News Summary
A new solar cell manufacturing facility, ES Foundry, has opened in Greenwood County, generating positive community response. In stark contrast, the Canadian company Silfab Solar faces backlash in Fort Mill as residents protest its planned operations due to health concerns linked to chemicals. The local opposition has led to legal actions and legislative efforts to address uncertainty and safety matters. While ES Foundry has rapidly established operations and created jobs, Silfab’s plans are hindered by zoning regulations and community discontent, reflecting varying public perceptions of industrial development.
Greenwood, South Carolina – A new solar cell manufacturing facility, ES Foundry, has officially opened its doors in Greenwood County, generating significant positive community response. Conversely, the Canadian company Silfab Solar is facing considerable pushback as it prepares to establish a plant in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Residents of Fort Mill have demonstrated their objections to Silfab through protests and by commissioning billboards opposing the company’s operations. This local discontent has spurred the introduction of two bills at the Statehouse aimed at addressing community concerns. Additionally, ongoing legal actions against Silfab by local residents could hinder the company’s operations after it has invested heavily in the facility.
The Greenwood community has expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for ES Foundry, resulting in numerous job inquiries and robust support for job creation. The facility has already created hundreds of jobs, revitalizing a previously vacant site. Notably, ES Foundry was recently honored with a national award recognizing its positive impact on the community.
As the primary employment sector in Greenwood, manufacturing constitutes roughly one-quarter of the local labor force. In stark contrast, Fort Mill has experienced rapid growth, with a population surge of over 126% since 2010, creating an increasingly competitive job market. However, Greenwood’s population has remained relatively stable, growing by less than one percentage point during the same period.
ES Foundry’s ability to quickly establish its operations is partially attributed to the favorable existing infrastructure of its location, which was previously occupied by a heavy industrial company. The company signed a lease and opened within eight months, while Silfab has encountered persistent delays throughout its development process despite having spent over $100 million on renovations to its Fort Mill facility. Silfab’s current preparations have spanned more than a year with plans to create 800 jobs upon full operation.
York County officials actively recruited Silfab to Fort Mill and supported the initiative with substantial incentives, including a 30-year tax rate break and a $2 million state economic development grant. Silfab’s building was initially presented as a clean shell, which allowed for flexible construction planning; in contrast, ES Foundry benefited from pre-existing infrastructure that facilitated a more rapid setup.
The core of the controversy surrounding Silfab in Fort Mill is related to zoning regulations. A recent ruling has impacted allowances for solar cell manufacturing in light industrial zones, leading to an escalation of local concerns regarding safety due to the facility’s proximity to residential areas, schools, and playgrounds. Residents have expressed fears about potential health risks arising from the chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
In response to the mounting opposition against Silfab, a movement dubbed “Move Silfab” has emerged, demanding the company reconsider its operations in Fort Mill. This grassroots effort cites health concerns linked to chemicals used in solar cell production, asserting that the community has not been adequately informed about the risks.
Amid heightened criticism, Silfab has maintained that it adheres to all local and federal regulatory requirements. The company attributes the growing opposition to misinformation propagated by a small faction of the community. Unlike Silfab, ES Foundry operates in a zone designated for heavy industrial use, which has contributed to a lack of similar neighborhood objections.
As the situation unfolds in both Greenwood and Fort Mill, the contrasting community reactions to the solar cell facilities highlight varying public perceptions of industrial development and its implications for local economies and public health.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Solar Energy
- Herald Online
- Google Search: Solar Cell Manufacturing
- Solar Power World
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Cells
- PR Newswire
- Google News: Fort Mill Silfab
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
