The company’s ongoing growth is projected to significantly increase job creation in high paying STEM-related positions and be a magnet for local university graduates.
Integer Technologies, a trailblazing defense tech company specializing in digital engineering solutions, has unveiled its 2024 South Carolina Economic Impact Report, revealing a substantial $63 million boost to the state’s economy.
This figure is projected to rise to $112 million annually, culminating in a cumulative economic impact of $751 million by 2030. These findings highlight Integer’s rapid growth and its pivotal role in bolstering the South Carolina innovation ecosystem.
Driving Economic Growth and High-Tech Job Creation
Integer Technologies’ business model bridges critical technology gaps for the Department of Defense (DoD) by leveraging artificial intelligence and digital engineering solutions. The company collaborates extensively with industry and academic partners to provide cutting-edge technologies that empower human operators and autonomous systems with a decisive edge.
At the core of Integer’s impact is its contribution to South Carolina’s workforce. The company is a magnet for high-tech talent, drawing graduates with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds. These jobs, spanning key industries such as energy, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing, offer salaries that average 161% higher than the state’s median wage. By attracting and retaining top-tier professionals, Integer is helping to cultivate a robust and sustainable innovation ecosystem in South Carolina.
Integer Technologies was recognized as South Carolina’s No. 1 Fastest Growing Company in 2024, an achievement that underscores its strategic investments in human capital and groundbreaking research initiatives.
The Multiplier Effect on South Carolina’s Economy
Integer’s economic impact extends beyond its direct revenues and job creation. The company’s presence fosters a significant multiplier effect, amplifying financial activity across multiple industries.
For every 10 jobs created by Integer, an additional 13 jobs are generated elsewhere in South Carolina, resulting in a total employment multiplier of 2.3—well above the state’s average of 1.7. This demonstrates how Integer’s growth fuels opportunities throughout the broader economy, from supply chain businesses to local service industries.
Other Key findings from the Economic Impact Report include:
- Integer’s 2024 $63 million economic impact will support 312 jobs in South Carolina.
- By 2030, Integer is projected to support 842 jobs, totaling $751 million in cumulative economic contributions.
- Integer will grow strategic partnerships with South Carolina’s Leading Universities
Integer’s success is deeply intertwined with its close relationships with South Carolina’s academic institutions. The company strategically positioned its headquarters in downtown Columbia near the University of South Carolina (USC), particularly its Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing.
By sharing lab space and collaborating with USC faculty and students, Integer ensures a steady pipeline of STEM talent while advancing applied research in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber-physical systems.
Approximately half of the engineers at Integer’s Columbia headquarters are USC graduates, highlighting the strong synergy between academia and industry. Furthermore, the company has expanded its partnerships to Benedict College, reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation and workforce development across diverse educational institutions.
“We’re very proud of the economic impact we’ve made in South Carolina in just four years,” said Duke Hartman, CEO of Integer Technologies. “We build long-term partnerships and invest in the people and communities where we’re located. The positive economic impact outlined in this report is a great illustration of that.”
USC leaders echo this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration in shaping the future of South Carolina’s economy.
“We are thrilled to partner with Integer, the fastest-growing company in South Carolina, known for its brilliant team and cutting-edge technology,” said Stephen Cutler, Ph.D., Vice President of the University of South Carolina Office of Economic Engagement. “This partnership exemplifies how our university is driving economic growth and preparing the next generation of innovators.”
A Model for Future Innovation and Economic Prosperity
Integer’s success serves as a blueprint for how public-private collaborations can accelerate innovation and economic development. The company’s growth trajectory, supported by its commitment to STEM talent and advanced research, illustrates the immense potential of South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem.
“The results of this study are powerful and highlight the significant impact our applied research programs have on local communities,” said Dylan Temple, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at Integer. “Being located adjacent to our university partners is the key to this economic growth and innovation.”
As South Carolina continues to position itself as a hub for defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing industries, Integer Technologies stands at the forefront of this transformation. By 2030, its projected economic contributions will further cement its role as a cornerstone of the state’s evolving innovation landscape.
With its strategic vision, collaborative approach, and dedication to technological excellence, Integer Technologies is not just a high-growth company—it is a driving force in shaping the future of South Carolina’s economy. Learn more at the 2024 South Carolina Economic Impact Report
