BMW Announces Nearly $900 Million Investment, Adding 300 jobs at its South Carolina Plant in 2012

NEW BMW M1

BMW announced today that the company will invest nearly $900 million U.S. dollars and add 300 new jobs in 2012 in its South Carolina plant. This announcement was made during a ceremony to commemorate a major production milestone – 2,000,000 vehicles have rolled off the assembly line since the company began U.S. production in 1994.Frank-Peter Arndt, BMW Group Board Member responsible for Production, revealed the company's intention to expand its X-model family. He revealed that production of the new BMW X4 will occur at the Spartanburg plant, spurring significant investment and job creation necessary to prepare the facility for the new model.

"I am delighted to announce today, over the next three years, we plan to invest nearly $900 million U.S. dollars. With this investment, we will be able to produce 350,000 units here in the mid-term," said Arndt. "This is one reaction to the rising global demand for our BMW X Models."

Governor Nikki Haley spoke at the ceremony saying, "BMW has once again provided tremendous evidence that South Carolina is a blueprint for significant economic development success. The partnership between this company and our state is an enduring example of how to attract, retain and grow business to stimulate perpetual job creation."

"Two million vehicles have prepared our team well to meet the new opportunities that lie ahead for our plant. We look forward to a new model with great anticipation. For nearly 20 years, this team has always proven their steadfast commitment to producing quality vehicles for our customers around the world," remarked Josef Kerscher, President of BMW Manufacturing.

"I am thrilled to celebrate the two millionth BMW today," said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce for South Carolina. "BMW's impact on South Carolina's economy and overall competitiveness is always worth celebrating. This new economic investment and commitment of jobs is a testament to South Carolina's strong automotive manufacturing industry."