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GROUNDBREAKING: Blanchard Machinery
Blanchard Machinery Company, the exclusive Caterpillar equipment dealer in South Carolina, has officially broken ground on a new $65 million facility in Calhoun County. Located at the Sandy Run Industrial Park in Gaston, this 150,000-square-foot parts and service hub represents a significant investment in the region’s economic future.
BOUDREAUX is proud to serve as the architect for the project, working alongside LCK, the project management firm, to deliver a high-performance, purpose-built facility that supports Blanchard’s operations today and into the future. The team is focused on designing a space that meets the functional demands of heavy equipment service while fostering a safe and efficient work environment. The new facility will serve as a central hub for parts distribution, machine rebuilds, and support services for Blanchard’s 14 branches across South Carolina. The expansion is expected to create 30 new jobs with a minimum annual salary of $52,000, enhancing the company’s ability to meet growing statewide demand.
“This marks the first step in the first chapter of a bright future for our business and our state,” said Boyd Blanchard, CEO and President of Blanchard Machinery. He emphasized the strategic location near major interstates including I-26, I-77, and I-20, calling Calhoun County “the perfect fit.”
County leaders highlighted the development’s potential to strengthen the local economy while preserving the area’s low tax rates. “We’re a small county, so anything we can land in industry like this helps,” said Calhoun County Council Chairman James Haigler. “Calhoun County has one of the lowest tax rates in the state and this helps us keep that going.”
Founded in 1952, Blanchard Machinery has been a cornerstone in South Carolina’s construction, mining, and agriculture sectors. The new facility is expected to be completed by 2026, further solidifying the company’s commitment to the state’s growth and development.
