Carolina Renewable Products to open $280M facility in Orangeburg

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Carolina Renewable Products is turning sustainable wood biomass into renewable diesel, biochar, and wood vinegar.
Wood biomass is organic matter from trees and woody plants that can be harvested to produce fuel and other products. Biochar is a charcoal-like carbon rich substance made by heating up biomass and according to experts enhances soils water retention and improves soil health and wood vinegar is a liquid produced from the smoke during the same process.
“The jobs that we’re going to create are going to be a range from our security and offloading type people to folks that we’re going to be training that will be operating our modules, the equipment that does that work,” said Robert Bryan, CEO of Carolina Renewable Products.
The new facility will be located on Prosperity Drive and will serve as the company’s headquarters and training hub.
“It’ll be 18 months till we’re full…about 155 or so employees but we don’t have to wait 18 months to get there. We’ll be able to start adding employees sooner than later,” Bryan said.
The project is being supported by state and local partners, including the Orangeburg County Development Commission.
Officials say the investment shows confidence in the county’s workforce and its growing role in clean energy.
“They’re also offering to pay above the average wage, which is very significant for us,” said Ciara Williams with the Orangeburg County Development Commission.
County Administrator Harold Young also shared a statement, saying “Carolina Renewable Products’ decision to locate here affirms that we are doing the hard work behind the scenes.”
The total investment will be $280 million, bringing 155 new jobs to Orangeburg County.