The South Carolina Department of Commerce today announced that Drive Automotive Industries of America will expand its existing facility in Greenville County. The expansion will add approximately 150,000 square feet to the size of the existing facility. The $50 million investment is expected to generate 60 new jobs and is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2013.
Drive Automotive Industries of America, a manufacturing division of Cosma International, which is an operating unit of Magna International Inc., will expand its manufacturing facility located on Moon Acres Road in Piedmont.
“Given the competitive nature of obtaining funding for projects, we at the Drive facility are very appreciative of the support of Greenville County Council and the Governor’s Office,” said Craig Lane, general manager of Drive Automotive. “We truly believe it is a win for everyone.”
Drive Automotive manufactures automotive body panels and assembles body systems using state-of-the-art equipment such as multi-ton hydraulic presses and advanced robotic systems. This expansion will support a growing customer base among the major automotive and heavy truck manufacturers.
“We continue to build on our success in the automotive club. Drive Automotive’s announcement is another indication that South Carolina’s automotive industry, and manufacturing sector as a whole, continues to create wealth and new jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“Drive Automotive’s expansion is a vote of confidence in the competitiveness, quality and depth of the Upstate’s workforce when it comes to world-class manufacturing,” said Hal Johnson, president and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance.
