The County of Lexington Department of Economic Development has released its Annual Report, highlighting a year of significant growth and the groundwork being laid for continued expansion.  The report notes that 13 announcements in the past 12 months have resulted in commitments of $448.7 million in capital investment and 1,107 new jobs in a county that already regularly boasts some of the highest job growth and lowest unemployment rates in the Palmetto State.

“We’re extremely proud of how the ‘Spirit of Opportunity’ we’ve built over the years here in Lexington County continues to bear fruit. Much has been accomplished and there’s clearly much more to come,” said County Council Chairman Scotty “Scott” Whetstone, who represents District 1 comprising the Pelion, Gaston, Swansea, and Sandy Run areas as well as parts of Edmund and Fairview.

The Annual Report features descriptions of several of the companies that have moved or expanded here in the past 12 months, ranging from weight-training equipment manufacturing to health food supplemental ingredients to pontoon boats and a new South Carolina field office for the FBI.

“The growth arrow for economic development in Lexington County continues to point up, whether we’re talking about jobs or investment or opportunity for the people who live here and the people who commute here to work. It’s gratifying to see this trend not just continue but, indeed, gain momentum,” said County Council Vice Chairwoman Beth Carrigg, who represents District 7 comprising the Seven Oaks neighborhood and parts of Irmo.

A solar energy farm’s $180 million commitment to three sites was the largest capital commitment announced, followed by a $100 million expansion for Nephron Nitrile. Home Depot and Amazon also continued expanding distribution operations here, as did Spectrum at its major call center operation.  Infrastructure progress at the county’s three industrial parks is also highlighted as are speculative buildings scheduled to go under construction soon.

“The range of industries that have chosen to locate or expand here provides economic diversification as well as ample opportunity for the high-quality workforce that has chosen to make their homes in our communities,” said Sarah J. Johnson, Director of the Department of Economic Development for the County of Lexington. “We’re excited to share that good news in our Annual Report.”

View the Annual Report here or view by visiting www.LexingtonCountyUSA.com.