Robust Infrastructure Connects New Production and Distribution Facility in Chester County To East Coast Via Rail, Ports, Highways
When E&J Gallo Winery, a global wine and spirits company, sought to establish a new East Coast facility to support its long-term innovation plans, it only considered locations that offered robust infrastructure, including rail-to-port access, a highly skilled workforce and proximity to urban and rural communities that often define a region. The result? A new half-billion dollar state-of-the-art production facility and distribution center in Chester County, South Carolina, part of the two-state, 14-county Charlotte Region.
With over 3,600 manufacturers, 155,000 manufacturing workers and 7,500 jobs announced since 2020, the Charlotte Region is a true manufacturing hub building upon a rich history to create the products of the future. Traditionally a textile manufacturing hub, the region’s manufacturing industry has diversified and advanced to include thousands of firms in precision metrology, optoelectronics, biomedical technology and chemicals, among other fields. As the legendary Gallo Winery will attest, the Charlotte Region and its low cost of doing business, large available labor pool and strong academic-industry collaboration on workforce training makes it a prime place for relocating or expanding manufacturing companies.
“Chester County is really a good fit for Gallo and checked every box we considered for our new Eastern Operations facility,” said Erich Kaepp, vice president of Eastern Operations. “The infrastructure is here, including dual-rail capability to the ports of Savannah and Charleston that was critical to us. Interstates and major highways also connect us to the entire East Coast. It was a win-win for Gallo to call the Charlotte Region home.”
Higher Education and Workforce Development
Gallo is on track to create nearly 500 jobs in the Charlotte Region over the next six years, a goal Kaepp said would not be possible without access to the manufacturing skills the company requires today and a regional commitment to build and maintain a talent pipeline over the long term. He describes the region’s robust community college system as a critical partner in preparing for the workforce of tomorrow.
“Tapping into the local community colleges, in particular York Technical College in Rock Hill, has been critical to our success in the region thus far,” Kaepp said. “The higher education opportunities in this region are second-to-none, and the community colleges are leading the charge to train the next generation advanced manufacturing workforce.”
Gallo’s proximity to York Technical and Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, Kaepp added, played a major role in the company’s decision to locate in Chester County. For York Technical, it resulted in a new partnership to build the workforce of the future.
“We’re working very closely with York Technical to tailor a degree program that includes digitization, controls and robotics,” Kaepp said. “These are not only the skills of the future, but they are needed at Gallo and elsewhere now. This approach helps everyone succeed, including graduates who will find themselves highly marketable and sought after. Of course, we want them to stay in the Charlotte Region – and come to work at Gallo.”
Quality of Life: Urban Districts to Small Town Charm
Located about 45 miles south of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Chester County is one of the best kept secrets in the Charlotte Region. Fort Lawn, where Gallo’s facility is located, retains a small-town feel, and is only minutes away from similar towns with their own unique characteristics. The area’s proximity to Charlotte also offers all the amenities that comes with access to North Carolina’s largest city, including cultural, dining and professional sports, not to mention easy access to mountains and beaches in two states.
“Chester County speaks to the roots of Gallo,” Kaepp said. “We’re an agricultural company, so we tend to be in more rural areas. That lifestyle is ingrained in our company’s DNA, so it was important for us to find an area that is close to big city amenities, but also has a small town feel. Our employees can be in Charlotte for a night out on the town, then return to a nice rural small-town feel.”
Kaepp also noted that Chester County speaks to the very best the Charlotte Region offers – a non-urban location with easy access to dense urban centers and Main Streets in charming small towns. And he often shares his sentiments with executives who are considering the Charlotte Region for their next relocation or expansion.
“I think Charlotte is a great place to settle if you’re moving your workforce here, or if you’re already here and hiring,” he said. “You have access to a workforce that wants to come and work for you. The region also has a very, very business-friendly climate. They want you to come here and succeed. From Charlotte to Chester County, this region is thriving. Who doesn’t want to be part of such a success story?”
Bullish on the Charlotte Region
The Charlotte Region’s strength in advanced manufacturing provides the foundation for its economic success. Listen to Kaepp and other business leaders who are bullish on the region discuss how the Charlotte Region’s growing population, highly skilled workforce and innovative spirit fuel a thriving manufacturing sector at selectclt.co.
