CORNERSTONE
The CORNERSTONE: Economic Development & Workforce Training Center is a state-of-the-art facility supporting the training needs of manufacturers and driving economic development initiatives into the future.
- Opened in 2025 with immediate availability
- 41,000 square feet supporting the needs of manufacturers with advanced technical training spaces and office space
- Located in a thriving and growing industrial corridor in Northeast Columbia, SC
- Created through a multi-partner collaborative of higher education, county and state government
Building the workforce of tomorrow, today
CORNERSTONE was created as a regional training center to strengthen the Midlands region’s competitiveness, accelerate the growth of advanced manufacturing, and equip current and future generations of citizens with the skills needed to thrive in today’s innovation economy. Located in the heart of one of South Carolina’s most manufacturing-rich regions, CORNERSTONE connects world-class employers with a ready, skilled, and ambitious workforce.
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Nov. 2024, 101 Research Drive building secured
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Jan. 2025, New training center announced, and Phase I facility construction started
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April 2025, Phase I occupancy underway
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June 2025, Phase II facility construction begins
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Aug. 2025, Scout Motors announces building occupancy
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Oct. 2025, Phase II occupancy underway
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COMING SOON, Phase III facility construction
Why a regional training center matters
The Midlands region has a longstanding history of manufacturing success — from energy and pharmaceuticals to automotive and advanced materials. As new global companies invest here, the demand for a highly skilled, adaptable workforce continues to grow.
CORNERSTONE serves as a unique regional asset: a dedicated space where employers can train, upskill, and recruit workers; where students can access hands-on learning opportunities; and where the community’s economic growth is sustained through continuous talent development.
This facility exists to support the region’s competitiveness, expand and build opportunity across industries and generations, and be a resource for both employers and job seekers across the Midlands:
- Manufacturers seeking a dedicated training site to onboard, certify, and grow their workforce.
- Students and job seekers pursuing careers with innovative companies in their own community.
- Educational partners such as Midlands Technical College (MTC), located nearby, providing custom training programs aligned with the needs of local industries.
Manufacturing Strength in the Columbia MSA
Manufacturing in the Columbia Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) continues to outpace national growth trends:
- 1-year manufacturing employment growth: +0.5% (national: +0.1%)
- 1-year production occupation growth: +0.3% (national: –0.1%)
- Average annual manufacturing wage: $72,867 — competitive with neighboring metros such as Charlotte ($75,224), Atlanta ($77,175), and Knoxville ($83,527).
- Chemical manufacturing employment: growing at three times the national rate.
The Midlands manufacturing ecosystem is thriving — home to companies producing everything from nuclear fuel rods (Westinghouse) and Hammermill paper (Sylvamo) to switchgear and switchboards (Schneider Electric) and blow-fill-seal pharmaceuticals (The Ritedose Corporation).
Richland County’s Role
Richland County is proud to be one of the founding partners supporting CORNERSTONE’s creation. The County’s investment reflects its dedication to:
Empowering citizens
with access to high-quality jobs and career pathways.
Supporting local industries
with a pipeline of skilled talent.
Fostering innovation
through collaboration between business, education, and community partners.
This unified effort ensures that the region’s manufacturers — both long-established and newly arrived — have the resources and workforce they need to continue thriving.
CORNERSTONE’S Supporting Partners
Richland County Government
The County Government is dedicated to providing exceptional public services through effective planning, proactive leadership, and inclusive governance to ensure that all residents, visitors, and businesses have equitable opportunities and improved quality of life today and in the future.
richlandcountsc.gov
SC Technical College System
SC Technical College System
Comprised of 16 colleges located strategically across the state and two internationally-renowned statewide programs, the SC Technical College System is dedicated to furthering economic and workforce development in South Carolina.
readySC
readySC
As an integral part of the SC Technical College System, readySC works together with the 16 technical colleges to prepare South Carolina’s workforce to meet the needs of your company.
Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College (MTC) is a comprehensive, multi-campus, two-year public college serving students in the primary region of Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties of South Carolina.
S.C. Department of Commerce
S.C. Department of Commerce
SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training.
CORNERSTONE Opening
CORNERSTONE Opening Celebration
Read about the official opening of the CORNERSTONE training facility and its impact on the Midlands region.