BMW - Autos Drive America

Economic Impact

At BMW Plant Spartanburg’s groundbreaking ceremony in 1992, then-BMW Chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim said, “The right people for the task are already right here where we need them. Together, ladies and gentlemen, we shall make automobiles from South Carolina famous throughout the world.” Today, BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg South Carolina is the largest BMW Group plant in the world, producing more than 1,500 vehicles each day. Read more here.

BMW Economic Impact Facts

Investment

$13.3B

Since 1992, BMW Group has invested nearly $13.3 billion in Plant Spartanburg.

$1.7B

In October of 2022, a $1.7B investment was announced to prepare the plant for the production of EVs and to build a battery assembly plant in Woodruff, SC.

2030

By 2030, the BMW Group will assemble at least 6 fully electric models in the U.S.

Production

6.5M

BMW Plant Spartanburg has assembled more than 6.5 million vehicles since beginning production.

1.5K

BMW Plant Spartanburg associates assemble more than 1,500 vehicles each day.

120

From 2010-2020, about two-thirds of Spartanburg's production was exported to more than 120 world markets.

In 2023, the BMW Group was named, for the ninth consecutive year, the largest automotive exporter by value from the U.S.

Employment

43K

A 2022 study by the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina showed that Plant Spartanburg supports nearly 43K jobs across the state.

11K

Plant Spartanburg directly employs more than 11,000 South Carolinians.

3.5

Due to its large supplier network, BMW Manufacturing has an employment multiplier rate of 3.5, meaning for every 10 jobs created at Plant Spartanburg, another 25 are created elsewhere in the state, for a total of 35 jobs.

$3.1B

$3.1B in wages and salaries.

Read the full BMW Economic Impact in South Carolina study here.

Community

BMW Group Donates $1 Million to American Red Cross for Hurricane Relief

The BMW Group in the U.S. pledged a donation of $1 million to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to support in the recovery efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Catastrophic winds and rain hit the southeast, including the Carolinas, causing widespread damage and historic flooding. Roads were destroyed by the floods, and landslides left entire communities completely isolated from outside aid for days. The American Red Cross and thousands of volunteers are working tirelessly to care for people impacted by this disaster.

“This donation will help the Red Cross give assistance to many in the Carolinas who are in need, including some of our own associates,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “Thousands of our BMW family lost power, many had their homes damaged by falling trees, and some had their homes swept away by floods. We offer our thanks and support to the Red Cross and many volunteers who are working so hard on the recovery effort.”

BMW Manufacturing is located in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where it employs more than 11,000 people and supports thousands of additional jobs through its supplier network, which includes the Carolinas and Georgia.

BMW Manufacturing Announces 2025 SC Teacher of the Year

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver announced on Thursday afternoon that Braden Wilson, a Social Studies teacher at Palmetto Middle School in Anderson School District One, has been named 2025 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. The event was held on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, SC.

As part of the celebration, BMW Manufacturing, the program’s premier sponsor for 27 years, handed Wilson the keys to a 2024 BMW X5 xDrive40i.

“There are no words to express how honored I feel right now and how humbling it is to represent a group as amazing as South Carolina educators,” Wilson said. “I don’t think teachers get by without the help of each other. Everything I do in the classroom is because the teachers I work with at Palmetto Middle School help each other. It’s never an ‘I’ or a ‘we’ thing. People are stronger when they work together.”

“An important part of every student’s future begins in the classroom, and we understand the critical role that teachers play in the success of our youth,” said Max Metcalf, manager of Government and Community Relations at BMW Manufacturing. “We at BMW are grateful to all the state’s teachers and their commitment in providing a stimulating environment for our children’s education.”

BMW Charity Pro-Am Announces Special Programming, Partnerships to Celebrate 30 Years of BMW Manufacturing in the Upstate

The BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD Synnex announced a series of special events and partnerships surrounding the 2024 tournament taking place June 3-9, 2024.

Tournament officials have shared that the Downtown Spartanburg Concert, hosted by The Johnson Group, will take place on the evening of Thursday, June 6 on Morgan Square. This event coincides with the opening round of the BMW Charity Pro Am presented by TD SYNNEX. Additionally, the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX will host its annual Friday night concert, this year featuring Steel Toe Stiletto, on the grounds of Hotel Hartness on Friday evening, June 7. This concert will provide the opportunity for members of the community to help celebrate 30 years of BMW Manufacturing in South Carolina with proceeds benefitting South Carolina Charities, Inc.

“As we recognize BMW Manufacturing’s 30th anniversary in the Upstate, this year’s tournament activities will engage the larger community in celebrating this note-worthy milestone while acknowledging BMW’s incredible impact on South Carolina over the years,” said Bob Stegner, president of South Carolina Charities, Inc., the tournament’s non-profit foundation. “In addition to supporting various statewide initiatives over three decades, BMW Manufacturing has served as the title sponsor of the BMW Charity Pro-Am for 24 years, playing a critical role in the tournament’s success including its more than $15 million donated to Upstate charities.”

Workforce Development & Education

BMW is working to improve the overall quality of life in the Palmetto State while ensuring a future quality workforce pool.

BMW Manufacturing Awarded the 2024 Workforce Champion Award

As part of the culmination of Workforce Development Month, Governor Henry McMaster and S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd presented BMW Manufacturing with the 2024 Workforce Champion Award at the Governor’s Mansion. This award honors an employer that has displayed extraordinary effort and innovation in developing and connecting educators and students with employment opportunities in South Carolina.

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BMW Manufacturing Sponsors 9th Annual Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Night

BMW Manufacturing sponsored the 9th Annual Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Night at Fluor Field on June 25. This signature event, hosted by the Greenville Drive, offered a unique opportunity for thousands of K-12 students and their families to explore the world of STEM education and potential careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering.

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$300,000 donated to fund the dynamic programs of Project Lead the Way

Project Lead the Way offers STEM learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers that include hands-on activities, projects, and complex problem solving. BMW Manufacturing donated $300,000 to fund a three-year period at four Cherokee County middle schools: Gaffney, Blacksburg, Granard, and John E. Ewing.

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BMW News

All News & Events

October 16, 2024

BMW Impact

With an annual economic impact of $26.7 billion, BMW's Plant Spartanburg is an economic powerhouse for the South Carolina economy and community.

Economic Impact

BMW Economic Impact Facts

Read the full BMW Economic Impact in South Carolina study here.

Community

BMW Group Donates $1 Million to American Red Cross for Hurricane Relief

BMW Manufacturing Announces 2025 SC Teacher of the Year

BMW Charity Pro-Am Announces Special Programming, Partnerships to Celebrate 30 Years of BMW Manufacturing in the Upstate

Workforce Development & Education

BMW News

BMW Group in the U.S. Donates $1 Million To American Red Cross For Hurricane Relief

BMW of North America Continues Partnership with The Nantucket Project

BMW of North America and Redwood Materials Establish Partnership to Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries

BMW Manufacturing Opens First Press Shop in North America, Unveils Fourth-Generation X3

BMW Manufacturing Presents SC Teacher of the Year With New BMW X5