CONNEX South Carolina: Boosting the State’s Manufacturing Industry

In 2023, Governor Henry McMaster, along with South Carolina’s business community leaders, announced the launch of CONNEX South Carolina, a free online platform designed to strengthen the state’s manufacturing industry. This user-friendly tool provides manufacturers with one-stop access to find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities, and manage their supply chains.

Features of CONNEX South Carolina

CONNEX South Carolina allows manufacturers to create detailed company profiles that include important information such as manufacturing capabilities, certifications, Small Business Administration designations, and equipment. The platform also features an Exchange Center where manufacturers can post needs, excess materials and equipment, and respond to business opportunities with other companies.

Governor’s Statement

Governor McMaster emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “With CONNEX South Carolina, we will be able to provide manufacturing companies … with the tools needed to optimize efficiency and ultimately help drive South Carolina’s economy to even greater heights”.

Partnership and Development

The platform is made available at no cost to South Carolina manufacturers through a partnership between the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA), and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. CONNEX Marketplace, created by i5 Services, was developed over a decade ago to connect the United States manufacturing supply chain and enhance companies’ ability to source solutions locally.

Economic Impact of Manufacturing in South Carolina

The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in South Carolina’s economy. According to a 2021 economic impact study:

• The industry’s economic impact on the state is estimated between $194 billion and $206 billion annually
• Manufacturing supports over 30% of all jobs in South Carolina
• It has a job creation multiplier effect of 1:4
• 38% of South Carolina’s General Fund comes from manufacturing
• 16% of the state’s GDP is associated with manufacturing

Industry Leaders’ Support

Leaders from the state’s manufacturing community have expressed strong support for CONNEX South Carolina:

• Andy Carr, President & CEO of SCMEP, described it as “a unique and simple-to-use tool” that will increase the resiliency of manufacturing supply chains and deliver increased business opportunities.
• Sara Hazzard, President & CEO of SCMA, called it “an innovative resource to help manufacturers compete and create jobs” and “a game-changer for South Carolina manufacturers”.
• Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III emphasized that the platform will allow manufacturers to maximize the supply chain, creating more opportunities for citizens across the state.

Accessing CONNEX South Carolina

Manufacturers can access the CONNEX South Carolina portal at www.scmep.org/connex or by emailing connex@scmep.org. This initiative is expected to significantly boost South Carolina’s manufacturing sector, enhancing its competitiveness and driving economic growth in the state.