Cherokee County is a rapidly growing hub for food and beverage manufacturing anchored by major corporate expansions and a highly strategic Upstate SC location.
Nestlé 2024 Expansion
Nestlé Employees Alon
Gaffney Bakery Investment
Americans in 1-Day Drive
Cherokee County, SC is a rapidly growing hub for food and beverage manufacturing, anchored by major corporate expansions including Nestlé’s $150M investment in 2024 and a highly strategic location at the crossroads of I-85 between Charlotte and Atlanta.
The Upstate region’s business-friendly environment, competitive costs, specialized food manufacturing talent, and proximity to 22,600+ South Carolina farms create an unmatched foundation for food and beverage producers.
830 Jobs
45-year-old facility employing 1,000+ workers producing Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine frozen entrées. Nestlé invested $150M in 2024 to add production lines, automation, and digital technology — and $100M in 2021 creating 160 new jobs.
260 Jobs
State-of-the-art commercial bakery established via a $96 million investment, creating over 260 jobs in the area. One of the largest recent food sector announcements in Cherokee County.
600 Jobs
A major private beef packer serving the national food industry, Brown Packing has been a cornerstone of Cherokee County’s food manufacturing base for decades.
Nestlé’s continuous investment in their Gaffney facility $100M in 2021 and $150M in 2024 is a powerful validation of Cherokee County as a premier food manufacturing destination. The plant employs over 1,000 workers producing Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine products for national distribution.
Packaging Science & Food Technology programs, one of only a few U.S. schools with a packaging science degree. Offers FDA-required courses, product development, shelf life studies, and sensory evaluation.
Promotes and advocates for agribusiness growth. Agribusiness accounts for 11% of SC's total economic output. Provides resources for food companies entering or expanding in South Carolina.
Regional economic development organization supporting food & beverage growth across the 10-county Upstate region, with direct site selection and incentive structuring support.
Offers customized workforce training programs through the Cherokee County campus, developing food manufacturing talent in production operations, food safety, and quality control.
Advanced Materials
An epicenter for advanced materials since 1899. Textile heritage meets next-generation innovation.
Manufacturing
A skilled workforce of nearly 900,000 within 60 minutes. Purpose-built for manufacturing excellence.
Food Manufacturing
Cherokee County is a rapidly growing hub for food and beverage manufacturing anchored by major corporate expansions and a highly strategic Upstate SC location.
Energy
Supportive business climate, abundant resources, and a workforce ready for energy innovation.
