Brad Thompson, MBA ’23 leads $134 million investment to South Carolina

By: Devin McGillan

TS Conductor Brings Historic Investment to South Carolina

On March 6, TS Conductor announced plans to establish its second U.S. manufacturing hub in Hardeeville, South Carolina—ushering in the next generation of advanced conductors. Marking the largest economic investment in Jasper County’s history, the company is committing $134 million to the project, including a 300,000-square-foot facility and creating 462 new jobs.

Leveraging a Clemson MBA for a Leadership Role

Recently appointed by TS Conductor as the new Executive Plant Manager is Clemson MBA graduate Brad Thompson. With over 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing and operational leadership at Bosch Rexroth, Thompson saw the MBA as a key to unlocking the next phase of his career. That move paid off when a recruiter reached out about the role at TS Conductor. “The opportunity to join a growing company such as TS Conductor was the perfect next step for my career,” says Thompson. “To be able to lead such an important investment in our state is a humbling experience, and I am excited for the future.”

Thompson’s journey began at Bosch Rexroth as a CNC Machinist while studying for his undergraduate degree in business administration from Limestone University. At just 23, he was promoted to a Shift Supervisor position for his first leadership role and knew leading and developing people was what he wanted to do. In 2019, after moving up the company ladder, Thompson realized he had hit a ceiling and knew an MBA would help him take the next step in his career. After visiting an open house with the admissions team, Thompson knew Clemson was the MBA program for himself. “Many schools offer an MBA, but Clemson’s comprehensive approach with the curriculum and emphasis on networking made the decision easy for me,” Thompson explains. “The networking piece of my experience opened up doors that I never would have imagined, and I am reaping those benefits to this day.”

Another lasting impact the Clemson MBA Program had on Thompson was what he learned in his coursework. “Dr. Dee Kivett’s course on Six Sigma methodology was instrumental in my career in improving processes,” states Thompson. “As TS Conductor builds the new manufacturing center to be more data-driven, I have been able to bring a structured approach to problem-solving and improve on the company’s existing processes.”

Looking to the Future

The Hardeeville facility will produce an aluminum encapsulated composite core conductor—an innovative technology in high demand among utility companies. These next-gen conductors are up to three times more efficient and play a vital role in enhancing U.S. energy independence. Additionally, the site’s proximity to the Port of Savannah will support strategic exports to Europe and beyond.

Even though construction is still underway, Thompson is already looking ahead. “The new plant will allow our company to expand capacity by 20 times that of the Huntington Beach, Ca location once opened, allowing us to meet the demands of current utility partners domestically,” Thompson details. “In the coming years, there is already talks to continue expansion by another million square feet for the South Carolina location to keep up with market demands.”

Giving back to the Clemson MBA Program

Thompson remains deeply connected to his alma mater through his involvement with the MBA Alumni Council. As a mentor to current students, he’s paying forward the guidance and support he once received. “It has been a way to pay it back to Clemson as a small part of the greater Clemson Family,” shares Thompson. “To connect with current students to share my experiences from the program and offer feedback from a real-world position has been enjoyable. It allows for the students to grow their network and for us on the council to make an impact on the next class of graduates.”

“We are so proud of Brad and what he has done for our students,” says Jamie Patterson, Director of Career Services and Student Experience for the Clemson MBA Program. “It has been exciting to watch him continue to achieve so much after completing his MBA while still maintaining the importance of giving back and supporting the next generation of leaders from our program. He is a perfect example of what it means to be a part of the Clemson MBA family, and we wish him continued success and happiness in this new adventure.”