US – The factory in Berkeley County will cost $500m and have a capacity of 100,000 units per year. It will make latest-generation Volvo models for the US and export markets, with the first vehicles set to roll off the line in 2018.
Construction of the plant will begin in early autumn this year. Once complete, Volvo Cars will be able to make vehicles on three continents using the US plant plus its two European and two Chinese sites. The upcoming US factory is part of a medium-term plan to double global sales, boost market share and increase profitability. The company has imported cars into the US since 1955 but will now become a local manufacturer.
“This new global industrial footprint and a complete product renewal forms the foundation for our growth and profitability targets,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO, Volvo Car Corporation.
The South Carolina plant is predicted to employ up to 2,000 individuals over the next decade, rising to 4,000 in the longer term. In the initial phase, a total of 8,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected. Recruitment and training are being handled by readySC, a division of S.C. Technical College System.
Potential suppliers to the new Volvo plant are directed to contact the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Buy South Carolina programme by emailing volvocarssc@sccommerce.com.
