Spartanburg Manufacturer Integrates a Wildlife Preserve into its Production Facility
Spartanburg, SC – Oshkosh Defense LLC, a renowned manufacturer in Spartanburg, is taking a bold and innovative approach to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The company, popularly known for building the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle for the United States Postal Service, announced its intent to incorporate a dedicated wildlife preserve within the assembly facility grounds. This plan is driven by the company’s commitment to fostering biodiversity and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Trent McJunkin, facilities and maintenance manager at Oshkosh Defense Spartanburg Assembly, expressed his optimism about the project. “Our intent is to turn our greenspace at the facility into a thriving habitat for native wildlife. This effort not only helps wildlife flourish but also increases efficiencies in grounds keeping, demonstrating that sustainability and operational effectiveness can go hand in hand.”
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve Collaboration
In an effort to realize this ambitious project, Oshkosh Defense partnered with Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve – a Spartanburg-based public garden and not-for-profit organization. The organization plays a pivotal role in maintaining a sanctuary for indigenous plant species in the region. Dan Shook, Hatcher Garden manager, expressed his gratitude, narrating how this transition will shift from traditional mowed turf to a designed natural space for living animals and insects that harmoniously align with people and nature.
Wildlife and Industry Together Program Collaboration
Besides Hatcher Garden, Oshkosh also collaborated with the Wildlife and Industry Together (WAIT) program, an initiative of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. WAIT assists corporate landowners in incorporating wildlife habitat requirements into their land management considerations. Jay Keck, SCWF industry habitat manager, highlighted that land degradation and habitat loss are significant contributors to biodiversity decline. He added that this restoration project supports the ecosystem’s natural functions, thus promoting a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Oshkosh Defense: Motivating Industrial Sites
Oshkosh Defense, in its official statement, expressed hopes that their project will inspire other industrial sites to create similar habitats. As a tactical vehicle manufacturer established in 1917, the company is known globally for its unique portfolio of heavily, moderately, and lightly protected vehicles and cutting-edge technologies. The company announced in 2021 that it would construct mail delivery vehicles in its new Spartanburg plant, an initiative set to fulfill part of a $482 million contract with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The USPS has plans to spend billions updating its delivery fleet in the future.
