Isuzu commemorates construction kickoff at its state-of-the-art production facility in South Carolina

Isuzu North America Corporation held a groundbreaking ceremony today for  its new 1,000,000-square-foot production facility in Piedmont, South Carolina. This event marks  a major milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to the North American market. 

Groundbreaking Ceremony 

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including South Carolina  Governor, Henry McMaster, Isuzu Motors Limited Chairman, Representative Director and CEO,  Masanori Katayama, and the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Shigeo Yamada. Each  

delivered remarks highlighting the importance of this investment for both the State of South  Carolina and Isuzu’s global operations. 

As part of the program, Governor McMaster and Chairman Katayama participated in a  ceremonial gift exchange, and Isuzu leaders, state officials and community representatives  participated in a symbolic turning of soil. To further commemorate the occasion, Yoshino cherry  trees were planted on the site, symbolizing new beginnings and the enduring friendship  between Japan and the United States. These trees are the same variety famously gifted by  Japan to the United States in 1912, which now bloom each spring around the Tidal Basin in  Washington, D.C.

“This groundbreaking underscores our strong commitment to the North American market,” said  Noboru Murakami, Chairman and CEO of Isuzu North America Corporation. “With this new  plant, we are getting closer to our customers and the market, strengthening our ability to serve  them, and investing in the future. Our new facility will create jobs, contribute to the local  economy, and provide a foundation for long-term growth and success.”

Governor McMaster emphasized the significance of Isuzu’s investment in South Carolina.  “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the start of a construction project – it is a  reflection of South Carolina’s reputation as a destination for world-class companies,” said The  Honorable Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina. “Isuzu’s presence here will strengthen  our economy, provide opportunities for our people, and further demonstrate the benefits of  investing in our state.” 

Isuzu’s Assembly Plant 

Isuzu’s facility, situated on 200 acres in Greenville County, represents a $280 million investment  and will serve as a cutting-edge production hub for Isuzu’s medium-duty truck lineup, including  the N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric, and F-Series trucks. The plant will have a production capacity  of 50,000 units by 2030, and is expected to employ over 700 South Carolinians by 2028. 

Commitment to U.S. Investment and Innovation 

Isuzu’s U.S. investment strategy extends beyond this new facility. The company is increasing its  sourcing of parts from domestic suppliers, and expanding its advanced automotive technology  research and development initiatives in the U.S. 

Looking Ahead: 2027 Production Launch 

Production operations at the Piedmont facility are scheduled to begin in 2027, consolidating all  assembly and logistics operations under one roof. The facility will streamline operations— spanning KD storage, parts management, vehicle production, and post-production installation  (PIO)—while providing the flexibility to respond to evolving customer demands in the North  American commercial vehicle market. 

About Isuzu Trucks 

Isuzu commercial trucks have been the best-selling low cab forward trucks in America every  year since 1986. Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Isuzu North America Corporation  supplies Isuzu commercial vehicles for sale in the United States and Canada and is a subsidiary  of Isuzu Motors Limited, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty  trucks.