BMW Manufacturing Was Leading Automotive Exporter in the U.S. Last Year

(Photo provided by BMW Manufacturing)

BMW Manufacturing has confirmed that it was the leading automotive exporter by value in the United States in 2024, according to data released this month by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Plant Spartanburg exported nearly 225,000 BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes last year with an export value of more than $10 billion. Moreover, since 2014, the South Carolina plant has exported more than 2.7 million BMWs – about 63 percent of total production – with an export value of more than $104 billion. 

The BMWs assembled at the South Carolina plant were primarily exported through the Port of Charleston as well as four other U.S. ports. Nearly 15,000 BMWs were exported by rail. The top export markets from Plant Spartanburg were Germany, South Korea, China, Canada, and Great Britain.

“Plant Spartanburg has been an important location in our production network for over 30 years and is now the largest BMW Group Plant globally,” said Milan Nedeljkovic, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production.

“The strong export share of our plant underlines the importance of free trade for the USA. Not only does this benefit our plant, but also the strong supplier network in the region.”

“When the first BMW rolled off the assembly line in 1994, it was the beginning of a great legacy for Plant Spartanburg in the United States. Our dedicated associates have assembled nearly 7 million BMWs, and because of our export success, millions of customers around the world experience the innovative technology and premium quality of our X vehicles,” said Robert Engelhorn, Ph.D., president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing.

Flournoy Development Announces New Mixed-Use Community in Greenville

Flournoy Development Group, an industry leader in innovative, best-in-class multifamily developments throughout the sunbelt, announced the groundbreaking of District South, its newest luxury mixed-use community in Greenville, South Carolina. This highly anticipated project underscores the company's ongoing dedication to expanding its premier multifamily portfolio.

Situated on a 21-acre site, District South will feature 365 multifamily units, 90 for-rent townhomes, six carriage homes, and 13 retail spaces. The community is composed of five four-story apartment buildings, 12 townhome buildings, and three carriage home buildings designed to enhance seamless connectivity within the community and surrounding area.

Strategically positioned near major interstates I-85 and I-385, District South offers access to Greenville's economic hubs, including major employers such as BMW, GE, Michelin, Jacobs, and Fluor. The site is located just off the Woodruff Road corridor.

Amenities include a grab-and-go market, resident lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center, and a resort-style swimming pool with an expansive pool courtyard, as well as outdoor grilling stations and entertainment areas.

Each apartment home will feature one- and two-bedroom layouts with upscale finishes, including quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and full-size washers and dryers, offering both style and functionality for future residents.

“We are thrilled to bring another meticulously designed, high-quality community to the Greenville market,” said Ryan Foster, senior vice president of Flournoy Development Group.

“With a strong track record in Greenville with successful developments like District West and District Midtown, this project further reflects our commitment to delivering best-in-class communities that combine modern elegance, careful and thorough attention to detail, and a distinct sense of community.”

Voting Concludes in First Round of Coolest Thing Made in SC Competition

Voting ends soon in the first round of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance’s (SCMA) fourth annual Manufacturing Madness: Coolest Thing Made in SC competition.

This statewide, bracket-style contest showcases the innovation and impact of South Carolina’s manufacturing industry and invites the public to vote for their favorite South Carolina-made products.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is the contest sponsor.

Since launching in 2022, Manufacturing Madness has attracted more than half a million votes from the general public.

Last year’s winner was the Talon, produced by American Honda Motor Co. Inc., South Carolina Manufacturing, made in Timmonsville.

Visit SC Manufacturing Madness to cast your vote. The first round of voting ends Feb. 27, and voting on the Top 16 begins March 3. The winner will be announced March 26.

Greystar Begins Pre-Leasing of Marlowe Summerville Community

Greystar, a global leader in the investment, development and management of real estate, announced that Marlowe Summerville, the latest Marlowe-branded apartment community, is now pre-leasing and will begin welcoming residents in April.

Marlowe by Greystar provides suburban luxury living with quality brand new finishes, spacious and current amenities and modern design with easy access to urban conveniences.    

“Marlowe Summerville is a vibrant community that offers modern living and high-end amenities in a prime location directly between two award-winning master planned communities with a broad array of recreational opportunities,” said Tyler Hodgdon, director, development, Greystar.

“Our team put a lot of care into creating a community that enriches the lives of our residents by pairing a fantastic amenity package with thoughtful, in-home designer touches and a site plan meticulously curated to highlight and seamlessly incorporate the area's natural beauty and native greenery.”

Marlowe Summerville's 278 residences are available in one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as two-story townhomes and a three-bedroom penthouse.

Apartments range from 560 sq. ft. up to 2,118 sq. ft. Each home features granite countertops, a modern basket weave pattern backsplash, custom dual-toned cabinets, stainless steel appliances, wood-inspired flooring throughout the living areas, a full-sized washer and dryer, Carrera-inspired tiled showers and baths, Peerless matte black fixtures, and spacious closets.

Community amenities include a semi-Olympic, 25-meter swimming pool, two pickleball courts, two dog parks, dog wash, a central courtyard featuring extensive open greenspace, and more.

The development team is preserving approximately seven acres of wetlands, which helps maintain Marlowe Summerville's suburban feel.

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