$200 Million Investment Brings 200 New Jobs
BMW Manufacturing celebrated its 30th anniversary in Spartanburg, S.C., by opening a state-of-the-art press shop. This $200 million investment is set to stamp sheet metal parts for the new BMW X3, which debuted in North America during the ceremony. The press shop, spanning 219,000 square feet, will produce essential components like doors, fenders, lift gates, and exterior body sides. The project created over 200 new jobs, including roles for tool and die technicians and maintenance specialists.
Dr. Milan Nedeljković, a member of BMW AG’s Board of Management, emphasized BMW’s ongoing commitment to the U.S.: “After 30 years of successful operations, we are further expanding our commitment. By the end of 2026, we will start assembling all-electric Sports Activity Vehicles here in Spartanburg, strengthening our global resilience.”
Production of First Battery Electric Vehicle to Begin in 2026
The Spartanburg plant will commence production of its first battery electric vehicle in 2026, contributing to BMW’s goal of assembling at least six fully electric models in the U.S. by 2030. High-voltage batteries for these future electric vehicles will be sourced from a new assembly plant in Woodruff, S.C., currently under construction. Dr. Robert Engelhorn, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, highlighted the strategic importance of the press shop: “The advanced stamping processes on our new press line will ensure the highest quality, efficiency, and consistency in body shop parts for our customers.”
The investment in the press shop aligns with BMW Group’s local-for-local strategy, aiming to produce major parts on-site. The press shop project took 24 months from site preparation to the first stamped part, involving extensive training for Spartanburg associates at BMW’s press shops in Swindon, UK, and Leipzig, Germany.
New BMW X3 and Limited Edition BMW X5 Unveiled
During the ceremony, the fourth-generation BMW X3 and the Silver Anniversary Edition of the BMW X5 were introduced. The new BMW X3, a top-selling model in the U.S., will be available in fall 2024. The limited-edition BMW X5, celebrating 25 years of the model’s production, will also be released this fall, featuring an adventure-themed design.
Governor Henry McMaster praised BMW’s contributions to South Carolina’s automotive industry: “Since establishing roots in South Carolina 30 years ago, BMW has transformed our state into an automotive powerhouse. Today, we proudly celebrate another milestone with the opening of BMW’s first North American press shop.”
Inside the High-Tech Press Shop
The press shop features advanced technology, including a Coil Line and a Press Line with five stamping stations, equipped with servo technology for increased efficiency. This setup allows for up to 10,000 parts to be stamped daily. Quality control processes ensure that parts meet high standards before moving to the body shop production line. Scrap metal from the stamping process is collected and recycled, contributing to BMW’s sustainability efforts.
BMW Manufacturing’s Spartanburg plant employs over 11,000 people and has assembled more than 6.7 million vehicles in three decades. The plant’s extensive facilities include body shops, paint shops, and assembly halls, with a significant portion of power generated from methane gas and hydrogen fuel cell technology. BMW’s recent $1.7 billion investment will further support the plant’s transition to electric vehicle production by 2026.
