COLUMBIA - The extraordinary growth of AMAROK™, the country’s largest perimeter security company, is fueling the move of its headquarters to the vibrant BullStreet District. The proposed $69 million project is expected to be a 125,000 square foot building located at the corner of Boyce and Freed Streets, adjacent to the Freed Street garage. The new structure will house more than 500 employees and include room for growth as AMAROK continues its expansion in the United States and Canada. This project is expected to create 296 new jobs.
“We are excited to bring our new headquarters to the most dynamic neighborhood in the city. The BullStreet District fits the family-oriented culture of our business and provides visibility for our company, which has enjoyed more than 50 years in Columbia,” said AMAROK CEO Mark Wesley. “Our people drive our company’s success, and this new location will provide a space for our staff that supports our sense of community and fosters innovation, enabling them to excel as we continue to grow AMAROK’s business from our home base.”
“For more than 50 years, AMAROK has been one of Columbia’s best kept secrets. Today’s announcement of their new headquarters is a proud declaration that one of the fastest growing companies in the country not only got its start in Columbia, but it is here to stay,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “I want to congratulate Mark Wesley and his team for building AMAROK into a security industry leader and thank them for contributing to the ongoing growth to the city we all call home.”
“AMAROK has been a corporate anchor in Richland County for generations, and we are excited they are continuing to grow their company right here,” said County Council Chair Jesica Mackey. “Establishing a new headquarters in the BullStreet District means this high-impact company will now have high visibility. We are looking forward to seeing where this next chapter takes them.”
Founded in Columbia in 1973, AMAROK began as a small, family-owned security business. Today, the industry-leading company secures more than 9,000 commercial businesses across the United States and Canada with state-of-the-art, solar-powered electric fencing and integrated perimeter security solutions. These systems prevent 99% of all external theft - protecting the property, people, profits, productivity, and reputation of businesses.
Today, AMAROK employs over 600 professionals nationwide, with 300 team members based in Columbia, South Carolina. Deeply rooted in the Midlands, the company actively supports local charitable organizations through ROK the Community, its philanthropic initiative. AMAROK is also a proud sponsor of the South Carolina Gamecocks football and basketball programs, as well as the Columbia Fireflies – investing in the teams and traditions that unite the city of Columbia.
Currently located in the IBM Innovation Center on the University of South Carolina’s campus, the relocation to the BullStreet District will provide AMAROK with a dedicated building designed to its specifications.
AMAROK has partnered with the Hughes Development Corporation on the project, and design plans are still being finalized for the new headquarters building. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with estimated completion by 2028.