News Summary

The Aiken County Council has officially approved multiple economic development initiatives that promise to reshape the local landscape, including tax incentives for construction by Hollingsworth GP at Sage Mill Industrial Park. Additionally, zoning changes in Beech Island and a massive tech investment by Meta are set to foster growth and sustainability in the region.

Aiken County Council Takes Big Steps for Economic Growth!

In a truly exciting move for Aiken County, the County Council has given the green light to several significant economic development initiatives that could reshape the local landscape for years to come. Just recently, in a meeting held at the Aiken County Government Center, council members came together to approve some major plans aimed at boosting the economy!

Tax Incentives to Spur Construction

First up, the council approved an ordinance that grants fees in lieu of property tax incentives to Hollingsworth GP, a Tennessee-based company. This initiative, which wrapped up its final reading on April 1, 2025, could lead to construction projects worth talking about! The company is planning to build speculative industrial buildings at the bustling Sage Mill Industrial Park.

These incentives will allow Hollingsworth GP to access certain infrastructure credits, facilitating the construction of two initial buildings, with a vision for a total of nine! This is fantastic news for the community, especially since many local leaders have pointed out a growing concern of being “existing building poor.” With more developable sites on the horizon, Aiken County could soon find itself in a much more favorable position.

Need for Speed: Quick Decisions Count

As businesses look to expand, companies are needing to make quicker decisions than ever. The recent acquisition of an existing facility by Generac Power Systems Inc. emphasizes this urgency. The construction of new buildings in the Sage Mill Industrial Park could be just what the community needs to meet this challenge, making it an enticing prospect for future businesses!

Beech Island Zoning Changes

But that’s not all! The council also unanimously approved zoning changes for 16 tax parcels in Beech Island, switching from Rural Development to Industrial Development. This change impacts around 965 acres of land and is primarily aimed at supporting the Kimberly-Clark Corporation as it considers expanding its operations at the long-standing Beech Island plant, which has brought over 2,000 jobs to the area since 1968.

Meta Brings Big Tech to Aiken County

On a technological note, Aiken County is also welcoming the tech giant Meta as it plans to invest a whopping $800 million into developing its first South Carolina data center at the Sage Mill Industrial Park. This facility is set to cover a massive 715,000-square-foot area and is expected to create around 100 new jobs for the local community!

What’s truly remarkable is that this new data center will operate using 100% renewable energy. Not only will it focus on supporting Meta’s goals in artificial intelligence, but it’s also mindful of environmental responsibilities. Local officials are hailing this investment as a huge victory for Aiken’s economy, solidifying South Carolina’s reputation in the tech industry.

Balancing Growth and Resources

However, with all this growth comes important conversations about sustainability. The high energy and water consumption rates of data centers have raised eyebrows. Concerns were voiced regarding how such facilities might impact local resources in the long run. A mix of sentiments from state senators surrounding the expansion of data centers reveals the need for ongoing discussion about energy management strategies in South Carolina.

Looking Ahead

With the Aiken County Council taking such bold steps toward economic growth, there’s palpable excitement in the air. From industrial expansion to cutting-edge technology, Aiken County is on a path that promises new jobs, revitalized industrial parks, and a bright future ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Greenville Celebrates Michelin’s 50-Year Milestone
South Carolina Emerges as U-Haul’s Top Growth State in 2024
South Carolina’s Tourism Sector Booms with $29 Billion Impact
Magna International Announces 200 Job Expansion in Greenville
Charleston Residents Concerned About Rapid Growth and Infrastructure Strain
Raleigh Crowned America’s Top Large City for 2025
Spartanburg Thrives as South Carolina’s Tourism Sector Grows
Summerville Bicycle Shop Owner Awarded State Honor
Raleigh Crowned Best Large City in the U.S. for 2025
Greenville’s Vision for a Robust Manufacturing Future

Aiken County Council Approves Key Economic Development Plans