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ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WACH) — The Okonite Company announced Tuesday that it is expanding its operations in Orangeburg.

The company’s $400 million investment will create 105 new jobs.

Okonite will build a new, approximately 552,000-square-foot manufacturing plant on its existing property, located on Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, to meet growing demand for the company's products.

The beginning of construction will start in the final months of 2026, and the project will take approximately two to three years to complete.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $1.5 million grant to Orangeburg County to assist with the costs of site preparation and construction.

“We thank the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Orangeburg County Development Commission and the city of Orangeburg for their invaluable help and prompt actions in making our expansion possible," said Okonite CEO and Board Chairman David J. Sokira.

“Okonite’s expansion in Orangeburg County is a testament to the economic opportunities and skilled workforce available here in the Palmetto State. We are pleased to see the company continue to invest in South Carolina and create 105 new jobs in Orangeburg County," said Gov. Henry McMaster.

“With an investment of $400 million, Okonite’s expanded manufacturing operations will be an exciting economic advantage for Orangeburg County. We congratulate the company on its decision to deepen its roots in South Carolina and strengthen our state’s industrial capacity," said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

“We are truly grateful for Okonite and the commitment they have shown to Orangeburg County over the years. An investment of more than $400 million and 105 new jobs means more opportunities for our citizens and more quality jobs right here at home. We thank them for continuing to invest in our people and for remaining an important part of the fabric of Orangeburg County," said Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright.

Founded in 1878, Okonite is one of the oldest insulators of electrical wire and cable in the U.S., supporting a variety of industries including electric utility, oil and gas, railroad and chemical.

The company operates 34 locations nationwide, including two production facilities in Orangeburg County.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Orangeburg County leaders took a first step toward pausing data center developments Thursday, advancing a one-year moratorium during a special called meeting.

Councilwoman Latisha Walker spearheaded the proposal after she said she learned of a company showing interest in building a data center off Brentwood Drive.

County leaders said no property has been purchased and no project has been officially announced, but the interest prompted action.

“When we have to act, we have to act,” She said.

Walker said her research into the potential development raised concerns.

“We just don’t know enough about the data centers as a whole. I actually conducted some research and learned that there was a company wanting to put a data center here, and doing the research, nothing was a result of anything positive. Because of that, I knew that we needed more time to be able to look at sanctions, regulations,” she said.

A moratorium is not a permanent ban but a temporary halt on things like permits.

Orangeburg is the latest South Carolina county to take a second look at data center developments.

Some Orangeburg residents said they support the move.

“For them to put a pause on it, I think it’s a good choice because we still need to get information. How will this impact our future? How will this impact our children that are coming up? They need to know how data centers work,” said Dr. Derrick James, an Orangeburg resident.

Resident Linda Jefferson said energy consumption is her primary concern.

“I’m very concerned about large data centers in our community, the resources that they are consuming, particularly the energy level. We’ll need resources, but do we need them at the expense or costs of others as they are currently being developed? That’s one of my major concerns,” Jefferson said.

Adel Nasiri, a University of South Carolina electrical electrical enineering professor, said the pattern of government action across the state stems from uncertainty about what data centers could bring.

“It’s obvious that they would be interested to take action. We need the data centers to advance our economy, but we need to plan for them. We need to plan for what they need in terms of electricity and water,” Nasiri said.

County leaders are expected to vote on a second reading of the moratorium at their next regular meeting, scheduled for Aug. 3.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State head men’s basketball coach Erik Martin has announced the Bulldogs’ 2026-27 schedule, which features a challenging mix of home contests, nonconference road tests and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference competition.

SC State will begin its slate with an exhibition against Allen University on Oct. 30 in Orangeburg before officially opening the season at home against Morris College on Nov. 2. The Bulldogs then begin a demanding stretch away from home, traveling to USC Upstate, Chicago State, Notre Dame, College of Charleston and The Citadel during November.

The nonconference schedule will provide SC State with opportunities against programs from several conferences. The Bulldogs are scheduled to visit Duquesne on Nov. 28 before returning home for back-to-back contests against Winthrop on Dec. 2 and Charleston Southern on Dec. 5. SC State then hits the road for four consecutive games against Northern Kentucky, Chattanooga, Wichita State and West Virginia before closing the calendar year at South Carolina on Dec. 29.

“We’re excited about the schedule we’ve put together for this season. It gives us an opportunity to compete against quality programs on the road and at home while preparing us for the challenges of MEAC play. Playing teams such as Notre Dame, Wichita State, West Virginia and South Carolina will test us and help us grow as a team. Our goal is to continue improving throughout the season, compete at a high level every night and be playing our best basketball when conference play and the MEAC tournament arrive.” — SC State head coach Erik Martin

Conference play begins Jan. 2 when the Bulldogs travel to Washington, DC to face Howard at 4 p.m. SC State will later welcome Morgan State and Coppin State to Orangeburg before road trips to Norfolk State, Maryland Eastern Shore, Delaware State and North Carolina Central. The schedule also includes January home non-conference contests against Brewton-Parker College and Mid-Atlantic Christian University.

The Bulldogs will play a home-heavy closing stretch in February and March. SC State hosts Howard on Feb. 6 before road contests at Morgan State and Coppin State. The Bulldogs then close the regular-season schedule with four straight home games — Norfolk State on Feb. 20, Maryland Eastern Shore on Feb. 27, Delaware State on March 1 and North Carolina Central on March 4.

SC State is scheduled to begin postseason play at the MEAC Basketball Tournament on March 10 in Norfolk, Virginia.

2026-27 SC State Men’s Basketball Schedule

The schedule lists 16 home dates, including the Allen exhibition, and 16 road contests before the MEAC Tournament.

Home Games are in bold, Times, Dates, Locations, Are Subject To Change. Game times listed as TBD will be announced later.