The new plant will initially produce the next-generation Volvo S60 sedan, based on Volvo Cars’ new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). With near flawless execution, the company’s North America CEO, Lex Kerssemakers, donned a hard hat and began digging at the new factory site using a Volvo excavator.
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The entire Volvo lineup will be revamped in the next few years as the company pushes toward its lofty goal of 800,000 global sales by the end of the decade, representing an increase of more than 70 percent from 2014’s numbers.
“Today’s groundbreaking proves that Volvo Cars follows promises with action”, said Kerssemakers, “Volvo is moving quickly to expand its presence in the United States with new cars, new engines and now, a new factory”.
Volvo is breaking ground on its first factory in North America – a $500 million facility in Berkeley County and about 30 miles northwest of Charleston.
He was joined by Gov. Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt and other state and local officials. It already operates two vehicle plants in Europe and two in China.
Kerssemakers said customers will be able to order vehicles and come by the plant to pick them up.
“When you build a plant, you do it for the next 50 to 60 years”, Kerssemakers said.
“It means South Carolina is going to receive a number of people who are going to enjoy the lovely landscapes of South Carolina”, he added.
As part of an incentive package to lure the plant, a new interchange will be built on Interstate 26. Demand is said to be particularly strong for the all-new XC90 seven-seat SUV and the smaller XC60.
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The plant, to built build on 575 acres, expected to employ 4,000 people.
