Due to an increase in demand from the automotive market, the ZF Group has announced it will expand operations at its new Laurens County, South Carolina., via a $80 million investment expected to create 300 jobs. The state offered ZF a $500,000 grant for site improvements and training funds to support the project.

The expansion news comes 15 months after ZF's July 2010 announcement that it would invest $350 million in a new manufacturing facility set to produce fuel-efficient automatic transmissions for the passenger car and light truck market. At that time, ZF received a $3.5 million grant and job development credits which will be available if hiring targets are met.

In total, it's now anticipated the plant will eventually employ 1,200 people; at least 900 of them should be on the job by 2015.

"We celebrate ZF's decision to create 300 more jobs at the company's Laurens County facility. This facility will be a game changer for one of our state's rural counties. It also shows we are doing the right things to spur economic development," said Gov. Nikki Haley.

ZF is a leading worldwide automotive supplier for Driveline and Chassis Technology, with 123 production locations in 27 countries. It is ranked among the world's 10 largest automotive suppliers

The company has been gradually growing its manufacturing presence in the state, and cites South Carolina's major transportation hubs, competitive business environment and skilled workforce as key attributes.