South Carolina’s Technical College System is a role model for our nation and has shaped both the people and the economy of our state since its creation 55 years ago.

The Upstate Business Journal recently published an article by the Upstate SC Alliance that explored the ideas presented in the plastics event in Detroit, with voices from industries that have manufacturing operations within the Upstate and tying industry challenges to Clemson University research.

There’s more to Upstate research and development (R&D) than RPMs. The truth is that a great deal of R&D activity goes on unaccounted for in a variety of industries from medical devices to sporting goods.

So far this year, the Upstate has seen four new and three expansion announcements among advanced materials companies, with a total capital investment of $158,350,000 and 472 jobs.

The factories are the place where it’s happening … they’re clean, they’re challenging, they’ll provide a wage that is dramatically higher than any other you’ll find. The average wage in South Carolina is $37,000; the average wage in manufacturing is $54,000.