Through the years, the month of June has marked monumental manufacturing milestones for our state. In June 1992, BMW sent shockwaves across the automotive industry when the company announced its first full manufacturing facility outside of Germany would be located in the Upstate of South Carolina. Today, 28 years later, BMW is celebrating yet another milestone.
Cheers erupted at BMW Plant Spartanburg this week as the company's 5 millionth vehicle - a Toronto Red Metallic BMW X5 M Competition equipped with a 617-horsepower M Twin Power Turbo V-8 engine - rolled off the assembly line. The achievement gives reason to celebrate, as it reflects the commitment and dedication the company and every associate have to producing premium quality vehicles. BMW's Spartanburg County facility has become the company's largest, by production, in the world; and its impact on the Palmetto State has been immeasurable.
BMW's presence in South Carolina proved to be a true game changer for our state, fueling the growth of a robust automotive sector and paving the way for S.C.'s worldwide reputation as a state that can produce highly-advanced, premium products.
So, nearly three decades later, as we celebrate BMW's 5 millionth milestone, we also recognize the economic transformation that has taken place across our state because of their commitment. And, we very much look forward to continued growth in the years to come.
