How did South Carolina beat 250 global locations to land BMW’s biggest factory? Learn how this dynamic move to Spartanburg sparked an economic revolution.
In 1992, Spartanburg, South Carolina secured a major win by attracting BMW’s first factory outside of Germany. BMW’s Greer plant began in 1994, the decision was pivotal for South Carolina’s industrial recruitment due to robust training programs and infrastructure.
Today the factory is BMW’s largest, with over 11,00 workers, providing 7,200 jobs in the state. The plant revitalized the local economy, recovering from a hard decline in the textile industry. BMW’s investment catalyzed economic growth in Greenville, transforming the city and attracting other manufacturers.
BMW’s impact on the economy is substantial, supporting 121,000 jobs nationwide, boosting the US GDP by $15.8 billion. BMW’s success exemplifies how global economies transform local economies, positioning SC as a key player in the global manufacturing sector.
