In 1992, when BMW announced plans to establish its Upstate operations – the company’s first major manufacturing facility outside of Germany – its North American supplier network consisted of fewer than 25 firms. Today, that network has ballooned to include more than 250 companies.
For complex, advanced manufacturing to work, a healthy supply chain must exist, enabling timely, efficient production at all levels. Recognizing this, the S.C. Department of Commerce works hard with major industry partners, such as BMW, to recruit and develop a robust network of suppliers. That’s why members of S.C. Commerce’s Business Services team participated in BMW’s 2018 Tier One Supplier Diversity Matchmaker Conference this week in Greenville, S.C.
With nearly 2,000 in attendance, the matchmaker event provided a great platform for South Carolina businesses to connect with BMW leadership and build relationships with other automotive suppliers. It also allowed S.C. Commerce’s team to interact with attendees and educate them on the resources available to companies across South Carolina.
One of those resources is the recently-relaunched www.SourceSC.com. The online home of S.C. Commerce’s material and service locator program, SourceSC is designed to connect South Carolina businesses with in-state suppliers and vendors. Featuring a searchable company database, the site also includes a portal to view upcoming business development events taking place around the state.
For more information on SourceSC, visit www.SourceSC.com.