Scout Motors suppliers in SC Upstate expanding to create 200 new jobs

Seven automotive suppliers will invest more than $82 million across Spartanburg, Duncan, and Piedmont

Scout Motors today announced that seven automotive suppliers in South Carolina’s Upstate region are expanding their operations to support production of Scout vehicles, creating 200 new jobs and investing more than $82 million across Spartanburg, Duncan, and Piedmont.

“Building Scout vehicles in South Carolina means building more of our supply chain here, too,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Scout Motors. “These supplier expansions are another step toward reshoring American manufacturing, creating good jobs, and developing the domestic capabilities needed to support production for decades to come. We’re proud to support that work taking root right here in South Carolina.”

Gov. Henry McMaster

The supplier expansions were announced during a press conference at OneSpartanburg, Inc. Keogh was joined by economic development leaders and elected officials, including Gov. Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. William Timmons, S.C. Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey, and OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO Allen Smith, along with executives from several of the new Scout Motors suppliers.

“South Carolina continues to lead the nation in advanced manufacturing and automotive innovation, and today’s announcement is a powerful testament to that leadership,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “When Scout Motors chose our state, it promised lasting opportunities for our businesses and families. These new supplier investments in the Upstate show that promise taking shape across South Carolina.”

“The Upstate has earned its reputation as a leader in American manufacturing, and that success is built on the strength of our local businesses and workforce,” said Congressman William Timmons. “With more than $82 million in new investment and 200 jobs planned, these seven supplier expansions are welcome news for our region. Scout Motors’ investment in South Carolina is creating new opportunities for hardworking families and strengthening the Upstate’s manufacturing future.”

The seven suppliers will manufacture and deliver components for the Scout® Traveler™ SUV and Scout® Terra™ truck, which will be assembled at Scout Motors’ Production Center in Blythewood. The suppliers, their planned investments and job commitments, and the components they will provide are:

• Spartanburg Steel (Spartanburg, SC) – $40 million investment; 60 jobs; stamping components
• Magna DRIVE (Piedmont, SC) – $15 million investment; 30 jobs; Class A stampings and Class B assemblies
• KV Final (Spartanburg, SC) – $14 million investment; 50 jobs; stamping components
• Röchling Automotive (Duncan, SC) – $5 million investment; 15 jobs; active grille shutters and wheel-arch liners
• Magna Mirrors (Spartanburg, SC) – $5 million investment; 15 jobs; exterior mirrors
• Cooper Standard (Spartanburg, SC) – $3 million investment; 15 jobs; glass sealing systems
• Bant Boru (Duncan, SC) – $270,000 investment; 15 jobs; brake lines

“Today’s announcement reflects the powerful momentum created by Scout Motors and the transformational impact already taking place across South Carolina,” said S.C. Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “And the reality is that we are witnessing only the beginning of what the largest economic development project in our state’s history will deliver – a generational investment poised to shape our economy for decades to come. Beyond the more than 4,000 direct jobs with Scout, the additional 200 jobs and $82 million investment of this project are accelerating growth within our existing industries. Its scale and long-term commitment reinforce the strength of South Carolina’s supplier network and will continue to increase opportunities for citizens in the Upstate and throughout South Carolina.”

“The Upstate has spent decades building a world-class manufacturing base, and Scout Motors took notice,” said Allen Smith, President and CEO of OneSpartanburg, Inc. “These supplier expansions reflect the talent, infrastructure, and momentum driving our region’s growth. We are proud to see Spartanburg County companies play an important role in the next chapter of automotive manufacturing in South Carolina.”

Scout Motors selected South Carolina in March 2023 for its $2 billion Production Center, which is expected to create thousands of jobs and expand economic opportunity across the state. These suppliers’ planned expansions extend that impact into the Upstate and underscore the broader statewide growth connected to Scout Motors’ investment in South Carolina.

The Upstate expansions follow last year’s announcement that the Sodecia Aapico joint venture will invest $120 million and create up to 392 jobs at a new 400,000-square-foot Orangeburg County facility to produce ladder frames for Scout vehicles.

About Scout Motors

The Scout, originally produced by International Harvester from 1961-80, was one of the world’s first utility vehicles capable of both off-road adventure and family duty. It was the 8-day-a-week truck. The Scout brand is now an American icon whose heritage is kept alive by a dedicated community of doers who continue to push their vehicles on the farm, in the wilderness, and on family outings.

Scout Motors was formed to craft the next era of trucks and rugged SUVs rooted in the same tradition that made the original Scout vehicle an American icon. Scout Motors is revitalizing a legend and returning manufacturing to American shores. The company began producing initial validation vehicles at its Production Center in Blythewood, South Carolina, in 2026. That effort will continue and mature into 2027, with customer deliveries of new Scout vehicles expected to begin in 2028.

To learn more, visit www.scoutmotors.com and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn