SC has had more than 1K layoffs in 2023 so far. Here’s where and how many layoffs are coming next

Patrick McCreless
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More than 1,300 South Carolina workers are expected to lose their jobs from layoffs and closures in the coming months.

To date, more than 1,000 people have lost their jobs because of layoffs and closures in South Carolina in 2023. And while there are more than 1,300 planned job losses for the coming months, there could still be more in 2023 that companies simply haven’t announced yet.

All of the significant layoffs and closures this year have been announced through the WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) Act. The law offers protection to workers and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of plant closings and mass layoffs.

Despite the layoffs, overall the South Carolina employment rate has remained strong this year. South Carolina had a record high of 2,316,712 people working and a 3.2% unemployment rate in March, according to the latest data available from the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce. The state also saw an increase of more than 11,000 people in the labor force month-over-month.

Largest SC layoffs of 2023 so far

The biggest South Carolina company layoff so far in 2023 was by TELUS International. The Charleston company laid off 266 workers in March after announcing the decision in February.

TELUS is a Canada-based technology company that provides IT services.

Footprint South Carolina, LLC in Chester was the next biggest, with 168 layoffs at the end of March. The company, which completely closed, manufactured sustainable materials and packaging.

Largest planned SC layoffs for 2023 so far

WestRock Services, LLC in North Charleston has announced the biggest planned layoffs in South Carolina for 2023 so far. The company is set to close its paper mill in North Charleston and lay off 499 workers by Aug. 30. The mill produces container board, uncoated kraft paper and unbleached saturating kraft paper, the company’s website states.

The next biggest planned layoff to date will be by Timken Gaffney Bearing Plant in Cherokee, which is set to permanently close and phase out 187 jobs from now through Dec. 31. The plant produces roller bearings.

Lists of SC company layoffs 2023

Below is a list of the South Carolina companies with planned layoffs in 2023, followed by a list of companies that have already had large layoffs this year.

Planned 2023 layoffs

  • Fraenkische USA, LP in Anderson: 164 jobs from April 1-Dec. 31 (permanent closure)

  • Timken Gaffney Bearing Plant in Cherokee: 187 jobs from May 4-Dec.31 (permanent closure)

  • Stanley Black & Decker in Chesterfield: 179 jobs from May 19-Nov. 10 (permanent closure)

  • Transdev Services in Charleston: 180 jobs on June 30

  • Cascades Tissue Group in Barnwell: 138 jobs on July 28 (permanent closure)

  • WestRock Services, LLC in Charleston: 499 jobs on Aug. 30 (permanent closure)

2023 layoffs so far

  • Renfro LLC in Laurens: 100 jobs on March 5 (permanent closure)

  • Footprint South Carolina, LLC in Chester: 168 jobs on March 29 (permanent closure)

  • Parkdale Mills in Aiken: 102 jobs on March 31 (permanent closure)

  • Phenix Engineered Textiles, Inc in Spartanburg.: 30 jobs on Feb. 10

  • TELUS International in Charleston: 266 jobs on March 6

  • DAK Americas PET Resins in Berkeley: 125 jobs on March 1 (permanent closure)

  • Morrison Healthcare in Greenville: 72 jobs on May 7

  • Jand Grace Delivery LLC in Greenville: 59 jobs on April 8

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