The new plant will cost a cool $1 billion.
BMW has so far invested $12.4 billion in South Carolina since 1992.
In a major move towards the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in the U.S., the BMW Group broke ground for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant, named “Plant Woodruff,” in South Carolina. This novel facility will significantly contribute to BMW’s electrification efforts by producing sixth-generation batteries for fully electric BMW X models at the nearby BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. The establishment of Plant Woodruff will result in the creation of more than 300 jobs, with further growth potential.
This move follows BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse’s announcement last October of a $1.7 billion investment in the company’s U.S. operations, including $1 billion for the preparation of Plant Spartanburg for fully electric vehicle production and $700 million for the construction of the new high-voltage battery assembly plant.
The new facility, located on 315 acres near the city, will house a technology building and support buildings like a cafeteria, fire department, and energy center. The planned million-square-foot facility will exemplify BMW’s commitment to sustainable practices. Among various innovations, Plant Woodruff will operate solely on green electricity, be solar ready, utilize highly efficient “smart” motors, and use CarbonCure technology to sequester CO2.
BMW’s “local for local” principle will be upheld with the purchase of battery cells for its EVs from partner AESC, who is building a new battery cell factory in Florence, South Carolina. AESC’s newly developed lithium-ion battery cells will offer improved charging speed and range, and reduce CO2 emissions from cell production by up to 60%.
Meanwhile, BMW continues its tradition of “upskilling” its workforce. Their Technical Training Center plays a crucial role in ensuring that associates are equipped with the skills needed to set industry standards in the building of fully electric vehicles.
This venture further establishes South Carolina’s position as a leader in the EV industry. Governor Henry McMaster highlighted the continued partnership with BMW, while Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III recognized the BMW’s innovation and the state’s skilled workforce.
With nearly $12.4 billion invested in its South Carolina operations since 1992, the BMW Group’s commitment to the region remains robust. BMW Manufacturing is the world’s largest BMW Group plant, producing over 1,500 vehicles each day, and exporting nearly 60% of these to approximately 120 global markets.
