Industrial company opening first SC location in Richland County, bringing dozens of jobs

A company that makes underground storage tanks plans to set up shop in Richland County.

Xerxes will open its first South Carolina facility at 141 Hobart Road in Blythewood, according to a news release from S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster’s office. The project will bring 80 new jobs to the county. The company is making a more than $6.3 million investment at the site, per Richland County paperwork.

The Xerxes facility is expected to be operational in Blythewood by the end of 2024 and running at full steam by 2026.

Per the release from McMaster’s office, Xerxes, which is a subsidiary of Shawcor Ltd., “manufactures market-leading, fiberglass-reinforced plastic underground storage tanks, primarily used within the retail fuel, storm water and wastewater markets.”

Richland County Council on Tuesday night approved a tax incentive agreement for Xerxes, one that would make way for the company’s property tax payments to effectively be cut in half for the next 30 years in exchange for the company making investments in infrastructure.

“South Carolina is proud to welcome Xerxes as they join our thriving business community,” McMaster said in a statement. “Their decision to establish operations in Richland County and generate 80 new jobs serve as yet another victory for our state.”

Richland County Council Chairman Overture Walker said Xerxes will be welcomed to the county with open arms.

“Xerxes’ investment in Blythewood will add to the growing vibrancy of Richland County and position the county for future economic development,” Walker said in a statement. “Richland County is ripe with prosperity, and we are thrilled to welcome the Xerxes family to our region while enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve.”