S.C. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 11, 2023
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Blanchard Machinery Company (Blanchard), a leading construction equipment supplier, today announced plans to expand its South Carolina footprint with new operations in Calhoun County. The company’s $46 million investment will create 30 new jobs. Approximately 150 existing jobs will be transferred from its Lexington County operations to the new facility.
Founded in 1952, Blanchard is Caterpillar's exclusive distributor for machine and generator sales, rental, machine parts and service in South Carolina. The company serves a wide range of industries including construction, mining, agriculture, forestry, electric power generation and marine power.
While maintaining an existing corporate campus in West Columbia, Blanchard plans to purchase nearly 60 acres at Sandy Run Industrial Park, in Calhoun County, to build an approximately 150,000-square-foot facility. This will allow the company to expand its footprint for parts, service, component rebuilds, complete machine rebuilds, and provide additional support services for its other 14 branches across South Carolina.
Blanchard will relocate a portion of its operations to the new facility in Calhoun County, while some operations including corporate administration functions, machine sales, used parts and Blanchard Energy will remain at its West Columbia campus.
Operations are estimated to be complete in 2026.
QUOTES
“As we look to the future, we must continue to expand our footprint and enhance our offerings to serve the ever-changing needs of our customers. As the fourth generation leading the dealership, our responsibility is to build upon the legacy of those who came before us and ensure that we leave the dealership and our communities better for future generations to come.”
-Blanchard Machinery Company President Boyd Blanchard
“Once again this announcement shows that South Carolina is the perfect location for businesses to thrive. We are proud that a homegrown company such as Blanchard continues to grow in the great state of South Carolina, and we look forward to seeing how their expansion will support businesses across the state.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster
“South Carolina’s robust logistics network continues to grow, allowing businesses to transport their products efficiently throughout our state and around the world. Congratulations to our long-standing partner, Blanchard, on their new facility.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“Calhoun County welcomes the Blanchard family and their team. We are truly grateful that a fourth generation family company with an established track record of success has chosen the Sandy Run Industrial Park in Calhoun County as their new operations campus! This investment will have a long-lasting impact as it brings increased opportunity through quality good paying jobs for our citizens.”
-Calhoun County Economic Development Director John E. McLauchlin
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Blanchard Machinery Company (Blanchard) is expanding its South Carolina footprint with new operations in Calhoun County.
- The company’s $46 million investment will create 30 new jobs. Approximately 150 existing jobs will be transferred from its Lexington County operations.
- Blanchard is a leading construction equipment supplier.
- Located at Sandy Run Industrial Park in Sandy Run, S.C.
- Operations are estimated to be complete in 2026.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Coakley
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
-###-