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BMW Supplier Envision Plans $810M EV Battery Gigafactory
December 14, 2022
 Envision
AESC, a Japanese electric vehicle battery technology company will build a
state-of-the-art battery cell gigafactory in Florence County. The $810 million
investment will create 1,170 new jobs and will support the company’s multi-year
partnership with the BMW Group.
“South Carolina has been an automotive manufacturing powerhouse for over 30
years, and Envision AESC’s decision to establish operations in Florence County
and to create jobs for thousands of South Carolinians shows that we will
continue to be one for years to come,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We have
the workforce, business friendly environment, and the willingness to adapt to
industry’s innovation necessary to ensure that companies that choose to do
business here will find the success they’re looking for.”
As part of the partnership announced in October, AESC will supply
technology-leading battery cells to be used in the next generation electric
vehicle models produced at the BMW Group’s Plant Spartanburg. The advanced
battery format will result in 20% more energy density than the current
generation, reduce charging time and increase range and efficiency for electric
vehicles by 30%.
Aligning with the company’s global commitment to sustainability, the new, 30GWh
manufacturing plant will be powered by 100% net zero carbon energy. AESC
leverages leading net-zero system solutions from across the business, including
renewable energy generation, carbon reduction through artificial intelligence of
things energy management systems and battery recycling to accelerate carbon
neutrality across the whole battery value chain. The company is also committed
to pursuing responsible sources for its critical battery components – cobalt,
lithium and nickel – providing full transparency of extraction methods and
increasing reliance on recycled materials, which will contribute to a reduction
in carbon dioxide emissions from cell production in the new plant.
AESC Group CEO Shoichi Matsumoto said, “Our partnership with Florence County,
South Carolina is part of our next phase battery strategy to power next
generation EVs in the U.S. This facility is another milestone on our journey to
building an electrification network in the U.S. and strengthens our commitment
to grow the electrification supply chain while providing high value jobs for the
community for years to come. We are making good progress on our ambition to
create high-performance, longer-range batteries for a diverse range of
automotive manufacturers worldwide to support the EV transition and we’re
excited to bring Florence County on this journey with us.”
Located in an 870-acre Technology and Commerce Park in Florence, with convenient
proximity to the interstate and Inland Port Dillon, the Florence plant will
encompass approximately 1.5 million square feet. The new battery plant builds on
AESC’s existing United States network that includes a battery manufacturing
plant in Tennessee and a plant under construction in Kentucky. Collectively,
when complete, these plants will provide up to 70GWh capacity nationally and
power the United States’ shift to electric vehicles.
Individuals interested in joining the AESC team should visit readySC’s
recruitment website to explore opportunities. Companies interested in becoming a
supplier for the company should complete S.C. Commerce’s online interest form.
AESC U.S. Managing Director Jeff Deaton said, “The new plant will produce
technology-leading battery cells for BMW Group’s Plant Spartanburg and create
1,170 new high-value jobs in the region when at full capacity. South Carolina
already has an outstanding automotive footprint, and we are delighted to offer
new jobs in the high growth electrification segment, to attract and retain the
state's highly skilled workforce. The addition of this new facility will put
Florence at the forefront of the United States’ EV transformation and will help
attract future investment in the region.”
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development, after review and comment by
the Joint Bond Review Committee, awarded a $135 million Closing Fund grant to
Florence County to assist with costs related to the project, and the state
authorized the issuance of up to $70 million in state general economic
development bonds to offset the costs of off-site infrastructure and a training
center to support the project.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development also awarded job development
credits related to this project.
 “Today’s
announcement by Envision AESC in Florence County reinforces the state’s
commitment to driving the future of the automotive industry. South Carolina is
charged and ready to support Envision AESC’s accelerated growth within our
borders.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“What a landmark moment for our community as we welcome Envision AESC to
Florence County. This project represents one of the largest announcements in the
history of Florence County. The creation of 1,170 new full-time jobs will
provide transformational career opportunities for our citizens.” -Florence
County Council Chair Willard Dorriety
“We celebrate Envision AESC’s decision to locate their newest battery
facility in Florence. The successful attraction of an automotive giant like
Envision AESC is a testament to the pro-business environment found here in
Florence. We know the company’s presence will improve the quality of life for
our citizens and neighbors in the decades to come.” -Florence Mayor
Teresa Myers Ervin
“The North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) is excited to welcome Envision
AESC to Florence County. This is a monumental announcement that will transform
our region. We appreciate the efforts of the local development team in
recruiting Envision AESC to the NESA region and the State of South Carolina.”
-NESA Executive Committee Chairman Yancey McGill
“This historic announcement is further proof that South Carolina continues to
be a prime location for advanced manufacturing operations. The Envision AESC
plant won’t just manufacture electric vehicle battery components, but will be
transformational for the economy of this part of the state. Affordable, reliable
and sustainable energy is a key component to recruiting and retaining operations
like this to the Palmetto State, and Duke Energy looks forward to serving our
new neighbors in Florence County for many years to come.” -Duke Energy
South Carolina President Mike Callahan |
