FEV, Inc., a subsidiary of Germany-based, FEV GmbH, a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle system technologies, will establish operations within the Energy Systems Innovation Center at the Clemson University Restoration Institute in North Charleston, South Carolina.

“The North Charleston facility will provide a great deal of exposure to a wide variety of industries,” said FEV, Inc.’s acting CEO Dr. Patrick Hupperich. “We believe this is a strategic location that creates an FEV engineering center of excellence in the Southeast to serve our customers in the region. It will also provide a launch point for business development and relationship building activities with both current and potential customers, including those beyond our traditional service areas, such as aerospace, manufacturing, and advanced materials.”

“FEV, Inc.’s decision to locate its operations in North Charleston proves once again that South Carolinians know how to make quality and advanced products that are used around the globe,” said Gov. Nikki Haley. “This research and development center not only provides a boost to the region’s innovation sector, but also solidifies South Carolina’s place in the nation’s manufacturing renaissance.”

John Kelly, Clemson University Vice President for Economic Development, said “FEV’s partnership with Clemson and the Energy Systems Innovation Center underscores the value of public-private partnerships, particularly those between higher education institutions and innovative technology firms. We both believe strongly in research and collaboration. This partnership has the potential to grow far beyond this initial commitment. It isn’t just about companies coming here, it’s also about ideas coming here. FEV will bring talented engineers to the Charleston region, and we hope this initial step is just the beginning.”

“This is an historic and exciting time for our region,” said Bob Whitten, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman. “We’ve been talking with FEV for some time about the competitive advantages the Charleston region offers. The presence of the world’s most advanced drivetrain testing facility in our market, coupled with our educational assets, customized training programs, and our supply of highly-skilled workers were critical factors in FEV’s decision to be one of the first companies to locate on Clemson’s Energy Systems Campus. The company will be a tremendous asset to our community for many years to come.”