Volvo chooses South Carolina for 1st North American plant

May 19, 2015 – South Carolina has been selected as the location of its new USD $500-million factory, making it the automaker’s new first North American plant.

The new facility will have initial annual production of around 100,000 cars and be located in Berkeley County, close to Charleston. Up to 4,000 people will be employed in the long-term, estimated the company.

It will make latest generation Volvo models for sale in the United States and for export. Construction will begin in early autumn 2015, with the first vehicles expected to roll off the assembly line in 2018.

Once completed, Volvo will be able to manufacture cars on three continents, along with its two plants in Europe and two in China.

“This new global industrial footprint and a complete product renewal forms the foundation for our growth and profitability targets,” said Hakan Samuelsson, president and CEO.

The decision to choose Berkeley County was taken as a result of its easy access to international ports and infrastructure, a well-trained labour force, attractive investment environment and experience in the high tech manufacturing sector, added Volvo.