Oshkosh Defense to Create More Than 1,000 Jobs In Spartanburg County
Jun 22, 2021 09:40AM ● By David DykesOshkosh Defense, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), on Tuesday June 22, 2021, announced plans to establish operations in Spartanburg County. The $155 million investment will create more than 1,000 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
Founded in 1917, Oshkosh Defense is a tactical vehicle manufacturer that specializes in designing and manufacturing a diverse portfolio of heavy, medium, light and highly protected vehicles and technologies for clients around the globe.
Located at the Flatwood Industrial Park in Spartanburg, Oshkosh Defense’s new operations will support the United States Postal Service (USPS) Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) program, commerce officials said.
The company will manufacture zero-emission battery electric vehicles and fuel-efficient low-emission internal combustion engine vehicles that will replace USPS’ existing fleet of delivery vehicles.
Production of the NGDVs is expected to begin summer 2023.
“We’re proud to bring this historic undertaking to Spartanburg County,” said Oshkosh Corporation Executive Vice President and Oshkosh Defense President John Bryant. “South Carolina has a skilled workforce and a proven history in advanced automotive manufacturing – it’s the perfect place to produce the NGDV. More importantly, we know the people of the Upstate take pride in their work and their community. What we build together here will reach every home in the country.”
Said Gov. Henry McMaster: “Today, we celebrate Oshkosh Defense – a world-class company – and their decision to establish manufacturing operations in South Carolina. It speaks volumes of our business environment when a company of this caliber invests $155 million and creates more than 1,000 jobs in our state.
“Congratulations to this great company, and we look forward to all the things they will do.”
Those interested in joining the Oshkosh Defense team should go to readySC's recruitment website for more information.
The state’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.
Spartanburg County also was awarded a $9 million Set-Aside grant to assist with costs related to the project, commerce officials said.