Electric Vehicles

SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture selects Orangeburg County to establish its first South Carolina operation

ctrammell@sccommerce.com — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:56:59 +0000

SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture selects Orangeburg County to establish its first South Carolina operation ctrammell@scco… Tue, 12/02/2025 - 08:56

COLUMBIA, S.C. – SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture (Sodecia Aapico JV) today announced it selects Orangeburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation to support Scout Motors. The company’s $120 million investment will create up to 392 new jobs.

SODECIA and AAPICO – both family-owned, global automotive manufacturers – are combining the companies’ core strengths and innovative capabilities to manufacture advanced ladder frames for a key automotive sector customer, Scout Motors.

This new investment will enable Sodecia Aapico JV to serve as a critical parts supplier for Scout Motors, the emerging automotive manufacturer that is revitalizing an iconic American brand and building its new Production Center in nearby Blythewood, South Carolina.

SODECIA is a global Tier 1 supplier headquartered in Portugal, operating across more than 40 locations in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. The company specializes in engineering and manufacturing innovative structural components, powertrain systems and mechanisms for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.

AAPICO is a publicly listed Tier 1 automotive parts manufacturer based in Thailand with more than 30 years of industry experience, that excels in the production of jigs, dies, press parts, chassis frame components, cradles, plastic parts, and forged and machined components.

Sodecia Aapico JV’s new 400,000-square-foot facility, located at 4100 St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg, will manufacture ladder frames predominately for SUV and truck model vehicles.

Construction is expected to be completed during 2027. Companies interested in becoming a supplier for Sodecia Aapico JV should complete S.C. Commerce’s online interest form.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

QUOTES

“We are thrilled to take this important step toward expanding our footprint in the United States. With our joint resources and the strong confidence that Scout Motors has placed in both companies, success is our only goal.”
-AAPICO CEO Mr. Swee Chuan Yeap

“This project symbolizes the strength of collaboration. By combining the best of both companies, we are creating a world-class facility that will deliver value to our customer and long-term opportunities for the local community.”
-SODECIA CEO Mr. Rui Monteiro

“Today’s announcement by Sodecia Aapico JV is another clear vote of confidence in South Carolina’s world-class workforce, and it will further strengthen our booming automotive industry. This announcement is also the latest example of Scout Motors’ arrival driving additional investment and job creation across our state, bringing even more opportunities and prosperity for our people.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina’s strong reputation as an automotive powerhouse continues attracting investments from global companies. We are thrilled to welcome Sodecia Aapico JV, along with this substantial $120 million investment, to Orangeburg County and look forward to building a partnership with the company as it launches its legacy in our state.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Today is a strong moment for Orangeburg County. Sodecia Aapico JV bringing 392 new jobs and $120 million investment to our community means real opportunity for the people who live and work here. We appreciate companies that see value in Orangeburg County – our workforce, our location and our commitment to support industry. We welcome Sodecia Aapico JV and look forward to the positive impact this project will have for our residents.”
-Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright

“On behalf of our Board of Trustees and employees, I am excited to welcome Sodecia Aapico JV to the Tri-County Global Industrial Site. This project is a true game changer for the citizens of Orangeburg and surrounding counties. We look forward to working with the Sodecia Aapico JV team and its partners.”
-Tri-County Electric Cooperative CEO Chad Lowder

"This announcement marks another important milestone as we work to build a robust, local supply chain for Scout Motors and create meaningful opportunities for South Carolinians. By investing in Orangeburg County, the Sodecia Aapico joint venture is bringing hundreds of new local jobs, strengthening this state’s thriving automotive ecosystem, and reinforcing our shared commitment to making high-quality Scout vehicles right here in South Carolina. We’re grateful to our partners and to the community for embracing our vision of growth and opportunity.”
-Scout Motors President and CEO Scott Keogh

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Advanced Manufacturing Automotive Electric Vehicles $120 million investment will create up to 392 new jobsNew Business

SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture (Sodecia Aapico JV) selects Orangeburg County to establish its first South Carolina operation.

The $120 million investment will create up to 392 new jobs.

Sodecia Aapico JV will manufacture advanced ladder frames for a key automotive sector customer, Scout Motors.

The new operation will be located at 4100 St. Matthews Road in Orangeburg, S.C.

Individuals interested in joining the Sodecia Aapico JV team should visit the company's careers page.

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Connecting a Robust Automotive Supplier Network

eeckert@sccommerce.com — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:58:50 +0000

Connecting a Robust Automotive Supplier Network Tuesday, February 11, 2025 eeckert@sccomm… Tue, 03/04/2025 - 15:58

Home to more than 500 automotive companies, South Carolina’s supplier network is a major factor in the industry’s vitality and enduring success. S.C. Commerce routinely hosts B2B matchmaker and supplier outreach events to help companies find local solutions to supplier needs and foster strong business relationships within the state.

The agency recently hosted the first supplier outreach event for eVAC Magnetics — the Sumter-based, rate-earth permanent magnets manufacturer that announced its S.C. investment in December 2023. The supplier outreach event provided an opportunity for nearly 65 companies to have one-on-one meetings with eVAC Magnetics’ procurement team for the opportunity to support immediate supplier needs.

For companies seeking upcoming B2B matchmaker and supplier outreach opportunities, the 2025 South Carolina Automotive B2B Supplier Matchmaker will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Greenville, S.C. Confirmed buyers include: AESC; BMW; BorgWarner; Clarion Technologies; Honda; JTEKT; Magna; Mergon; Oshkosh Defense; Scout Motors; Volvo Cars; ZF Transmission; and recently added — Bridgestone. Register while tickets are still available.

Learn more about additional resources are available for companies looking to grow their supplier network within South Carolina.

Existing Industry News

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Isuzu selects Greenville County to establish its new United States production base

eeckert@sccommerce.com — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:33:50 +0000

Isuzu selects Greenville County to establish its new United States production base eeckert@sccomm… Wed, 02/12/2025 - 07:33

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Isuzu North America Corporation (Isuzu), a supplier of commercial vehicles, today announced it has selected Greenville County to establish the company’s new production base in the United States. The company’s $280 million investment will create more than 700 new jobs.

A subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, Isuzu supplies commercial vehicles for the United States and Canadian markets. Isuzu trucks entered the North American truck market in 1984, and the company sold 44,000 units in the last fiscal year, its highest total ever.

Isuzu has purchased a 1 million-square-foot facility, on over 200 acres of land on Augusta Road in Greenville County, that it is converting into a state-of-the-art assembly plant to expand Isuzu’s vehicle supply capabilities in North America.

The new plant will include a variable-model, variable-volume production line that produces both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles.

When completed, the plant will produce the company’s N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric and F-Series Diesel trucks, and will have a production capacity of 50,000 units annually.

Operations are expected to begin in 2027. In the coming months, Isuzu will provide more details about job opportunities, including how interested applicants can apply.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $7 million Closing Fund grant to Greenville County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction. 

QUOTES

“Isuzu carefully considered numerous factors when deciding where to locate its new production base. We found everything that we wanted and more in the State of South Carolina and Greenville County: a supportive business environment, excellent access to transportation, proximity to the Port of Charleston, an excellent labor pool, a skilled workforce being produced by nearby colleges, and the benefits of joining a large and growing automotive production base. We look forward to starting up our operations and making a positive contribution to the state and the local community.”
-Isuzu North America Corporation President Noboru Murakami

“Isuzu’s decision to establish operations and create more than 700 new jobs in Greenville County reinforces South Carolina as a top destination for the automotive industry. We celebrate this significant investment and all that it will mean for our people, and we look forward to witnessing the transformative impact this announcement will have in the years ahead.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“Once again, South Carolina’s reputation as an automotive powerhouse is bringing increased opportunities to our borders. Isuzu’s new Greenville County operation will make an incredible impact in the Upstate region and throughout the state. We welcome Isuzu to our business community and look forward to the company launching its legacy here.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“SC Ports is proud to welcome Isuzu to Greenville County. Isuzu’s investment in the Upstate speaks to the success of Inland Port Greer, which offers customers direct connectivity to our productive and capable marine terminals. SC Ports’ recent expansion of Inland Port Greer will further enhance cargo and rail capabilities to support our customers’ needs, and continue to strengthen the supply chain in South Carolina and beyond.”
-SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin

“Isuzu’s decision to bring its operations to Greenville County marks an exciting new chapter for our community. This investment will generate quality jobs, strengthen our automotive sector, and showcase the advantages Greenville County offers to businesses looking for a strategic location and a highly capable workforce. We’re honored to welcome Isuzu to our growing network of world-class companies and look forward to a prosperous partnership in the years ahead.”
-Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Automotive Electric Vehicles $280 million investment will create more than 700 new jobsNew Business

Isuzu North America Corporation (Isuzu) has selected Greenville County as its new production base in the United States.

The company’s $280 million investment will create more than 700 new jobs.

Isuzu is a supplier of medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

The plant will be located on Augusta Road in Piedmont, S.C.

In the coming months, Isuzu will provide more details about job opportunities, including how interested applicants can apply.

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SC NEXUS Tech Hub Names First Executive Director

stonnessen@trone.com — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 17:44:32 +0000

SC NEXUS Tech Hub Names First Executive Director Tuesday, August 13, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Mon, 12/30/2024 - 12:44

The SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), South Carolina’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub), named Cristina Paredes the tech hub’s inaugural executive director Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. An accomplished economic development professional, Paredes brings over two decades of experience in leadership and consulting to the advanced resilient energy consortium.

“The opportunity SC NEXUS represents for our state, nation and the world means South Carolina can lead the way in ensuring grid resiliency for a more secure future, and there is no better person than Cristina Paredes to help the tech hub continue to grow and achieve the type of speed to market necessary for not only meeting today’s power needs, but those of tomorrow,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

Read the full announcement.

SC Nexus Tech Hub Cristina Paredes innovation technology advanced energyElectric VehiclesHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechNewsletterOff

Scout Motors Unveils New EV Models

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:34:24 +0000

Scout Motors Unveils New EV Models Tuesday, November 12, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:34

Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh (left), Governor Henry McMaster (center) and Volkswagen Group Chief Financial and Operating Officer Dr. Arno Antlitz (right) pose with the reimagined Scout EV models.

South Carolina’s most recently announced automotive original equipment manufacturer, Scout Motors publicly unveiled its long-awaited EV models during the company’s highly anticipated live event Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh lauded the “ingenuity and grit” of the South Carolinians helping bring the automaker’s Blythewood facility to life and talked about the impact Scout careers will bring to the local community.

State leadership – including Governor Henry McMaster, President of the Senate Thomas Alexander and Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III – participated in the celebrations, representing South Carolina as the new production home of the reimagined iconic American vehicles.

Learn more about the new EV models, the Traveler SUV and Terra Truck, watch the unveiling event or join the conversation.

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Promoting Advanced Energy as a Key to Resiliency

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:12:36 +0000

Promoting Advanced Energy as a Key to Resiliency Tuesday, September 10, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 09/10/2024 - 13:12

As utility demands rise, so too does the need for a diverse and secure power supply.

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel recently spoke at the South Carolina Advanced Nuclear Forum, alongside utility, higher education and advanced energy partners including Governor Henry McMaster.

To support the state’s growing demand for resilient energy technologies and position South Carolina for an advanced energy future, S.C. Commerce is the lead entity for the South Carolina Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) Tech Hub.

Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey spoke to the South Carolina Business Review about SC NEXUS, and what the tech hub’s recent $45 million award means for the state’s efforts on promoting grid cybersecurity technologies.

Learn more about SC NEXUS.

advanced energy Ashely Teasdel nuclear technology SC Nexus Tech Hub Harry Lightsey cybersecurityAdvanced ManufacturingElectric VehiclesHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechNewsletterOff

South Carolina Recognized in Business Facilities’ Latest Rankings

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:57:57 +0000

South Carolina Recognized in Business Facilities’ Latest Rankings Tuesday, August 13, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 09/10/2024 - 12:57

South Carolina is built for the new economy. Industry magazine Business Facilities recently recognized the state for many of the attributes C-Suite executives and small business owners alike have already come to appreciate. From a business-friendly climate and favorable corporate tax climate and beyond, there’s a reason South Carolina remains the leading destination for inbound movers in 2024. S.C. Commerce is ready to help businesses looking to begin their success story in South Carolina today.

Why SC L2L small business headquarters relocation success storiesAdvanced ManufacturingAdvanced MaterialsAerospaceAgribusinessAutomotiveDistribution & LogisticsElectric VehiclesExportingHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechLife SciencesOffice & Shared ServicesRecyclingResearch & DevelopmentSmall BusinessNewsletterOff

FDI in Action at SelectUSA Investment Summit

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:30:09 +0000

FDI in Action at SelectUSA Investment Summit Tuesday, July 9, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 07/09/2024 - 12:30

With a focus on FDI and promoting the benefits of doing business in South Carolina, S.C. Commerce representatives led a diverse state delegation at the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit June 23-26, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland.

The entire South Carolina delegation poses at the state’s booth during the SelectUSA Investment Summit.

On Tuesday, June 25, a special FDI announcement was the focus of celebration at the South Carolina booth. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel, U.S. Ambassador to France Denise Bauer, Schneider Electric President of North American Operations Aamir Paul and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Arun Venkataraman announced a substantial $23.8 million investment by Schneider Electric, growing the company’s presence in Richland and Oconee counties.

Headquartered in France, Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation, currently employing more than 1,200 South Carolinians. The company is also a proud SC NEXUS Tech Hub consortium member.

At left, South Carolina Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel speaks during Schneider Electric’s expansion announcement at the SelectUSA Investment Summit Tuesday, June 25, 2024. At right, Deputy Secretary Teasdel poses with U.S. Ambassador to France Denise Bauer, Schneider Electric President of North American Operations Aamir Paul and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Arun Venkataraman.

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Governor McMaster, Secretary Lightsey Tour Germany

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:24:56 +0000

Governor McMaster, Secretary Lightsey Tour Germany Tuesday, July 9, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 07/09/2024 - 12:24

Tag der Industrie (TDI), also known as the “Day of German Industry,” is Germany’s most prominent celebration and gathering of the European nation's industry leaders, business executives and economic policymakers.

Hosted by the Bundesverband der Deutchen Industrie (BDI), or Federation of German Industry, June 24-26, 2024, in Berlin, South Carolina was featured prominently at this year’s event. Governor Henry McMaster presented a keynote address in addition to participating in a panel discussion on the importance of maintaining transatlantic partnerships

At left, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster sit side-by-side at Tag der Industrie (TDI), Monday, June 24, 2024, in Berlin. At right, Governor McMaster presents his address to hundreds of key German business leaders.

South Carolina and Germany have built strong economic ties over several decades. Notably, the country was the leading export market for South Carolina-made goods and services in 2023. Since 2022, German-owned automotive manufacturing investments from BMW and Scout Motors have been major examples of foreign direct investment (FDI), accounting for $3.9 billion in capital investments in just over a year.

To celebrate and cultivate these global business partnerships, Governor McMaster and Secretary Lightsey met with executives at both BMW and Volkswagen global headquarters, respectively. South Carolina representatives toured both the famed BMW Welt and BMW Research and Innovation Center which helps drive the future of automotive manufacturing, and Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg mega facility — boasting the title of the world’s largest single car manufacturing complex.

These meetings provided an up-close look at the high-tech automotive manufacturing innovations already utilized throughout Germany. By working with industry leaders throughout the world, South Carolina can continue to deliver the high-quality products it’s become known for, while meeting international demand and growing the possibilities of advanced manufacturing.

From left to right, BMW Group Director of Corporate Affairs Maximilian Schoeberl, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, BMW AG Chairman of the Board of Management Oliver Zipse and South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III pose at BMW Group’s global headquarters Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Munich.

From left to right, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Volkswagen Chief Finance and Operating Officer Dr. Arno Antlitz and Volkswagen AG Head of International and European Policy Jens Hanefeld meet at Volkswagen’s global headquarters Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Wolfsburg, Germany.

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SC NEXUS Tech Hub One of 12 Receiving Federal Funds

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:59:26 +0000

SC NEXUS Tech Hub One of 12 Receiving Federal Funds Tuesday, July 9, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 07/09/2024 - 11:59

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) named the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) one of 12 tech hub recipients of the agency’s implementation funding round. SC NEXUS will receive $45 million from the federal agency, divided among four of the six projects included in S.C. Commerce’s phase two funding application.

“South Carolina is the place for businesses to excel from launch to legacy – the funding for and work through SC NEXUS will enhance speed to market when it comes to developing and deploying technologies that will help our state, the nation and the world meet the ever-growing energy needs,” said Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III.

The funding for SC NEXUS projects will better position the tech hub as it leverages the region’s dynamic manufacturing base, superior research capabilities, and proven record of public-private collaboration to commercialize emerging energy storage materials and manufacturing techniques.

Read the full SC NEXUS funding announcement here, or learn more about the SC NEXUS Tech Hub.

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