Expansion Management

Vehicle Components Maker's New Plant Adds to South Carolina's Growing Auto Sector

July 9, 2013

Weber Automotive joins the sector that has provided 8,000 jobs and $5 billion in capital since 2011.

Weber Automotive, a German-based maker of vehicle components, announced on Monday that it will establish new manufacturing operations in Charleston County, South Carolina.

The more than $51 million investment is expected to generate 84 new jobs over the next four years.

“South Carolina offers us an excellent business environment and a talented workforce in a region that is growing as an automotive hub. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Daniel Weber, CFO for Weber Automotive.

The facility will manufacture drive train components, and is expected to begin operations in 2015.

“Weber Automotive will be an asset to the Charleston region,” said Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman Bob Whitten. “Our three counties offer an incredible combination of assets for global manufacturers, including an established automotive cluster, a skilled workforce with a depth of expertise and integrated transportation infrastructure. By choosing to locate in the Charleston region, Weber Automotive sends a powerful message to automotive companies around the world reinforcing just how competitive we have become.”

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.