Okonite plans a new manufacturing plant on its existing Orangeburg County property, the South Carolina Department of Commerce announced September 22. The cable and wire manufacturer expects to invest $400 million and create 105 jobs through the expansion.
The approximately 552,000-square-foot plant will be built at 2276 Rowesville Road in Orangeburg. Commerce said the project will address growing demand for the company’s high-voltage electric cable products. Okonite already operates two production facilities in the county.
Initial construction was scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2026. The state announcement estimated two to three years to complete the project, separating that construction schedule from the date of the announcement. Employment information was available through the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits and a $1.5 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Orangeburg County for site preparation and building construction. Founded in 1878, Okonite supplies industries including electric utilities, railroads, chemicals, and oil and gas.