A Conversation with Dr. Jan Spies, Scout Motors

In March of 2024, Scout Motors announced that were investing a record-setting $2 billion to establish a manufacturing operation in the Columbia, SC region. The company’s investment into this region has the potential to create 4,000 or more permanent jobs. They will be building all-electric trucks and rugged SUVs rooted in the same tradition that made the original Scout an American icon.

We chatted with Dr. Jan Spies, the Chief Production Officer at Scout Motors about their decision to locate in the Midlands of South Carolina. Spies is leading manufacturing of Scout Motors’ vehicles and is overseeing the launch of its new Production Center in Blythewood, South Carolina.

The site spans approximately 1,600 acres, with the plant itself occupying 1,100 acres. Bordered by I-77 and Blythewood Road, its strategic location is less than 20 miles north of Columbia and near major cities and talent hubs such as Charleston, Charlotte, Greenville, and Atlanta. This proximity gives Scout Motors access to major highways, ports of Charleston and Savannah, and colleges and universities focused on automotive engineering.

The Scout was the world’s first utility vehicle capable of both off-road adventure and family duty.

Scout 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.

Below is and separate conversation with Dr. Jan Spies about Scout Motors in Columbia, SC. You can also listen to this interview on Spotify and Apple. Just search for the WhosOnTheMove SC podcast and please consider subscribing.