Richland County becoming a leader in South Carolina’s manufacturing surge

By Jeff Ruble
Director, Richland County Economic Development Office

Located in one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, Richland County is in the midst of an economic surge marked by some of the largest development projects in its history most notably in the cornerstone of the state’s economic identity – manufacturing. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Richland County, where recent record-breaking investments from companies like Scout Motors, Cirba Solutions, and Westinghouse Electric are redefining the landscape, diversifying goods and services, creating high-quality jobs, and increasing innovative technologies.

Richland County’s Economic Development Office (RCEDO) has been integral to making these landmark projects a reality. One of the most transformative wins in county history is the $2 billion investment by Scout Motors, which chose Richland County as the home of its future electric vehicle production center. This decision positions South Carolina and the county as a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, adding momentum to our reputation in automotive manufacturing and solidifying our role in the future of sustainable transportation.

The groundwork for this historic partnership with Scout Motors was laid well before the company’s site visit in early 2023. Richland County’s strategy has long focused on positioning the county as a key player in South Carolina’s economic future and aiming to increase prosperity for our corporate and resident citizens.

Richland County was primed for this opportunity, offering exactly what Scout Motors sought—a skilled workforce, a supportive business environment, a central location, and an unparalleled quality of life. We knew that Richland County wouldn’t just host Scout Motors; we would support the company in bringing transformative impact to the region.

Now, construction is well underway on Scout Motors’ Production Center in Blythewood, S.C. and they are set to have consumer-ready products in 2027. The impressive scale of the 1,100-acre facility visible to drivers along I-77 is a tangible testament to Richland County’s  rapid growth. Adding to the excitement, Scout Motors recently unveiled its Scout® Traveler™ SUV and Scout® Terra™ truck concept vehicles—revolutionary models that mark a new era for the iconic American brand and underscore our communities’ roles in the evolution of automotive manufacturing and in the EV movement.

What further sets Scout Motors apart is its commitment to transparency and community engagement, aligning with Richland County’s vision for the kind of corporate neighbor that enriches our community. This Saturday, November 16, residents will have the unique chance to see these groundbreaking vehicles firsthand and connect with the Scout team at the University of South Carolina football game against the University of Missouri. This event not only showcases the future of EVs but brings to life the values that Scout and Richland County share in bringing greater opportunity to the community and its people.

We recognize that this investment goes far beyond the numbers—it represents a shared vision to make Richland County an even better place to live, work, and grow. As we celebrate Scout’s commitment and those of numerous other businesses in Richland County, as well as their promises of growth opportunities for our residents, we reaffirm our commitment to a thriving community for all.