Woodward Inc. to Invest Nearly $200 Million 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 intends to invest nearly $200 million in the project, which is expected to create approximately 275 new jobs in the region.

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

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

The new 300,000-square-foot precision manufacturing facility will be located within the Smith Farms Industrial Park in Greer.

The plant will focus on producing servo-hydraulic actuation systems, which play a critical role in aircraft flight control.

Operations are projected to begin in 2027.

In return for this significant investment, Spartanburg County has approved a 40-year fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) agreement.

This agreement reduces the tax assessment rate for the property from the standard 10.5% for manufacturing to 4%.

Additionally, the county is providing a special source revenue credit worth $3.25 million over four years.

According to the FILOT agreement, Woodward is required to create at least 125 full-time jobs and invest a minimum of $157.4 million in the county.

However, the company plans to exceed these requirements by investing around $196 million and creating 274 jobs.

In a news release, the governor’s office stated that Woodward intends to create 275 new jobs and invest almost $200 million.

“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,” said Chip Blankenship, Chairman and CEO of Woodward Inc.

“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.”

“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.”

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “When global companies like Woodward, Inc. decide to invest in our state, it further solidifies South Carolina’s impressive reputation in the manufacturing industry.”

“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.”

Individuals interested in career opportunities with Woodward are encouraged to visit the company’s careers page.

To support the project, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits and awarded a $1.75 million Closing Fund grant to Spartanburg County for site preparation and construction costs.

Woodward’s decision to establish operations in Spartanburg County underscores the region’s growing prominence in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.

The investment is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy, providing high-quality employment opportunities and contributing to the area’s industrial growth.

As the facility becomes operational, it will further strengthen South Carolina’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation.