$200 with a “B” — the economic effect on South Carolina’s economy from manufacturing
The manufacturing sector in South Carolina has a $200 billion impact on the Palmetto State’s economy according to the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. South Carolina is one of the South’s most highly concentrated manufacturing states with the likes of BMW, Boeing, Michelin, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz leading the way. The study examined 127 specific manufacturing occupations to determine the industry’s footprint across the state and the economic stability it creates, according to a news release.
New $2.3 billion electric vehicle battery plant planned by General Motors in Tennessee
Michigan-based GM announced in April it will build a new 2.8 million-square-foot electric vehicle battery factory in Spring Hill, Tenn., next to its long-time assembly plant there. GM will partner with LG Energy Solutions to build the company’s second Ultium Cells facility. The $2.3 billion, 1,300-employee plant is the largest single investment in the state’s history according to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. Not only will GM produce electric vehicles at its Spring Hill plant, it will also assembly electric vehicles from other well-known automakers.
Volkswagen plant in Tennessee tops 4,000 workers
German automaker Volkswagen has steadily invested in its plant in Chattanooga since it announced in July of 2008. There are now multiple lines, including an electric line and a battery facility. In the spring, contractor Aerotek announced it will hire 150 production workers at the plant that will help on the line assembling the Passat sedan model. The new hires bring employment at the plant to over 4,000 for the first time.
Cummins adding jobs in North Carolina
Cummins, which makes mid-range diesel engines at its plant in Whitakers, N.C., is expanding its plant that houses 1,800 workers. The company is investing $42 million at its Rocky Mount Engine Plant..
VW needs 150 in Chattanooga
Volkswagen is looking for another 150 production workers in Chattanooga. The auto maker needs machine operation, warehouse and logistics workers in the production of the Passat, Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport at the Chattanooga plant.
Georgia tire plant plans $22 million expansion
Kumho Tire will spend $21.8 million to expand production in middle Georgia. The original $600 million plant opened in May 2016, hiring 400 people.
Central Kentucky community welcomes new jobs
Worldwide Technologies — a manufacturer of parts for various trucks, firearms and motors — announced it will open its newest plant in Greensburg, Ky. The expansion will include 25 jobs with a $1.42 million investment. Mayor John Shuffett says while 25 jobs might not sound like a huge amount, they’ll be the first manufacturing jobs created in Green County in at least two decades.
Metals recycling company bringing jobs to Macon, Ga.
Schnitzer Steel Industries’ new Advanced Aluminum Separation System is an $11 million investment that will also mean new jobs. “The aluminum will be molted into new engine blocks. Which will power our vehicles,” said Pedro Orbezo, VP for Metals Technology. The system will also help reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfills.
Hyundai TRANSYS adds another $9 million and 150 jobs to major expansion
With a $9 million investment, Hyundai TRANSYS Georgia Seating System will expand its manufacturing operations in West Point, Ga., which is expected to add more than 150 jobs in Troup County. The Hyundai subsidiary makes seats and seat foam pads for several Hyundai vehicle lines and electric vehicle makers.
STS Group establishing first U.S. location in Wythe County, Va., creating 120 jobs
STS Group AG, a supplier of interior and exterior parts for commercial vehicles, will invest $39 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Wythe County’s Progress Park, creating 120 new jobs. The new facility will supply Volvo Trucks in Pulaski County and other truck and automotive facilities throughout the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. markets.
Camper company moving to Tennessee
Off-road and luxury camper manufacturer BRS Offroad North America will base its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Lewis County. The company will invest $1.7 million in Hohenwald with the expectation of creating 115 new jobs.
Wayne County, N.C., gaining 96 new jobs from auto supplier
An automotive exhaust manufacturer will create 96 new jobs in Wayne County, N.C. AP Emissions Technologies will invest $400,000 to expand its e-commerce operations in Goldsboro.
Auto parts manufacturer selects Stanly County, N.C.
American Racing Headers & Exhaust, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of stainless-steel headers and exhaust system components, will locate a new manufacturing facility in Stanly County. The company will invest $4.37 million and add 63 new jobs as it relocates its operations to the Charlotte region.
J&J Truck Sales to expand and create 27 new jobs in Chatham, Va.
A purveyor of dump trucks is slated to break ground on a new facility adjacent to its current operation in Chatham. J&J Truck Sales is investing over $5 million to expand operations in Pittsylvania County, creating 27 new jobs for its automotive-based equipment repair, refurbishment and fabrication division.
