Samuel expands operations
in Fort Mill

Canadian-owned Samuel Packaging Systems Group has expanded its U.S. operations with an $11.5 million investment in a major facility in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Samuel is a leading provider of packaging, strapping, and industrial solutions. Its South Carolina presence highlights how Canadian innovation in packaging technology strengthens supply chains across the Southeast U.S. The Fort Mill facility manufactures and distributes advanced packaging systems that serve industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods, with products moving between U.S. and Canadian markets.

This investment highlights the deep economic partnership between Canada and South Carolina, creating local jobs in the state. By expanding its footprint in the state, Samuel strengthens the value of crossborder cooperation in supporting durable supply chains and mutual economic success.

Canadian investment fuels U.S. manufacturing and job growth

IKO Industries, a Canadian manufacturer of roofing, waterproofing, and insulation products, has expanded its U.S. footprint in South Carolina. IKO is a global leader in building materials, and its South Carolina operations highlight the company’s export success as Canadian innovation strengthens the state’s construction supply chain. The company’s newest manufacturing sites in Chester County represent more than a $360 million investment and are expected to create nearly 200 local jobs. The two projects include the acquisition of a site on Lancaster Highway outside of Chester, which will become a new glass fiber manufacturing facility. The second project will use the fiberglass plant’s output to manufacture fiberglass mat in a new, 325,000 square foot state-of-the-art plant. Glass mat is a vital component in asphalt shingle production, and the mat plant will supply IKO’s growing network of shingle manufacturing sites in the United States.

This investment underscores the strong trade and investment ties between Canada and South Carolina. IKO’s expansion in South Carolina demonstrates how Canadian companies are fueling growth in the state and building resilient supply chains.

South Carolina exports $4.0 billion in goods to Canada annually
South Carolina exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 3%
• Apparel & textiles: 4%
• Chemicals: 7%
• Equipment & machinery: 31%
• Minerals & metals: 5%
• Plastics & rubbers: 19%
• Transportation: 28%
• Other: 3%

Top South Carolina goods exports to Canada

• Automobiles: $620 million
• Rubber & rubber articles: $610 million
• Aircraft & parts: $244 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $170 million
• Motor vehicle parts: $167 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $117 million
• Compressors & pumps: $72 million
• Heating, cooling & refrigeration equipment: $70 million
• Iron & steel tubes, pipes & sheets: $65 million
• Engines & turbines: $63 million

South Carolina exports $678 million in services to Canada annually
Top South Carolina services exports to Canada

• Travel (including for education): $322 million
• Business services: $179 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $79 million
• Financial services: $32 million
• Maintenance & repair services: $29 million

South Carolina imports $3.6 billion in goods from Canada annually
South Carolina imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 6%
• Chemicals: 11%
• Equipment & machinery: 13%
• Forest products: 7%
• Minerals & metals: 13%
• Plastics & rubbers: 24%
• Transportation: 20%
• Other: 6%

Top South Carolina goods imports from Canada

• Plastics & plastic articles: $507 million
• Aircraft & parts: $389 million
• Rubber & rubber articles: $346 million
• Motor vehicle parts: $270 million
• Wood pulp: $155 million
• Copper & copper articles: $108 million
• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $96 million
• Iron & steel tubes, pipes & sheets: $89 million
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $67 million
• Organic chemicals: $50 million