Scout Motors suppliers in SC Upstate expanding to create 200 new jobs

Scout Motors today announced that seven automotive suppliers in South Carolina’s Upstate region are expanding their operations to support production of Scout vehicles, creating 200 new jobs and investing more than $82 million across Spartanburg, Duncan, and Piedmont.

“Building Scout vehicles in South Carolina means building more of our supply chain here, too,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Scout Motors. “These supplier expansions are another step toward reshoring American manufacturing, creating good jobs, and developing the domestic capabilities needed to support production for decades to come. We’re proud to support that work taking root right here in South Carolina.”

The supplier expansions were announced during a press conference at OneSpartanburg, Inc. Keogh was joined by economic development leaders and elected officials, including Gov. Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. William Timmons, S.C. Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey, and OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO Allen Smith, along with executives from several of the new Scout Motors suppliers.

“South Carolina continues to lead the nation in advanced manufacturing and automotive innovation, and today’s announcement is a powerful testament to that leadership,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “When Scout Motors chose our state, it promised lasting opportunities for our businesses and families. These new supplier investments in the Upstate show that promise taking shape across South Carolina.”

The seven suppliers will manufacture and deliver components for the Scout® Traveler™ SUV and Scout® Terra™ truck, which will be assembled at Scout Motors’ Production Center in Blythewood. The suppliers, their planned investments and job commitments, and the components they will provide are:

• Spartanburg Steel (Spartanburg) – $40 million investment; 60 jobs; stamping components

• Magna DRIVE (Piedmont) – $15 million investment; 30 jobs; Class A stampings and Class B assemblies

• KV Final (Spartanburg) – $14 million investment; 50 jobs; stamping components

• Röchling Automotive (Duncan) – $5 million investment; 15 jobs; active grille shutters and wheel-arch liners

• Magna Mirrors (Spartanburg, SC) – $5 million investment; 15 jobs; exterior mirrors

• Cooper Standard (Spartanburg, SC) – $3 million investment; 15 jobs; glass sealing systems

• Bant Boru (Duncan, SC) – $270,000 investment; 15 jobs; brake lines

Scout Motors selected South Carolina in March 2023 for its $2 billion Production Center, which is expected to create thousands of jobs and expand economic opportunity across the state. These suppliers’ planned expansions extend that impact into the Upstate and underscore the broader statewide growth connected to Scout Motors’ investment in South Carolina.

The Upstate expansions follow last year’s announcement that the Sodecia Aapico joint venture will invest $120 million and create up to 392 jobs at a new 400,000-square-foot Orangeburg County facility to produce ladder frames for Scout vehicles.