The South Carolina Department of Commerce’s recruitment efforts in 2008 resulted in the announcement of 18,993 new jobs and $4.1 billion in capital investments.

Specific sector leaders included metal fabrication, high-tech manufacturing, automotive, advanced materials, alternative energy and information services. These jobs are expected to come online in the months and years ahead.

Companies committing to invest in South Carolina plan to create new jobs in the following industries: manufacturing (49%), service industry (44%), and distribution (7%).

These numbers do not include the construction jobs that will be created as these projects are built and come online. The numbers also do not reflect small business growth and projects worked exclusively by regional alliances and local officials.

Despite the slumping economy, 2008 marked the third year of growth for companies announcing new jobs and investments in South Carolina.

South Carolina’s unemployment rate hit 9.5% in December, with 207,171 residents out of work, the highest number in recorded history.

Unemployment rates are highest in the state’s rural counties.