Richland County considers new tax incentive deal for weapons manufacturer
Richland County is eyeing more manufacturing with the expansion of a weapons manufacturer that promises to create 100 full-time jobs and invest $16.5 million in the community in exchange for tax credits from the county.
The company behind the project hasn’t been revealed, but County Councilman Don Weaver at a Tuesday night meeting noted it’s a “longtime” manufacturer in northeast Columbia. Council members also noted the company makes weapons.
In documents about the expansion, the county has dubbed the company Project Charlie Echo.
County Council voted 7-3 in favor of offering tax credits for the project during the first of three readings Tuesday.
Richland County has made economic development a top focus, and in recent months have announced incentives for massive manufacturing projects. Scout Motors, backed by Volkswagen, will build a new facility in Blythewood this year and promises to invest $2 billion and create 4,000 jobs. In February, the county finalized a deal with Eastover Solar for a $77 million solar power project. Other high-dollar projects remain in the works, including including a $323 million electric vehicle battery materials plant announced in December and a potential $1 billion solar panel manufacturing project that incentives were approved for in November.
Last year, the county landed the Mark Anthony Brewing factory on Shop Road, which makes White Claw alcoholic seltzers and other beverages. That $490 million facility brought in 300 new jobs.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information following Tuesday night’s Richland County Council meeting.
This story was originally published March 7, 2023 at 10:56 AM.
