
3️⃣ Incentive Exploration
Engage early with:
SC Department of Commerce
County economic development boards
Utility providers (e.g., Santee Cooper, Dominion, Duke Energy)
Request initial incentive proposals, which may include:
Tax credits (e.g., Job Development Credits)
Infrastructure grants
Utility discounts
Free or subsidized workforce training (readySC)
4️⃣ Shortlisting & Site Visits
Narrow down to 2–3 candidate sites.
Organize in-person or virtual site visits:
Walk through facilities or land parcels
Meet with local officials, workforce boards, real estate agents
Assess surrounding infrastructure (roads, housing, schools)
Provide German-speaking support to ensure understanding and comfort.
5️⃣ Due Diligence
Conduct feasibility reviews on top sites, including:
Environmental assessments (Phase I ESA)
Zoning verification and permitting requirements
Availability of utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewer, fiber)
Construction timelines (if building new)
Transportation accessibility and any traffic concerns
Bonus: Post-Site Support
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Help set up utilities, EHS permits, signage, and local business registrations.
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Introduce local vendors, contractors, and consultants for smooth setup.
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Coordinate with local community leaders to build goodwill and media visibility.
Client Benefits
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Avoid costly mistakes or delays by relying on expert local knowledge
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Unlock maximum incentive packages by engaging the right agencies at the right time
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Ensure site matches long-term operational needs, not just short-term availability
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Accelerate the path to profitability with faster, smoother setup
1️⃣Requirements Definition
Conduct strategic discussions with the German headquarters to understand:
Business goals: market access, production capacity, long-term growth
Facility needs: size (sq. ft.), clear height, power requirements, ceiling cranes, docks, office space
Workforce profile: skills, number of employees, shifts, labor cost expectations
Logistics needs: proximity to highways, ports, customers, or suppliers
Budget and timeline
Environmental or regulatory considerations: (e.g., ISO certifications, noise, zoning)
2️⃣ Regional Screening & Benchmarking
Compare multiple regions or counties within South Carolina based on:
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Available industrial parks or build-to-suit options
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Labor availability and wage rates
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Tax structure and utility costs
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Proximity to logistics hubs (e.g., Port of Charleston, major highways, rail)
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Quality of life for expat staff
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Historical success with foreign direct investment (especially German)


Site Selection & Facility Setup
6️⃣ Final Evaluation & Business Case
Create a comparative matrix showing:
Total cost of ownership (lease/purchase, tax impact, incentives, operating costs)
Time to operation
Expansion potential
Workforce fit
Help client make a fact-based, confidence-backed decision.
7️⃣ Lease/Purchase Negotiation
Support in negotiating terms with landowners, brokers, or developers.
Engage legal and financial advisors to ensure favorable terms and legal compliance.
Coordinate with construction/project managers if build-out or modifications are required.
8️⃣ Closing & Onboarding
Finalize the deal.
Kick off next-phase activities: site buildout, utility hookups, staffing, and equipment installation.
