SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome received the BlueCross BlueShield Outstanding Manufacturing Lifetime Service Award for his dedication to supporting South Carolina’s advanced manufacturing sector.

SC Biz News and the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership honored Newsome with the prestigious award during SC Biz News’ annual S.C. Manufacturing Conference and Expo, which was held virtually this year. The S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership honored Newsome and 30 S.C. companies during the 23rd annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards.

Newsome has served as president and CEO of SC Ports since 2009, during which he has worked to ensure the Port of Charleston remains globally competitive as a top 10 U.S. container port.

He has successfully pursued vital infrastructure projects and harbor deepening, significantly grown port operations and doubled cargo volumes over the past decade.

“The success of the port has been inextricably linked to the success of manufacturing in South Carolina,” Newsome said. “Our port has doubled cargo volumes over the past 10 years based on the doubling of advanced manufacturing jobs in the state. That’s really a testament to the many companies that manufacture day in and day out in South Carolina. I am proud that SC Ports has played a role in this growth, and I appreciate this wonderful recognition.”

Advanced manufacturers — such as BMW Manufacturing Co. and Michelin — rely on SC Ports to quickly move raw materials, parts and finished products.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, SC Ports handled more than 73,000 vehicles for automakers, up 25% year-over-year.

SC Ports has decades of experience and expertise in moving goods for manufacturers who operate just-in-time production facilities.

“We are pros at handling high-demand supply chain needs for the automotive and advanced manufacturing industry, which will translate seamlessly into supporting retail distribution,” Newsome said. “The manufacturing industry really taught us how to be an incredibly reliable port.”

BMW’s growth in the Upstate spurred the opening of Inland Port Greer, an inland terminal that connects the Upstate to the Port of Charleston via overnight rail. BMW was the anchor customer when Inland Port Greer opened in 2013. SC Ports now operates two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon, S.C., enabling the efficient movement of goods around the Southeast and beyond.

Newsome said that cargo growth related to the manufacturing sector also supports SC Ports’ investments in big-ship infrastructure, such as building Phase One of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, which opens in March.

“SC Ports offers ample capacity and reliable operations for companies needing to move cargo between South Carolina and global markets,” SC Ports Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “Jim’s excellent leadership abilities at SC Ports have made a tremendous impact on South Carolina.”

Watch SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome receive his award.