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 Manufacturing Announces 2024 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.”

BMW Manufacturing Joins Greenville Community to Celebrate Opening of Reedy River Wetlands Preserve

BMW Manufacturing joined the City of Greenville and dozens of children to celebrate the official opening of the Reedy River Wetlands Preserve at Unity Park. Last year, BMW Manufacturing donated $1.25 million to restore and preserve the urban wetlands west of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The donation also supported the construction of low-impact, ADA-accessible boardwalks and overlooks through the wetlands.

“At BMW, we firmly believe that it is our responsibility as a corporate citizen to give back and support the communities where our associates live and work,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “What better way to do this than preserving and protecting a natural environment like the Reedy River Wetlands Preserve in Unity Park, which aligns perfectly with BMW’s sustainability strategy. The boardwalk and learning areas will provide a quiet space where the community and visitors can walk, rest, and learn more about this unique ecosystem.”

At the ceremony’s conclusion, participants joined children from the Westside Community Center to cut the ribbon, opening the Reedy River Wetlands Preserve to the public. The children then gathered at the Duke Energy Outdoor Classroom for an educational “field trip” about the wetlands and their importance.

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 News

All News & Events

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 Manufacturing Announces 2024 SC Teacher of the Year

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

BMW Manufacturing Joins Greenville Community to Celebrate Opening of Reedy River Wetlands Preserve

Workforce Development & Education

BMW News

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 Manufacturing Announces 2024 SC Teacher of the Year

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

BMW Manufacturing Joins Greenville Community to Celebrate Opening of Reedy River Wetlands Preserve

Workforce Development & Education

South Carolina Teacher of the Year 2023

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

A Step Forward in Workforce Development

BMW News