Global company invests $200M in Spartanburg aerospace plant

A global player in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets has selected Spartanburg County to establish a new manufacturing operation. The nearly $200 million investment will create approximately 275 new jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Founded in 1870, Woodward specializes in the design, manufacture and service of energy conversion and control solutions for aerospace and industrial applications, according to a news release. The company’s products are used to increase efficiency and reliability in a range of challenging environments, including aviation, power generation, marine and on-highway transportation, and oil and gas operations.

“The selection of Woodward to supply Airbus with spoiler actuation systems and this investment in South Carolina represent a major milestone for Woodward and our commitment to delivering leading controls solutions to our customers and creating value for our shareholders,” Woodward Inc. Chairman and CEO Chip Blankenship said in the news release. “This will be a showcase manufacturing site, much like our Rock Cut, Ill. campus, vertically integrated, highly automated and built on the capabilities and methodologies in operational excellence we’ve developed through our LEAP and GTF aircraft engine programs. Beyond supporting the Airbus A350, this facility positions us to extend our hydraulic flight control design and industrialization expertise to additional applications as well as other commercial aircraft manufacturers. We’re proud to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Spartanburg County as we fulfill our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.”

Woodward plans to build a 300,000-square-foot precision manufacturing facility located within Smith Farms Industrial Park in Greer. The new factory will focus on the production of servo-hydraulic actuation systems used in aircraft flight control, the release stated.

Operations are expected to go online in 2027 and the company is hiring.

“Woodward, Inc. is a global leader whose investment in Spartanburg County will increase our presence in the aerospace industry and will provide meaningful economic-advancement opportunity for the people of our county,” Spartanburg County Council Chairman Manning Lynch said in the release. “Recruiting these world-class companies to Spartanburg and being able to provide new jobs opportunities to our residents is what it’s all about.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $1.75 million Closing Fund grant to Spartanburg County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

“Congratulations to Woodward Inc. on their decision to invest in Upstate S.C. This industry leader’s choice to bring its innovations to our region validates the Upstate as a location with access to talent and market connectivity, and we’re excited to see them grow here,”
Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO John Lummus said in the release.