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York County approves pass‑through for state grant to support GMRI Inc. distribution project (Project Brisk)
Summary
Council authorized applying for and accepting a South Carolina set‑aside grant to pass through incentives for 'Project Brisk' at a Rock Hill cold‑storage facility; economic development staff said the project represents a $9.35 million investment and would create about 80 jobs with benefits.
The York County Council unanimously authorized staff to apply for and, if awarded, accept a South Carolina Coordinating Economic Development set‑aside grant (C264185) to pass through incentives for "Project Brisk," a distribution operation to locate at 3623 Lazy Hawk Road in Rock Hill.
Economic development director Mitch Miller said the county would be a pass‑through for a state incentive and that no local match is required. Consultant David Bell, representing the operating company, said the operating entity would be GMRI Inc., a subsidiary of Darden Restaurants, and described the project as a $9.35 million investment that is expected to create 80 jobs with a competitive benefits package.
Bell said the company expects the first full year payroll to exceed $4.5 million and aims to be operational in October 2026, completing most hires by the end of the year. He told council the company provides benefits such as tuition programs and a 401(k) match; Mitch Miller added that the state and local workforce partners are coordinating to meet hiring needs.
Why this matters: The project is a private investment tied to food distribution and refrigeration that could add local jobs and taxable investment. Because the grant is a state program requiring local pass‑through, council’s vote allows staff to complete the application paperwork and accept the award if it is offered.
Numeric clarification: During the public presentation a figure transcribed as "2810 hourly" was stated in the record for wages; staff clarified that the intended figure is roughly $28.10 per hour for the entry jobs cited and comprehensive benefits were described as part of the offer. That correction is noted here because the transcript recording contained a typographic/recognition error in the hourly amount.
Quote: David Bell said the company would "be operational in October" and expects hires to be completed by year‑end.
Ending: Council approved the pass‑through unanimously; staff said they will return with grant paperwork and implementation steps if the state awards the funds.
