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 Pickens County is located in the I-85 "boom belt" of Upstate SC. The county has several features distinguishing it from other areas its size. From Clemson University and its renowned research to its scenic lakes and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, Pickens County has the perfect mix of business and living amenities for growing industries.
Pickens County is home to Clemson University. Known as Time Magazine's 2000 "Public School of the Year," and U.S. News & World Report's Top 20 Engineering school-Clemson University and its focus on academics and applied research-has been a major draw for industry. The community’s economic diversity stems in large part from the university’s support of industries through applied programs, groundbreaking research and development and by supplying a skilled work force.
Manufacturing is the county’s primary source of economic growth, with approximately 150 facilities in the Easley, Liberty and Pickens areas. Pickens County and the surrounding communities in the Upstate of South Carolina are an emerging automotive hub. With Clemson University’s world class ICAR (International Center for Automotive Research) facility with plans for a full-scale 200mph rolling test track and motorsport research facilities to the North American BMW manufacturing plant located within a 45 minute drive, Pickens County is the perfect location for tier-1, 2, and 3 automotive suppliers.
Alliance Pickens, the economic development organization, also fosters industry growth by offering aggressive incentives and existing industry programs-such as a partnership with the well-known technical schools system that helps train workers at little or no cost to companies.
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