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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Volvo Cars Plans $500 Million Manufacturing Plant In Berkeley County, South Carolina

05/11/2015
For its first manufacturing facility in the Western hemisphereVolvo Car Corporation has selected Berkeley County, South Carolina. The new $500 million factory is expected to create 2,000 new jobs over the next decade and up to 4,000 jobs by 2030.

The new facility will have an initial estimated annual production capacity of around 100,000 cars. Located in northwestern Berkeley County on a portion of the Camp Hall site, the plant will manufacture latest-generation Volvo models for sale in the United States and for export. Construction will begin in early fall 2015, with the first vehicles expected to roll off the assembly line in 2018. Volvo began importing cars to the U.S. in 1955. With the development of an American factory, the company crosses an important threshold from an automotive importer to a domestic manufacturer.

“This new global industrial footprint and a complete product renewal forms the foundation for Volvo Car Corporation’s growth and profitability targets, “ Volvo Cars President/Chief Executive Håkan Samuelsson said.

“We’re excited to build our first American factory in South Carolina and we look forward to helping grow the local community and economy. We were impressed with the friendliness, work ethic and passion of the people in the Charleston area,” said Volvo Cars of North America President/CEO Lex Kerssemakers.

According to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Volvo Cars’ location decision was taken as a result of its easy access to international ports and infrastructure, a well-trained labor force, attractive investment environment and experience in the high-tech manufacturing sector.

“This is a landmark moment and truly a great day in South Carolina as we welcome Volvo Cars’ first American manufacturing plant to our state. By bringing $500 million in new investment and 4,000 jobs to this community, Volvo’s presence and commitment to Berkeley County and the state will be felt for decades to come. We are proud to have this global leader in car manufacturing join and strengthen South Carolina’s automotive industry,” said Governor Nikki Haley.

“South Carolina is leading the pack in advanced manufacturing, and we’re excited to celebrate the decision of yet another global leader that our state is ‘Just right’ for business. As the proud home of Volvo Cars’ first American plant, we look forward to watching their Berkeley County operations thrive, contributing to the success of the company’s ventures in the U.S. and around the world,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

Additionally, the development of the Camp Hall site will lead to the preservation, restoration and enhancement of more than 1,500 acres of wetlands in a critical, neighboring watershed that is a priority of Audubon South Carolina. ReadySC, a division of the S.C. Technical College System, is assisting with the recruitment and training for positions at the new plant.

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