Rock Hill, SC showing signs of economic uncertainty amidst rising job cuts.
In 2024, the Rock Hill region faces its highest annual job cuts since the COVID pandemic, with 475 layoffs reported. Major companies like Stanley Black & Decker and McKesson are behind the losses, raising concerns about the economic health of York, Lancaster, and Chester counties. While new job announcements have drastically decreased, some hopeful prospects in clean technology may offer a silver lining.
The year 2024 has proved to be a challenging time for the Rock Hill region, as it witnessed the highest annual layoffs since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020. The region, comprising York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, experienced a total of 475 job cuts according to reports from worker adjustment notifications. This significant spike in layoffs has many residents concerned about the local job market and economic health.
In total, five WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notices were filed during 2024, indicating that more job losses were reported this year than in any other since the pandemic began. The figures are particularly stark when compared to 950 job losses recorded back in 2020, excluding instances where companies noted cuts as “statewide.” Outside of 2020, the number of layoffs in Rock Hill has been relatively stable, with only three other years seeing more than this year’s figures; the highest of those was in 2018, with 504 layoffs.
The primary drivers behind this wave of layoffs appear to be organizational changes at major companies in the area, specifically Stanley Black & Decker and McKesson Medical-Surgical. Stanley has announced the closure of its Carolina’s Manufacturing Operations facility, resulting in job losses for 192 employees in Fort Mill; 158 of these positions are slated to end in May 2024. Meanwhile, McKesson has indicated plans to cut 13 jobs, which may be followed by an additional 179 layoffs at its distribution center by March 2025.
Despite the alarming increase in WARN notices, the number of new job announcements in the region has seen a significant decline. Only 41 positions were reported as newly created by the I-77 Alliance, marking the lowest in a decade. Additionally, the state’s Commerce Department added only 30 jobs to the pool, which barely made a dent in the region’s employment landscape.
Previous projects that held promise of job creation have faced hurdles, casting a shadow over the region’s economic outlook. Pallidus, a silicone carbide manufacturer, had intended to establish operations in Rock Hill with plans to create 405 jobs but ultimately scrapped its investment. Another substantial project, Silfab Solar, which pledged to generate 800 jobs and inject $150 million into the local economy, is entangled in litigation due to local opposition.
Despite the prevailing layoffs, some glimmers of hope are emerging. The clean technology firm Princeton NuEnergy is set to open a lithium-ion battery recycling operation in Chester, aiming to create 41 new jobs amidst an investment of $11 million. Additionally, LCI-Lineberger Construction announced that it is making a $10 million investment which is anticipated to yield 30 new jobs in Lancaster County.
Meanwhile, in a bid to optimize funding, Rock Hill Schools has revealed a restructuring plan targeting district-level positions without any anticipated layoffs, though this move will certainly impact mental health services offered at schools. The restructuring is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, and while teaching positions are said to remain unaffected for now, the changes could still lead to uncertainty among school staff.
In spite of the turbulent employment landscape, there is a streak of optimism about the economic climate in York County. With its proximity to Charlotte, access to a skilled workforce, and competitive average weekly wages of approximately $1,218, the region could stand to offer some stability in an otherwise tough job market.
As Rock Hill navigates through 2024’s setbacks, the community remains hopeful for a turnaround that could promote growth and recovery, helping reinforce the area as a vibrant place for both businesses and workers alike.
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