The Business Narrative: Driving for South Carolina
On June 21, 2024, BMW Manufacturing marked the 30th anniversary of its operations in the states with the opening of North America’s first press shop. The grand unveiling took place at the Spartanburg, South Carolina manufacturing plant, amidst commemorations and previews of upcoming models.
Press Shop Commencement for the BMW X3
The newly-inaugurated press shop will be instrumental in the fabrication of the BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle, set for a North American debut. The advanced machinery at the facility will handle the stamping of sheet metal parts like doors, fenders, lift gate, and exterior body sides for the BMW X3. The function of the press shop aligns with BMW Group’s local-for-local strategy, providing a critical boost to U.S. operations while bolstering manufacturing efficiency.
Commitment to South Carolina
Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, Milan Nedeljković, emphasized the company’s commitment to U.S operations. Anticipating a boost in electric vehicle manufacturing, BMW Group will initiate assembly of all-electric Sports Activity Vehicles at the Spartanburg plant from 2026. The batteries for these vehicles will come from a new Woodruff-based assembly plant, contributing to BMW’s goal to assemble at least six fully electric models in the U.S by 2030.
Job Opportunities and Economic Boost
The installation of the press shop, featuring a press line with five press stations, brought an investment of over $200 million, creating more than 200 new jobs. Careers in tool and die technicians, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance for automated machinery, are part of the offered jobs. To ensure unhindered operations and knowledge sharing, dozens of Plant Spartanburg associates underwent training at BMW Group press shops in Swindon, UK and Leipzig, Germany.
Statement by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster praised the effort stating, “Since establishing roots in South Carolina 30 years ago, BMW has transformed our state into an automotive powerhouse. Today, we proudly celebrate yet another milestone with the opening of BMW’s first North American press shop, and we look forward to their continued success in the years to come.”
The Future of BMW Models
A special edition adventure-themed BMW X5, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the model’s assembly commencement at Plant Spartanburg, will be sold in limited quantities exclusively for the U.S market this fall. The Spartanburg plant has since developed into a critical node in BMW’s global operations, producing models like the X3, X5, X7, XM Sports Activity Vehicles and X4, and X6 Sports Activity Coupes.
A Cleaner Future for BMW Operations
Alongside BMW’s investment into electric vehicle manufacturing, the company has taken substantial steps to reduce its ecological footprint. The Spartanburg factory, which comprises three body shops, two paint shops, and two assembly halls, generate 20% of its power from methane gas and uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to power about 800 pieces of material handling equipment. BMW Group aims at preparing the Spartanburg plant to assemble fully electric vehicles by 2026, marking another step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for automotive manufacturing.
