A senate RESOLUTION

 

to RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE BMW MANUFACTURING PLANT LOCATED IN GREER, south carolina, AND TO EXTEND A FORMAL INVITATION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO VISIT THE PLANT AND WITNESS FIRSTHAND ITS IMPACT ON the palmetto state AND THE NATION.

 

Whereas, the BMW Manufacturing Plant in Greer, South Carolina, has served as a cornerstone of economic development in the Palmetto State since it arrived in 1992, investing more than $14.8 billion and representing one of the largest foreign direct investments in South Carolina history; and

 

Whereas, the plant has produced over five million vehicles to date, becoming BMW's largest manufacturing facility globally and a vital contributor to the state's export economy, with vehicles shipped to more than 120 countries. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, in 2024, BMW had a total export value of around $10 billion and since 2014, two-thirds of what the company produces has come from the Spartanburg plant; and

 

Whereas, BMW has created thousands of high-quality jobs, both directly through its operations and indirectly through a robust network of suppliers and service providers across the State and Southeast region. The manufacturing plant in Greer has been successful in generating nearly $27 billion each year and employing nearly 43,000 people across the Palmetto State; and

 

Whereas, the company has demonstrated an enduring commitment to innovation, sustainability, and workforce development, including strategic partnerships with local schools, technical colleges, and universities to strengthen STEM education and advanced manufacturing skills; and

 

Whereas, BMW's presence has significantly enhanced South Carolina's reputation as a premier destination for automotive manufacturing-driving sustained economic growth, attracting substantial international investment, and positioning our State as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation. As Governor Henry McMaster stated, "BMW, they are the golden goose that saved South Carolina and the Southeast and put us on the map in the world. That is why all these international companies have come here. They have seen the success of BMW."; and

 

Whereas, the continued success of the BMW Manufacturing Plant is a testament to the collaborative spirit of South Carolina's government, business community, and workforce, as well as to the importance of strong and fair international trade relationships; and

 

Whereas, it is fitting and proper for the South Carolina Senate to recognize this global leader in innovation and manufacturing, and to invite national leadership to witness firsthand the economic and social value the BMW plant brings to the State and nation. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and commend the significant economic and community contributions of the BMW manufacturing plant located in Greer, South Carolina, and extend a formal invitation to the President of the United States to visit the plant and witness firsthand its impact on the Palmetto State and the nation.

 

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States and the members of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.

----XX----