Two men work on the interior of an aerospace vehicle.

Key Industries

Learn about our diverse sectors and how our connected ecosystem of businesses and higher education partners drive innovative solutions that shape the future.

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Our Strength Lies in Industry Diversity

The Charleston region supports a diverse mix of globally competitive industries that strengthen economic resilience and create long-term growth.

Companies here design, build, and innovate at scale, whether producing aircraft and vehicles, advancing life-saving medical solutions, or developing emerging technologies. Supported by globally connected infrastructure, collaborative industry ecosystems, a fast-growing labor pool, and strong post-secondary education partnerships, the Charleston region offers companies a powerful environment for innovation and expansion.

Companies that Call Charleston Home

Boeing

Medical University Of South Carolina (MUSC)

Volvo Car USA LLC

Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC

Bosch

Charles River Laboratories

Google

Nucor

Kion

Major Employers

Intentional Innovation

View Regional Data

96%

Increase in Patents Per Capita in the Past Decade (US=11%)

Axios analysis of National Science Foundation data

5.03X

Higher Concentration of Aerospace Manufacturing Workforce than the U.S.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

#4

Among U.S. Metros for Tech Job Forecast

CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce 2025

100+

Automotive OEMs, Component Manufacturers, and Suppliers in the Charleston Region

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

450+

Medtech, Pharmaceutical, Research Laboratories, and Service Companies Across the Region

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

#1

Deepest Harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 ft (Port of Charleston)

South Carolina Ports

Four passenger airplanes sit in a hangar in the Charleston region.

Aerospace

The Charleston region, home to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner assembly, provides aerospace suppliers access to specialized talent, research collaboration, and scalable manufacturing infrastructure.

Explore Aerospace

A manufacturing employee works on the body of a car in a factory.

Automotive

Anchored by Volvo Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans, the Charleston region’s automotive sector includes 100+ suppliers supporting advanced manufacturing and next-generation vehicle production.

Explore Automotive

Information Technology

Home to 1,900+ technology firms and significant investment from Google, the Charleston region supports IT growth through skilled talent and industry-aligned education programs.

Explore Information Technology

A scientist performs a quality assurance inspection on a series of test tubes.

Life Sciences

Anchored by South Carolina’s only comprehensive academic health system, the Charleston region’s life sciences sector includes research institutions, medical device firms, and pharmaceutical innovators.

Explore Life Sciences

Two coworkers review an iPad and a clipboard together in a fulfillment warehouse.

Logistics

Hundreds of logistics companies operate in the Charleston region, leveraging the U.S. East Coast’s deepest harbor, international airport, foreign trade zones (FTZs), rail connections, and highly-ranked highway system.

Explore Logistics

The interior of a modern corporate boardroom during the day.

Corporate Services & Headquarters

Global companies choose the Charleston region for their headquarters. See how our globally connected location makes us a strong choice for corporate services.

Explore HQ’s

Award-winning Sites. Abundant Opportunity.

Home to the #1 Industrial Commerce Park in the U.S., Class A office space developments, and an extensive portfolio of utility-ready real estate, the Charleston Region offers flexible real estate solutions for growing industries.

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