Woodward Inc. to Establish New Manufacturing Facility in Spartanburg County, Creating 275 Jobs

Woodward Inc., a global leader in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets, has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing operation in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.

The company will invest nearly $200 million to construct a 300,000-square-foot precision manufacturing facility within the Smith Farms Industrial Park in Greer.

This significant investment is expected to create approximately 275 new jobs in the region.

The new plant will focus on producing servo-hydraulic actuation systems, critical components used in aircraft flight control systems.

Operations are projected to commence in 2027.

Individuals interested in joining the Woodward team are encouraged to visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project.

Additionally, the council awarded a $1.75 million Closing Fund grant to Spartanburg County to assist with site preparation and building construction costs.

Chip Blankenship, Chairman and CEO of Woodward Inc., stated, "This will be a showcase manufacturing site, much like our Rock Cut, Illinois, 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."

He added, "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."

Governor Henry McMaster commented, "When global companies like Woodward, Inc. decide to invest in our state, it further solidifies South Carolina’s impressive reputation in the manufacturing industry."

He continued, "We look forward to creating a long-standing partnership with the company and seeing the strong impact of these approximately 275 new jobs in Spartanburg County."

Founded in 1870, Woodward specializes in the design, manufacture, and service of energy conversion and control solutions.

Their products are utilized to enhance efficiency and reliability in various demanding environments, including aviation, power generation, marine, on-highway transportation, and oil and gas industries.

The selection of Spartanburg County for this new facility underscores the region's robust manufacturing infrastructure and access to a highly skilled aerospace workforce.

This development is part of a broader trend of significant investments in Spartanburg County.

In 2024, the county attracted $745 million in new investments, resulting in the creation of 1,220 new jobs.

Notable projects included expansions by companies such as Keurig Dr Pepper and Milo’s Tea, as well as new operations by InnovaSphere and Munich Composites GmbH.

The Smith Farms Industrial Park, where Woodward's new facility will be located, has been a focal point for industrial development.

In 2021, the park broke ground on its second phase, adding three speculative industrial buildings to accommodate growing demand.

One of these buildings, a 304,884-square-foot facility, was fully leased to Dunlop Sports Americas in 2023.

Woodward's decision to establish operations in Greer is expected to further bolster the local economy and reinforce Spartanburg County's position as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

As the company prepares to commence operations in 2027, the community anticipates the positive impact of new job opportunities and economic growth.