Sam Wolfe
NEWBERRY, S.C. – Samsung Electronics Home Appliances America (SEHA) welcomed nearly 100 students from the Newberry County School District to its Newberry factory today for National Manufacturing Day. The visit showed students how washing machines are made in their community and how a job at the facility can lead to a specialized career.
Joined by South Carolina Department of Education Superintendent Ellen Weaver, students toured the factory and spoke with Samsung employees about the work they do and the skills they’ve developed along the way.
The visit also introduced students to routes into the skilled trades. SEHA’s Mold Shop Apprenticeship Program works with the U.S. Department of Labor and South Carolina technical colleges to help employees advance from maintenance technician positions toward tool-making careers. Students heard how training and experience can create opportunities to grow beyond an initial role.
“South Carolina has built a strong manufacturing base, and Samsung is proud to be part of it,” said
Cordell Hull, Executive Vice President and Head of U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics America. “National Manufacturing Day gives students a chance to see firsthand what modern manufacturing looks like—from the technology on the factory floor to the people and skills that keep it running. Experiences like this can help students understand the different career paths available to them, while helping employers like Samsung build the skilled workforce we’ll need for the future.”
Samsung began producing home appliances in Newberry County in 2017 and has hosted National Manufacturing Day with the school district since 2019. Manufacturing employment across South Carolina has grown more than 17% over the past decade, and SEHA’s Newberry facility is part of that story. Since opening, the facility has produced more than 8 million washing machines, supported thousands of jobs and generated approximately $1 billion in economic impact statewide. SEHA has also generated $926 million in capital investment for the region. Opening its doors to local students gives them a firsthand look at the people and skills behind that impact.