Auto Industry Riding High

Picture Credit: Volvo Cars 

Last May, Volvo Cars of North America president and CEO Lex Kerssemakers, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and other public officials officially broke ground in Berkeley County. Construction has now begun on the factory site, which will be capable of producing up to 100,000 cars per year.

“Volvo is moving quickly to expand its presence in the United States with new cars, new engines and now, a new factory,” said Kerssemakers, in a prepared statement. “We’re excited to build our first American factory in South Carolina and we look forward to helping grow the local community and economy. We were impressed with the friendliness, work ethic and passion of the people in the Charleston area.”

“We are thankful Volvo has chosen Berkeley County for its first North American assembly operation, bringing with it 2,000 jobs and a $500 million investment,” says David Ginn, president & CEO, Charleston Regional Development Alliance. “The Charleston region’s deepwater port, logistics and labor force were major factors in Volvo’s decision, especially as the region’s workforce is 360,000 civilians strong and growing five times faster than the nation. Volvo’s decision to locate here is the result of exceptional leadership by several key partners.”

Among them are readySC, a division of the S.C. Technical College System, which will provide the new plant will recruitment and training assistance.

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