Laurens, South Carolina, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Thomas Mechanical and Fire Protection, based in Laurens, South Carolina, has been named the 8th Fastest Growing Company by Greenville Business Magazine. This marks the company’s fourth consecutive year of recognition for its rapid growth. Owner Martin Lowry has expanded the workforce to over 90 employees and relocated to a larger facility to accommodate this growth. The company specializes in HVAC and fire protection services, primarily for commercial clients. Additionally, Brawo USA Inc. has announced a significant expansion in Laurens County, further contributing to the local economy.
Laurens, South Carolina – Thomas Mechanical and Fire Protection has earned the distinction of being the 8th Fastest Growing Company in South Carolina, according to the latest report from Greenville Business Magazine. This recognition marks the company’s fourth consecutive award for rapid growth, following prior rankings of 25th, 17th, and 15th in previous years.
The evaluation for this prestigious ranking is grounded in a three-year trend of growth in both revenue and employment. Owner Martin Lowry, a native of Laurens, initially launched the business from scratch, managing all aspects including marketing, sales, customer service, and accounting by himself at the outset. Today, Thomas Mechanical has expanded its workforce to employ over 90 individuals.
In response to its growth, the company relocated to a larger facility in Hunter Industrial Park over two years ago. Thomas Mechanical specializes in providing HVAC and fire protection services, particularly in the commercial sector, catering to a variety of clients including churches, restaurants, and schools. The company holds licenses to operate in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.
In addition to providing essential services, Martin Lowry is actively involved in the local community, serving as a council member for the City of Laurens. He frequently participates in classroom presentations and business panels aimed at promoting career opportunities within the trade industry. Lowry underscores the importance of job security within the HVAC business, noting that it is an essential field that is not vulnerable to overseas relocation.
Adding to the positive economic environment in Laurens, Brawo USA Inc. also recently announced plans for a significant $23.2 million expansion of its operations in Laurens County. This expansion is set to add 30,000 square feet to their facility, introducing new machinery and enhancing production capacity and technological capabilities. Brawo USA projects that this growth will create 24 new jobs by the time the expansion is scheduled to be operational in 2026.
Governor Henry McMaster has praised Brawo USA’s investment, viewing it as a strong indication of confidence in South Carolina’s manufacturing sector. In support of this project, the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits and awarded a $250,000 grant to Laurens County to assist with building improvement costs. Brawo USA specializes in forging and machining brass and other non-ferrous metals, focusing on manufacturing components for valves and fittings used in various industries.
Overview of Thomas Mechanical and Brawo USA Expansion
| Company Name | Growth Ranking | Workforce | Service Area | Expansion Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Mechanical and Fire Protection | 8th Fastest Growing Company in South Carolina | Over 90 | South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia | N/A |
| Brawo USA | N/A | Anticipated 24 new jobs | Southeast US | $23.2 million expansion; 30,000 sq ft; operational in 2026 |
FAQ
What is the ranking of Thomas Mechanical and Fire Protection?
Thomas Mechanical and Fire Protection has been named the 8th Fastest Growing Company in South Carolina by Greenville Business Magazine.
Who is the owner of Thomas Mechanical and Fire Protection?
The owner, Martin Lowry, is a native of Laurens, South Carolina.
How many people does Thomas Mechanical currently employ?
The company currently employs over 90 people.
What services does Thomas Mechanical provide?
Services offered include HVAC and fire protection or sprinkler system services, primarily for commercial properties.
Where is Brawo USA planning to expand?
Brawo USA Inc. is planning a $23.2 million expansion of its Laurens County operations, adding 30,000 square feet to its facility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies Honored in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: Brawo USA Inc. Invests $23.2M to Expand Laurens County Operations
- GSA Business: Brawo USA Expansion in Laurens County
- Fox Carolina: Police Warning Drivers About Sink Hole in Business Parking Lots Laurens
- Google Search: Laurens South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Laurens, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
