Southeastern Architectural Systems, an ornamental metal fabricator specializing in interior and exterior products for arenas, high-rises, healthcare, and education projects, is relocating its operations from Charlotte to Rock Hill, South Carolina. The $12.3 million move targets a 60,000+ square-foot building at 483 Lakeshore Parkway in Rock Hill’s Tech Park, purchased for $6.1 million by affiliated Box Turtle Holdings. The company plans to open this fall, consolidating separate office and manufacturing sites into one roof, just 18 miles away and within 30 minutes of uptown Charlotte’s south side.
Reasons for the Relocation
President Mac Winget highlighted several drivers behind the shift:
- Strong local workforce: Proximity to York Tech provides talent access.
- Improved commuting: Smoother drives avoid SC 49 traffic in Lake Wylie and Charlotte rush hours; Winget’s commute extends by only 10 minutes but gains consistency.
- Growth potential: Room for all 46 current employees plus 28 new jobs, supporting “young folks” in the area.
- Reverse commuting appeal: Aligns with York County’s push for jobs in business parks like Tech Park, reducing inbound Charlotte traffic for workers.
This fits a trend of Charlotte companies moving to Rock Hill, including Riverstone Logistics and Hissho Sushi, drawn by economic incentives, traffic flow, and workforce opportunities.
Economic Incentives and Background
York County approved incentives last fall for “Project Cornice,” tied to the Tech Park building’s prior owners (Composite Resources, Autosport Resources, WorkSpace Resources). Composite Resources relocated nearby to Aspen Business Park. The move supports Rock Hill’s growth as a “growing area” with business-friendly infrastructure.
Winget, who shifted from a Steele Creek family farm to one in Clover 13 years ago, confirmed no employee losses from the change.
Broader Impact
This relocation boosts Rock Hill’s economy by fostering local jobs and business expansion while leveraging the region’s reverse-commute strategy. It exemplifies how York County attracts firms with incentives and logistics perks, potentially easing Charlotte’s urban pressures.
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