focused on providing information about the Interstate 526 Lowcountry Corridor West project. The office will be open at least five days a week for community members to ask the project team questions as the project ramps up. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)

News Desk Live from S.C. Manufacturing Conference:
S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce

Dan Ellzey, executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, talks about efforts to recruit skilled workers and fill jobs during the 2019 S.C. Manufacturing Conference and Expo in North Charleston. The conference brought together manufacturing companies, suppliers and others related to the industry for panels, luncheons and awards.