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Beyond Silicon Valley: Charleston’s Advanced Manufacturing & Tech Convergence

Episode 6 of 6: Charleston Region, South Carolina

For UK and European tech and digital scale-ups evaluating US expansion in 2025, Charleston offers a unique blend of advanced manufacturing excellence and emerging tech ecosystem. In this focused episode from GTM Global’s comprehensive US regional showcase, Megan Anderson presents Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s compelling vision, complemented by an insightful case study from Kieran Beggan, whose company Fexillon successfully established operations in the region.

Where Manufacturing Meets Innovation

Anderson’s comprehensive regional overview reveals Charleston’s transformation into a dynamic hub where manufacturing meets innovation, while Beggan provides first-hand insights into why Fexillon chose Charleston for their US expansion, highlighting the practical advantages and support systems that aided their successful market entry.

Charleston has transformed into a dynamic hub where manufacturing meets innovation, anchored by major operations including Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner facility and Volvo’s only US manufacturing plant. The region’s strategic position, with its South Carolina port access and integrated logistics infrastructure, provides efficient access to both domestic and international markets.

Key advantages include:

  • Deep-water port with next-day access to 30% of US population
  • Third fastest-growing mid-sized metro in US
  • Major aerospace and automotive presence
  • South Carolina aerospace and Charleston automotive industry
  • Emerging technology sector
  • Competitive operating costs

*** STOP PRESS ***

For more information about Charleston and other US regional opportunities, join GTM Global’s US Market Entry Workshop on December 4-5, 2024, where you can engage directly with regional representatives and market entry experts.

Key Industry Sectors

Strategic sectors driving growth:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Life Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Logistics

A Robust Business Ecosystem for Future Success

Charleston’s business ecosystem benefits from:

  • Port of Charleston – one of the most efficient ports in North America
  • Three international airports within region
  • Extensive rail and highway networks
  • Advanced manufacturing research facilities
  • Technical college system

Workforce Development

The region’s workforce development infrastructure includes:

  • readySC™ workforce training program
  • Trident Technical College
  • Medical University of South Carolina
  • The Citadel
  • College of Charleston

Quality of Life

A standout feature is the region’s quality of life:

  • Historic coastal setting
  • Cultural attractions
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Lower cost of living
  • Strong sense of community

Ideal Location for Key Industries

For companies interested in exploring Charleston’s opportunities, the region offers particular advantages for:

  • Advanced manufacturers
  • Technology companies
  • Life sciences firms
  • Logistics operations
  • Research and development facilities

Charleston’s blend of manufacturing excellence, state-of-the-art Charleston port logistics, and exceptional quality of life makes it an attractive choice for businesses seeking a strategic US location that offers a balanced business and lifestyle environment.

US Market Entry Insights: A Comprehensive Panel Discussion

This episode is part of a comprehensive panel discussion featuring six dynamic US regions, each offering unique advantages for international companies. The full session, hosted by Mark Stimpfig and Ian Collins of GTM Global, provides insights into alternative locations for US market entry, supported by Frazier and Deeter’s expertise in US tax and business regulations, and Ryuken Capital offering access to debt finance and investment capital. You can watch the full panel discussion here.

*** STOP PRESS ***

For more information about Charleston and other US regional opportunities, join GTM Global’s US Market Entry Workshop on December 4-5, 2024, where you can engage directly with regional representatives and market entry experts.

Author

Ian Collins
Ian Collinshttps://www.gotomarket.global/
Ian Collins, with an extensive background spanning over 30 years in business development and general management, co-founded GTM Global in 2015. His experience encompasses hi-tech industries such as security, artificial intelligence, business intelligence, and enterprise software solutions. In his career, Ian has started several tech companies, overseen two corporate ventures, executed a management buy-in, and led two business turnarounds. He has also been involved in buying, selling, and merging various of his companies, and has achieved two successful business exits. Ian's expertise is particularly focused on business growth strategies and leading-edge proposition development.

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