Veteran-owned business invests $1.1M in North Charleston operations

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Defense Engineering Services, a service disabled veteran-owned small business, is expanding its Charleston County operations.

The $1.1 million investment is anticipated to create 18 jobs, according to an S.C. Department of Commerce news release.

The defense contractor was founded in 2013 and specializes in survivability, vehicle systems and mechanical engineering for the government and private companies in the aerospace and defense industry nationwide.

“There’s nothing we enjoy touting more than the success and growth of our small businesses. Defense Engineering Services is showing its innovation and might in a fierce industry. We look forward to future growth of DES here in the business-friendly city of North Charleston,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said in a statement.

The company’s investment in the state is something to be proud of, Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement.

“Their growth in the Palmetto State is a testament to our competitive business environment and our world-class workforce that has made a name for itself as one of the best,” he said.

The expansion will increase Defense Engineering Services’ storage capacity, manufacturing and office space. Completion of the new operations is anticipated for 2025.

“Charleston County is fortunate to have DES as part of our growing innovative ecosystem. Our strong workforce and key connections to the defense industry continue to provide advantages for DES to prosper,” Charleston County Council Chairman J. Elliott Summey said in a news release.