Isuzu didn’t immediately choose South Carolina as the location to build this eventual state-of-the-art facility (which is set to be Isuzu’s most technologically advanced facility in the world). In fact, the state worked with Isuzu for a little more than a year before the decision was finalized, McMaster told FleetOwner. However, Isuzu North America CEO Murakami said that choosing South Carolina for its production base was an easy decision.
The state “stood out as an ideal location” for Isuzu because of its existing manufacturing, “a globally renowned approach, and a growing, innovative economy,” he said.
“We are proud to make the Upstate [region of South Carolina] our new home,” Isuzu Motors CEO Katayama said. “We are especially grateful for the kindness and energy of this community. We are committed to working alongside you, not only a company that builds trucks, but also as a neighbor and partner that contributes to the life and future of this vision.”
Why is Isuzu opening a new truck manufacturing plant?
Isuzu currently produces its N-Series Gas, N-Series EV, and F-Series Diesel trucks stateside in Charlotte, Michigan, in partnership with The Shyft Group. While Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America emphasized how well the partnership with Shyft has been over the years, Isuzu has simply outgrown Shyft’s production capacity, currently storing parts in different areas across the town. Additionally, this new facility will be completely owned and run by Isuzu, granting the company flexibility and complete control in its production.
Building a new facility here in South Carolina “allows us to have everything in one area and will allow us to grow our volume ... [and] do it in a way that’s more effective,” Skinner said to a group of trade media invited to the event.
And while the timing might look like this move from Isuzu is a response to tariffs, or even nearshoring, Skinner said that's not exactly the case.
"The timing of the announcement came right about the same time you heard a lot of the talk with the tariffs and everything," Skinner told FleetOwner. "So the timing of it is coincidental, but in fact, it does allow us to be better prepared for a lot of that."
The local area is already home to multiple manufacturing facilities, and Murakami said that fact helped influence the decision to build here. BMW came to the state in 1992, building its largest manufacturing facility to date in the same county. Michelin, Bosch, and 3M also have facilities in the area. These existing businesses help the area offer an “excellent business climate, a strong automotive production base, a skilled workforce,” access to the Port of Charleston, and more, he said.
Benton Blount, chairman of the Greenville County Council, said he believes this facility is one of the biggest investments into the area since BMW and brings with it not only an “economic investment, but real quality jobs that pay a good wage for our citizens.”
Isuzu plans to begin producing vehicles at the facility in 2027.
See photos from the event here.
