From powerhouse manufacturers to influential employers across health care, finance, tech and logistics, the Upstate’s business scene is as diverse as it is dynamic. Longtime industry leaders share the spotlight with fast-growing companies that are scaling quickly and innovating boldly. Together, they tell the story of a region built on opportunity, talent and momentum. These are some of the companies leading the way in the 864.
Top Manufacturing Employers in the Upstate:
BMW: automobiles
Michelin North America: radial tires
GE Vernova: gas turbines
Milliken & Co.: textiles and specialty chemicals
ZF Transmissions: automatic transmissions, front- and rear-axle assembly
BorgWarner Inc.: powertrain components and transfer cases
Cryovac/Sealed Air Corp.: plastic bags and plastic film
DAA Draexlmaier Automotive of America LLC: motor vehicle parts and accessories
Magna International: mobility technology for the automotive industry
Robert Bosch: gasoline systems and electronic automotive components
Top Nonmanufacturing Employers in the Upstate:
Prisma Health-Upstate: a public not-for-profit academic health system
Clemson University: a top-tier public university
State of South Carolina: state government
Greenville County Schools: the largest public-school system in South Carolina
Greenville County Government: county government
Duke Energy Corp.: one of the country’s largest energy-holding companies
Bon Secours St. Francis Health System: a private not-for-profit health system
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: an integrated health care delivery system
Walmart: multinational retail corporation
AnMed Health Medical Center: a comprehensive not-for-profit health system
United States Government: federal government
Companies with North American and International Headquarters in the Upstate:
Milliken & Co.: textiles and specialty chemicals
BMW: automobiles
Michelin North America: radial tires
AFL: electric components and systems
DAA Draxlmaier Automotive of America: motor vehicle parts and accessories
SAGE Automotive Interiors: automotive interiors
Techtronic Industries: power-driven hand tools
Freightliner Custom Chassis: chassis for large vehicles
Fujifilm Manufacturing: platemaking services
Hubbell Lighting: lighting
Mitsubishi Polyester Film: unsupported plastics film and sheet
Orian Rugs: carpets and rugs
ScanSource: technology products and solutions
AVX Corp.: electronic parts supplier
Precision Valve: global supplier of aerosol valves, aerosol actuators and related dispensing solutions
TD Synnex: technology services
Hamrick Mills: textile manufacturing
Global Lending Services: financial services
Tindall Corp.: precast concrete solutions
Upstate Ventures on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for 2025:
Isomer Project Group: engineering
Courser: IT services
Big Money Retirement Solutions: financial services
Checkeeper: software
Purity Coffee: food and beverage
Designli: software
Elite Homecare: health and medical
Air Compressor Services: manufacturing
Firefly Solar: energy
Tech24: construction
Houses & Then Some Rentals & Realty: real estate
Equip Studio: construction
Steelworks of the Carolinas: manufacturing
Global Lending Services: financial services
Bluefield: real estate
