Company’s latest expansion to bring jobs, dollars to North Charleston, while supporting American and allied Warfighters
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MAY 8, 2023 – With a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, facility tours, and the roll-out of a large military vehicle, Elbit Systems of America (Elbit America) celebrated its newest facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, with employees, customers, and partners. Located at Crosspoint at Palmetto Commerce Park, the manufacturing facility aims to employ hundreds of people and assemble large vehicular systems for the United States military and allied nations. The facility’s initial endeavors will include the manufacturing of Mission Command Platforms for the U.S. Army's Command Post Integrated Infrastructure (CPI2) Program and the Sigma mobile cannon artillery system for the Israel Defense Forces.
“Opening our new, digitally-enabled North Charleston facility is the realization of our company’s wish to continue expanding and investing throughout the country. South Carolina provides the right mix of a talented local workforce, supportive government partners, and suppliers ready to help us provide innovative solutions to the Warfighter,” said Elbit America President and CEO Raanan Horowitz. “There’s much work to do to, but I’m confident in this facility, and in our workforce. Elbit America is proud to be in South Carolina.”
The top-of-the-line facility has taken roughly two years to construct, while recruitment for site leadership and assemblers has been underway for nearly a year. New recruits say they are attracted by the benefits the new facility offers – a brand new, climate-controlled environment, state-of-the-art equipment, the company’s flexible schedule, and Elbit America’s enduring mission to support our nation’s military and allies. Nearly half of the facility’s existing workforce are Veterans, and they’re signing-on with excitement to be a part of a new company, fresh to South Carolina.
“I was the first local hire for this facility,” said Chris Fortner, Supply Chain Manager for Elbit America’s new South Carolina facility. “I thought Elbit America had an innovative product line, and a strong future. I’m proud to be part of the company’s South Carolina-based workforce.”
Elbit America Vice President of Strategy & Growth Scott Baum said, “We want to thank the community of North Charleston, South Carolina for their help establishing this facility. What you see today is agile manufacturing that is expanding critically needed capacity, and all of this is due to a resilient network of local suppliers.”
Since before construction began at the company’s new site, it was predicted the facility would spur hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to the state, adding to the nation’s industrial base.
The City of North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said, “As Elbit Systems of America opens its new facility in North Charleston, we are thrilled to welcome this important addition to our community. This represents a milestone in our ongoing efforts to attract and retain innovative companies that will help drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs for our residents. We look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship with Elbit America and to the many positive contributions they will undoubtedly make to our city's future.”
Elbit Systems of America is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The company employs 3,500 individuals across various sites in the country. In 2023, the company celebrates its 30th anniversary.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES FROM ELBIT AMERICA PARTNERS:
“I’m pleased Elbit America has chosen North Charleston, South Carolina as the new home for their Ground Combat Vehicle Center of Excellence. In addition to providing crucial support for the U.S. Military, the Center of Excellence will bring good-paying manufacturing jobs to the 6th Congressional District and inject millions of dollars into our local economy.”
- Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC - 06)
“Elbit America's expansion of their manufacturing capabilities with the construction of a new Ground Combat Vehicle Assembly and Integration Center of Excellence represents a significant investment in our region. This new facility will not only create high-quality jobs for our community but will also provide lasting economic benefits. We are confident Elbit America's commitment to building the best for the best will result in cutting-edge defense systems for America and our allies, and there’s no better place for this work to be done than right here in South Carolina.”
- U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (SC - 01)
“Charleston County Economic Development is thrilled to welcome Elbit America to our community and to celebrate the grand opening of their new facility in North Charleston. We were privileged to work closely with the company’s great team through site location, business costs analysis, permitting, workforce and infrastructure issues as they built a solid foundation toward establishing this new facility. This cutting-edge advanced manufacturing facility brings high-quality jobs to the people of the Charleston region, as well as bolstering America’s national security. We earnestly look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Elbit America team.”
- Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Steve Dykes
“With the opening of Elbit Systems of America’s new facility in North Charleston, we are excited for the jobs and economic impact they bring. The Charleston Metro Chamber looks forward to building a strong partnership with Elbit America in our joint pursuit to support our military and advance the Charleston region.”
- President and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Bryan Derreberry
“The Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA) is thrilled to welcome Elbit America to the Lowcountry! We look forward to building a relationship with them that establishes deeper connectivity with our member companies, while fueling continued innovation, growth, and investments in the region.”
- Charleston Defense Contractors Association President Gary Jaffe
“Today’s grand opening brings a huge sense of pride and accomplishment to our region and state, and comes after nearly four years of working hand-in-hand with the Elbit America team on this project. We are truly grateful that Elbit America chose to plant roots in the Charleston area, and we look forward to collaborating, partnering and supporting their continued success moving forward.”
- Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s Director of Global Business Development R. Megan Anderson
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.elbitamerica.com.
