Consultants Forum Advertise
Subscribe
Close

  • Free for qualified executives and consultants to industry

  • Receive quarterly issues of Area Development Magazine and special market report and directory issues

Subscribe Now
Renew

Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Volvo Cars Plans Major Expansion at Berkeley County, South Carolina, Plant

09/25/2017
Volvo Cars today is investing an additional $520 million in its operations center in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The company plans to create 1,910 new jobs.

This new commitment adds to the company's initial 2015 announcement and brings the collective total to more than $1 billion in investment and 3,900 jobs, respectively.

Under construction currently, Volvo Cars' Berkeley County manufacturing plant will be the global production home of the company's all-new S60 sedan, which is expected to roll off the assembly line next year. With this new investment, the company is planning to add an additional product line - the next generation XC90, to its South Carolina operations in 2021.

More than just increased manufacturing capacity, this additional investment will also support the construction of new office operations on the company's Berkeley County site.

The 88,000-square-foot office facility will include up to 300 new workers and will serve as a training center and house research and development and operations management activities, as well as a southern regional sales office.

Next month, the S.C. Department of Commerce is planning to go before the Joint Bond Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority to request $46 million in bonds to offset eligible items of infrastructure under the Economic Development Bond Act.

"Today's announcement not only underscores Volvo's commitment to the United States, but also our commitment to South Carolina. This now brings our total investment to more than $1 billion dollars and adds nearly 2,000 jobs,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President & CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.

"In just the past two years, Volvo Cars has proven to be an exemplary South Carolina company that is committed to our state and to its community. We couldn't be prouder that such a tremendous company has decided to invest in our people further and create more jobs for hardworking, deserving South Carolinians that we know will produce results,” Governor Henry McMaster said.

"Two years ago, we were excited when Volvo Cars selected South Carolina for its first American manufacturing facility. And, today, we're even more excited as they announce this new investment. We're proud that, before a single car has rolled off the assembly line in Berkeley County, the company has decided to increase its commitment to our state, adding a new product line to what I know will be a dynamic, state-of-the-art facility,” Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said.

"The expansion of Volvo Cars in South Carolina is exciting news for our Port and state. Proximity to a port is important to automotive manufacturing, and SCPA values the role we will play in Volvo Cars' international supply chain. We look forward to a long-term partnership and are committed to capably supporting their current and future growth needs,” said S.C. Ports Authority President & CEO Jim Newsome.

"Volvo Cars is on the verge of producing vehicles in Berkeley County and already investing more. This speaks to the vibrancy of our county. We're thankful Volvo Cars believed in us more than two years ago and are honored they're strengthening and growing their commitment here. Berkeley County is blessed with the strong relationship we have with Volvo Cars, and we are excited for the impact the manufacturing facility will have on Berkeley County, South Carolina and the United States,” Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler added.

Exclusive Research