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"New Training Center Under Development in Richland County"

Jan 31, 2025

Image of MTC mechatronics students working in a classroom.

The Financial Times pictured MTC mechatronics instructor Stan Frost in a 2023 report about workforce development for the Scout Motors project. Photo courtesy: Sean Rayford/Financial Times

The Richland County Economic Development Office (RCEDO) issued this news release on January 27, 2025.

New Training Center Under Development in Richland County

Monday, January 27, 2025

Columbia, S.C. - Richland County announced today a new regional training center that will provide 41,000 square feet of workforce industry muscle - designed to drive economic development initiatives into the future. The purchase of the building, located at 101 Research Court near I-77 and Farrow Road, is done and the upfitting of the space is underway. Once complete, this state-of-the-art facility will feature advanced technical training spaces, as well as ample office space. Its central location offers ease of access for companies across the Midlands, simplifying the process for new businesses and their teams to connect with essential training resources.

The county is ready to put a record number of people to work, and to make that happen, it’s committed to providing unmatched opportunities at every step. The creation of this center is made possible through an unprecedented collaborative partnership between Richland County, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, readySC, and Midlands Technical College.

Scout Motors will be the first company to utilize the training center, using it for job interviews, testing, and pre-employment training for its new $2 billion, 4,000-employee Production Center.

“Preparing Richland County residents for the jobs of tomorrow is a top priority,” said Richland County Council Chair Jesica Mackey. “This state-of-the-art facility will not only meet immediate training needs but will also serve as a long-term asset in creating career pathways for our residents and attracting businesses. We’re proud to be part of this investment and the support it provides in increasing prosperity for all citizens.”

“We remain laser-focused on ensuring that Richland County is the clear choice for businesses seeking immediate access to exceptional opportunities, strong stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, and investment in their company’s success—all of which work together to drive our state’s progress forward,” said Jeff Ruble, Director of the Richland County Economic Development Office. “As the fourth-fastest growing state in the nation, we are committed to making it easier than ever for businesses considering a new home to say ‘yes’ to Richland County.”

Meredith Manz, Chief People Officer at Scout Motors, added, “Scout Motors' decision to invest in South Carolina and make the Midlands our home was driven in part by the state's exceptional workforce and training resources. Our collaboration with readySC on this regional training center underscores our shared commitment to empowering South Carolinians with new economic opportunities, equipping the local workforce with the skills needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing, and ensuring a robust pipeline of expertise for our company, suppliers, and the broader regional economy.”

Once the renovation of the building is completed, training operations are expected to commence later this year.

The new regional training center builds on the momentum of Richland County and its economic development office. Over the past five years, recruitment efforts have added more than 7,000 jobs to Richland County. During this time, two of the largest industrial manufacturing projects in the county’s history have been secured - Scout Motors and Mark Anthony Brewing. These companies have brought in $2.4 billion in investments combined. Additionally, Cirba Solutions marked a third major industrial manufacturing win, creating more than 300 jobs and contributing another $323 million in investments to Richland County.

These significant economic achievements underscore the dedication of the county and economic development office to accomplishing numerous strategic goals: building a resilient and competitive economy by leveraging local strengths and fostering strategic relationships through thoughtful collaboration and policy development. Additionally, both are working towards gains for other key initiatives, such as affordable childcare and attainable workforce housing to further enhance citizens’ opportunities for prosperity.

Additional quotes:

“South Carolina’s greatest resource is our people, and that resource helps ensure successful economic development across the state. Collaborating to create a training environment to enhance a skilled workforce is vital – and this regional training center will position South Carolinians and the companies where they work for long-term success.” - Harry Lightsey,  Secretary of Commerce, South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“This regional training center exemplifies the power of collaboration across state, county, and educational partners. Together, we are creating a resource that will support economic development by ensuring our workforce is prepared for the evolving demands of industry.” - Dr. Tim Hardee, President, SC Technical College System

“At Midlands Technical College, we are committed to preparing students and the workforce for success. This training center will allow us to deliver high-quality, flexible technical training that meets the needs of local industry and strengthens our regional economy.” - Dr. Greg Little, President, Midlands Technical College

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Previous reporting about the Scout Motors project.