BMW Supplier Expands Operations in SC

By Keith Loria, Contributing Editor

Columbia, S.C.—Gestamp is expanding its existing facility in Union, S.C., in an effort to bring $129 million in new capital investment and lead to the creation of 130 jobs.

The project from the international manufacturer of metal automotive components is expected to meet increased demand from local automotive original equipment manufacturers.

“This new project multiplies our size in South Carolina with a remarkable investment that shows how committed we are with our future operations at the Union County plant,” Jeff Wilson, Gestamp North America’s CEO, said in a prepared statement. “The United States is a strategic market for us, where we have six plants in five different states, and we want to grow in this country with the major car manufacturers. This is an important step forward.”

Gestamp will be adding more than 300,000 square feet of space to its current operations, which are located at One LSP Road, and is designed to serve the existing BMW and Volvo Cars operations in the state. The company will also be constructing 123,000 square feet of new space and adding another 182,000 square feet by leasing an existing building.

“South Carolina’s economy is as strong as it has ever been, and it continues to grow with companies like Gestamp investing in our state and our people,” Governor Henry McMaster said. “The state’s strong automotive industry is one of the most important forces pushing our economic prosperity forward every day, and that’s because our skilled workforce has proven that it’s better than any other in the world.”

Gestamp currently operates 98 manufacturing plants worldwide and has another 10 under construction. Utilizing a variety of technologies, including hot and cold stamping, hydroforming, laser welding and more, Gestamp also has a dozen research and development facilities focused on continued innovation.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. Union County was also awarded a $750,000 Rural Infrastructure Grant to assist with the costs of real property improvements.

“We are very excited about this project, our partnership with Gestamp and the confidence that they have in our community,” Frank Hart, Union County’s supervisor, said. “This major industrial expansion is a testament to the fact that Union County is a great place to locate, operate and expand industrial operations.”