Homanit, a Germany-based manufacturer of wood-based materials, officially broke ground Wednesday, June 4, on its first U.S. manufacturing facility, a $250 million investment set to bring 300 jobs to Clarendon County.
Elected officials, economic development leaders, and Homanit executives gathered at the site on Spigner Road in Alcolu for a ceremonial groundbreaking, marking what many called a “transformational” moment for the community and the state’s forestry industry.
“It’s not every day that we can stand before you all and make this type of announcement,” said Manning Mayor Julia Nelson, who welcomed the crowd and praised the teamwork behind the project. “You will have generations of families that will work for your company, and we are very loyal and dedicated.”
Homanit’s state-of-the-art fiberboard facility will deepen the U.S. supply chain for furniture and automotive materials and is expected to begin operations in 2028. The Clarendon County location was chosen after a competitive site search and two years of discussions with economic development officials.
“This is a defining moment for Clarendon County and for South Carolina,” said Annie Caggiano, Director of Global Business Development for the South Carolina Department of Commerce. “Homanit’s $250 million investment in the creation of 300 high skill, high paying jobs will have a transformational impact … and bring innovation to one of our most time honored industries.”
Governor Henry McMaster welcomed Homanit via video message, saying, “You and we will thrive together in the beautiful, historic Palmetto State. Welcome to the family.”
Founded in Germany, Homanit operates facilities in Europe and a joint venture in Egypt. President Fritz Homann, representing the fourth generation of the family-run business, shared his reflections on the company’s journey to Clarendon County.
“It was a tough decision, to be honest,” said Homanit President Fritz Homann. “We had two sites left. It was really a race.”
Reflecting on a pivotal moment, Homann recalled, “We are here because the last meeting with [Governor] Henry McMaster … he said, ‘Give me your hand, Fritz. South Carolina is a handshake state.’”
Homann also emphasized the company’s values. “We are a family business,” he said. “We are working in the fourth generation … and the fifth generation is sitting over there, my son.”
“We are working with passion,” he added. “It’s not work. It’s my life. I love what I’m doing.”
State Senator Jeff Zell, Representative Fawn Pedalino, and Clarendon County Council Chairman Jay Johnson echoed support for the project’s economic and environmental benefits, citing Homanit’s role in sustainable manufacturing.
“This facility will not only satisfy the demand for sustainable materials, but also create over 300 jobs, boosting our local economy and supporting industries like our vital foresters, forestry and logging and logistics industries,” said Zell.
Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers announced a $1 million commitment from the state’s Agribusiness Fund, calling the investment a “shot in the arm” for South Carolina’s forestry sector. State Forester Scott Phillips agreed, citing the closures of several paper mills and the timely arrival of a new wood-products user.
“We proudly welcome Homanit into South Carolina’s forestry community,” said Phillips. “This is a significant milestone for the industry.”
George Kosinski, Executive Director of the Clarendon County Development Board, was credited repeatedly during the event for his role in recruiting the company. “We remained committed to the vision and never wavered,” Kosinski said in a statement. “Many dedicated partners and allies worked tirelessly to ensure the site was prepared for a project of this scale.”
The groundbreaking marks Clarendon County’s largest economic development announcement in over 20 years.
More information about Homanit and career opportunities is available at www.homanit.org/en/career/jobs.
