Construction of BMW’s state-of-the-art battery assembly plant, named Plant Woodruff, has officially begun in Woodruff, South Carolina. A ceremonial beam signing event was held on October 5th, marking the erection of the first steel beam onsite. Representatives from the city of Woodruff, Spartanburg County, Evans Construction, and BMW management were present to witness this milestone.
Why It Matters
Plant Woodruff represents a significant move for BMW in expanding their electric mobility reach in the U.S. The new facility will produce sixth-generation batteries for electric vehicles, underlining BMW’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive sector.
Key Points
- Investment Strategy: BMW Group has earmarked a $1.7 billion investment for its U.S. operations. This includes $1 billion for the Spartanburg plant to produce fully electric vehicles and $700 million for the new battery assembly plant in Woodruff.
- Operational Details: Upon its completion in 2026, Plant Woodruff will span over a million square feet on a 315-acre land parcel. The facility is set to include a technology building, support structures like a cafeteria and fire department, and an energy center.
- Employment: The plant will generate over 300 jobs, offering growth potential.
- Battery Supply Chain: As part of their “local for local” strategy, BMW will procure battery cells for its electric vehicles from AESC. This company is setting up a new battery cell facility in Florence, South Carolina, designed explicitly for BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology. Battery cells from this factory will be utilized in Plant Woodruff for creating batteries for BMW’s fully electric X models at Plant Spartanburg.
- Historical Footprint: Since 1992, BMW Group’s investment in South Carolina has touched nearly $12.4 billion. With Plant Spartanburg as the world’s largest BMW plant, producing over 1,500 vehicles daily and employing more than 11,000 individuals, BMW’s U.S. presence is considerable.
Bottom Line
BMW’s dedication to enhancing its electric vehicle production in the U.S. is evident with the establishment of Plant Woodruff. With this initiative, BMW not only expands its footprint in the U.S. automotive market but also strengthens its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. As electric vehicles continue to dominate the industry’s future trajectory, BMW’s proactive steps in South Carolina ensure it remains at the forefront of this transformation.
