Virginia-based technology company will establish operations in Charleston County

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A Virginia-based Fortune 500 science and technology company will invest $31.7 million to establish new operations in Charleston County.

Leidos, headquarted in Reston, Va., will open a manufacturing center for its Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) operation, according to a news release. The operation is expected to create up to 170 new jobs.

Leidos will lease a new 150,000-squarefoot facility located in the Ladson Industrial Park in North Charelston, the release said.

 The center will manufacture security systems for screening checked baggage, cargo and passengers. This new facility will enable the company to bring more manufacturing in-house and give it greater control of its operations, officials said.

“We are thrilled to announce our new manufacturing facility in South Carolina,” said Jim Moos, president of Leidos Civil Group, in the release.  “This expansion represents an exciting milestone for Leidos as we embark on a new chapter in our commitment to deliver cutting-edge security systems. By establishing this facility, we aim not only to provide top-tier solutions but also to contribute to the local community by creating job opportunities.”

Leidos’ SES offers a suite of fully automated and integrated solutions for aviation, shipping ports, border crossing and critical infrastructure customers worldwide. The company’s comprehensive security detection portfolio has more than 30,000 products.

Operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

“Leidos coming to the Charleston region brings tremendous opportunities for economic prosperity with its Fortune 500 expertise, global footprint and vision for innovative solutions in the defense industry,” said Mike Fuller, board chairman for the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and president and CEO of Berkeley Electric Cooperative.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project.