The Innovation of Donaldson Center

During the year 2008 Donaldson Center became the home for many industrial plants of the county. It changed its’ name to the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center and has employed more than 5,000 employees. Some of the companies include 3M, Michelin and Lockheed Martin. For more information on the many manufacturing plants of Donaldson Center, check out www.aviationpros.com.

Lockheed martin has dedicated many of their projects to Donaldson Center. In 2018 Lockheed Martin was granted a $7.6 million contract to build and repair military aircraft. The most common aircraft that you will see is the C-5M Super Galaxy. Donaldson Center hosts many air shows during the summer where the will let the public view the take-off and landing of their many aircraft projects.

3Mhas 100 acres of Donaldson Center. It is divided into two manufacturing plants. One is the Electric and Energy business. The other is the Industrial business group. Both parts have helped bring business and employment to Donaldson Center.

The Michelinmanufacturing plant produces car tires. It has employed over 2,500 people and that is of the 8,520 people it’s employed within South Carolina. Within Donaldson Center you will see many practice vehicles from Michelin as they test drive the many tire creations.

Carolyn Pauling discussed her years of working at the Michelin manufacturing plant.

“I think the Michelin plant was set in a great area. Donaldson Center has a lot of resources for it’s employees,” she continued.

Donaldson Center is also the home the National Guard Readiness center and Navy Support Center. You will see many active members on the Donaldson Center campus for many training events.

Donaldson Center is also the home of the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center. Donaldson Center first opened in 1942 an Army airbase for Greenville county. Many active army members would report, train and recruit at the location.

In 1962 the Airforce decided to close the base and sell the property back to Greenville County. Upon doing so the named the property in honor of Greenville Native John O Donaldson. Donaldson was an air ace who served in World War 1.

Caleb Green; an active member of the National Guard reflected on his time in Donaldson Center. “This is where I was recruited and where I get all my training done,” he stated.

Donaldson Center has had many updates and continues to progress daily. Many local residents are waiting for warmer weather when they can enjoy the summer flight demonstration. For more information on what Donaldson Center has to offer check out the home link. www.sc-tac.com.