Florence Sees Economic Growth in Pee Dee Region

News Summary

Florence is experiencing significant economic growth, driven by over $164 million in industrial projects in 2024, resulting in more than 490 new jobs. Key developments include Amazon’s new facility, as well as expansions by Asset Technology Group and Cheney Brothers. The region’s workforce exceeds 334,000, with a decline in the unemployment rate to 5.4%. Community engagement remains strong, as exemplified by a local volunteer recognition event. Florence aims to establish itself as an economic hub with investments in diverse industries, including a potential electric vehicle battery factory projected to create 2,700 jobs.

Exciting Times in Florence: Pee Dee Region’s Economic Growth Soars!

Florence is buzzing with excitement as the Pee Dee region witnesses an extraordinary economic boom. In 2024 alone, more than $164 million was injected into new industrial capital projects across the area, and guess what? Over 490 new jobs sprouted up as a result! This surge is all thanks to the hard work of the North Eastern Strategic Alliance and a dedication to fostering growth in series of counties including Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, and of course, our beloved Florence.

What’s Behind the Growth?

Since November 2024, the Pee Dee region boasts a workforce of over 334,000 people with a regional unemployment rate settling at 5.4 percent. With a total of 13 industry announcements made throughout the year, the excitement is hard to ignore! This includes seven expansions from existing industries and six new locations, with Florence shining as the main growth hub of the region.

Big names are making big moves! Amazon recently announced its plans to build a new facility at the Pee Dee Commerce Center West, while Asset Technology Group, Inc. chose Florence to expand and relocate its headquarters. In addition, Cheney Brothers are in the process of constructing a whopping $66 million distribution center right here in Florence, which is sure to bring even more jobs our way!

Community Spirit Shines Bright

Mary Alice Bowles as the Volunteer of the Year for her impressive commitment of 370 volunteer hours in 2024 alone, totaling over 4,500 hours over her lifetime of service. She was just one of more than 225 volunteers recognized at this fantastic event.

Business Highlights

Sonoco continues to impress with its dedication to shareholders by declaring a quarterly dividend of 52 cents per share, marking their 399th consecutive quarter of issuing dividends. This amazing record goes hand-in-hand with their $378 million investment in capital growth projects in 2024, with predicted operating cash flows of between $800 million and $900 million in 2025.

Upcoming Events in Florence

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will take the stage at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center as a part of their “ALL THE GOOD TIMES: The Farewell Tour,” with tickets priced between $45 and $69. Following that, don’t miss the Masterworks Choir presenting “Folk Songs From Around The World” on March 9, 2025, at Central United Methodist Church. The best part? Admission is completely free!

Florence County’s Bright Future

economic hub in the Pee Dee region. With multiple major companies targeted for establishment, the county is capitalizing on its proximity to major interstates and essential infrastructure advantages as key factors in enticing new businesses.

food and beverage, logistics, and electric vehicles. One significant project in the pipeline is a new electric vehicle battery factory in Florence, projected to create an astonishing 2,700 jobs in our local economy. What a tremendous boost for our community!

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Florence County Jobs and Economy Growth
• WMBF News: New Amazon Facility Opens in Pee Dee
• Manning Live: Amazon to Open Florence Facility
• The State: Environmental Impact News
• SC Daily Gazette: Florence Battery Cell Company Investment
• Wikipedia: Economic Growth
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
• Google Search: Pee Dee Economic Growth
• Google Scholar: Pee Dee Region Jobs
• Google News: Florence SC Economic Development

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.