Bosch Invests $125 Million in South Carolina Plant

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Dorchester County and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance today joined Robert Bosch LLC, a leading automotive supplier in North America, to announce the company’s plans to expand its Dorchester County operations.

Over the next five years, Bosch will invest approximately $125 million in the company’s manufacturing facility in Dorchester County and create approximately 300 new jobs.

“We are very pleased to announce this investment which is designed to help us continue to strengthen our business at our plant in Dorchester County,” said Gene Oswalt, vice president and commercial plant manager, Robert Bosch LLC. “Working with our colleagues from the state, the county and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, we have been able to develop a plan through which we can invest in our facility and associates, strengthen our business and support Bosch’s global focus on environmental sustainability.”

Bosch will add personnel and equipment to support production of its latest passenger car diesel and gasoline fuel injectors, and next generation anti-lock brake and electronic stability control systems for the North American automotive market. The company expects to begin creating new jobs based on this investment beginning in the second half of 2011. Additionally, as part of the company’s expansion, Dorchester County plans to provide reclaimed water for the company’s manufacturing processes. This initiative aligns with Bosch’s commitment to environmental sustainability while reducing the company’s utility costs and increasing its competitiveness. This sustainable alternative, which will be developed with the assistance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) and matching funds from Dorchester County, will conserve 80,000 gallons of wastewater per day. The EDA grant is currently pending final approval.

“Today’s announcement is another positive sign that our efforts to improve the state’s business climate are paying dividends. This announcement adds to the growth we have witnessed in the manufacturing sector over the past several months. In fact, South Carolina has added 4,500 manufacturing jobs over the past seven months and Bosch’s job creation adds to this encouraging trend in our state. As well, Bosch’s expansion serves as an indication that our state’s automotive industry continues to present opportunity. The company is one with a long history in our state, but its decision to expand and create jobs here reiterates Bosch’s confidence in South Carolina’s workforce and its ability to meet the demands of a growing international corporation,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.

“Bosch is a world-class company, and its Dorchester County facility has been an important part of the state’s economy for more than 30 years. The company’s decision to make another large investment at its facility in Dorchester County is a strong testament that our state’s focus on the business fundamentals such as keeping taxes and regulatory burdens low are working to attract new investment. We thank Bosch for choosing to grow in South Carolina and wish the company continued success for decades to come,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

The facility, located at 8101 Dorchester Road, currently employs more than 1,500 people and produces a wide range of diesel, gasoline and chassis products. The Dorchester County facility has been in operation since 1974 and was the company’s first operation in South Carolina.

“Since 1974, Bosch has called Dorchester County home,” said Dorchester County Council Chairman Jamie Feltner. “We are proud to see their success and growth continue within the county.”

“By choosing our region for this latest expansion, Bosch is sending a powerful message to companies around the world,” said Sean Bennett, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. “Collectively, our three counties offer an incredible combination of assets for world-class manufacturers, and this expansion proves just how competitive we’ve become. Congratulations to Bosch, and to everyone involved in this valuable economic development win.”