Automotive Industry Expands in South Carolina
The U.S. has had uncertain times in this shaky economy, however, many auto makers have been taking steps to increase production and create more factories. In July, GM decided that it would invest $129 million in its power train plants located in Ohio and Indiana. These plants produce specific transmission models that utilize eAssist fuel-saving technology for Buick and Chevrolet cars. This plant overhaul is part of GM’s $2 billion investment to create new jobs in eight states and over fifteen facilities.
Along with GM expanding its US factories, BMW has plans to hire 100 new workers at its Spartanburg County, South Carolina plant. BMW anticipates increasing production to 240,000 units by the year 2012. Back in 2008, BMW had made an announcement that it would invest over $170 million in the South Carolina plant which would also create 500 new jobs adding to its 7,000 person staff. While the company has yet to back up those promises, it also provides South Carolina with 23,000 jobs in automotive manufacturing plants which creates a $1.2 billion in income and wages.
