Woodward breaks ground on $200M aerospace site in Greer

A company that makes components used in aircraft flight control broke ground Nov. 3 on their future Greer plant, where it will invest $200 million into a site that will bring 275 “high-quality” jobs to the area.

Woodward Inc. says the 300,000-square-foot facility with be the manufacturing site for its servo-hydraulic actuation systems used to manage lift in airplanes. Initially, most of the factory’s capacity will be dedicated to producing spoiler actuation for the Airbus A350, the company said, but added in a news release the site has “potential for significant workforce expansion in the future.”

Woodward Inc. is a global player in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets, according to the release, which called the new site a strategic investment for the company. The site is expected to become operational in 2027 and will progressively scale production and hiring in subsequent years to meet market demand, the release stated.

The facility will focus on production of servo-hydraulic actuation systems, which are critical components used in aircraft flight control, the release stated. The critical control systems are mounted on the upper surface of aircraft wings and play a vital role in managing lift and enhancing flight performance and safety. The site has potential to expand capacity as the company meets growing demand for its aerospace technologies.

The facility is expected to create jobs in manufacturing, engineering and business operations.

“The selection of Woodward to supply Airbus with spoiler actuation systems and our investment in South Carolina represent a major milestone for Woodward and our commitment to delivering leading controls solutions to our customers and creating value for our shareholders,” Chip Blankenship, chairman and CEO of Woodward Inc., said in the release. “It will be a showcase manufacturing site, much like our Rock Cut campus, vertically integrated, highly automated, and built on the capabilities and methodologies in operational excellence we’ve developed through our LEAP and GTF aircraft engine programs.

“Beyond supporting the Airbus A350, this facility positions us to extend our hydraulic flight control design and industrialization expertise to additional applications as well as other commercial aircraft manufacturers,” he said. “We’re proud to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Spartanburg County as we fulfill our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.”

After a nationwide search, Woodward selected Spartanburg County for its robust manufacturing infrastructure, access to highly skilled aerospace talent, and proximity to key suppliers, the release stated. The investment is supported by a competitive incentive package from the state of South Carolina, Spartanburg County and local economic development organizations.

“When global companies like Woodward Inc. decide to invest in our state, it further solidifies South Carolina’s impressive reputation in the manufacturing industry,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “We look forward to creating a long-standing partnership with the company and seeing the strong impact of these approximately 275 new jobs in Spartanburg County.”

Woodward Inc. is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo. The company trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the symbol WWD.

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