GSA Technology Council

ACS, a global supplier which specializes in the integration of engine and vehicle test operations into clients’ production and development facilities, will establish a regional office in Greenville County, generating at least 10 new jobs. The company serves such industry leaders as Cummins, Caterpillar, Daimler, Harley Davidson, GE, John Deere, Navistar and Tognum, and specializes in the comprehensive design, construction, integration, and commissioning of complex industrial, R&D and manufacturing facilities. Headquartered in Madison, Wis. ACS has offices in China and England, in addition to its presence in South Carolina. The company will locate operations in approximately 4,000 square feet at 55 East Camperdown Way in Greenville, upfitting the space to accommodate its engineering, planning, sales, marketing and administrative operations.

“Our goal is to provide a single source for complete project responsibility that customers the world over turn to and count on when undertaking complex projects,” said Lee Cockrum, managing director of ACS Southeast, who will head the new office. “We are a company who values long term relationships and commitment, both to our clients and our communities, and we appreciate the support of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and all who assisted in making this advancement a reality.”

“ACS has developed a strong expertise in engine and vehicle research facilities design and construction,” said Cockrum. “By combining that with our knowledge of industry regulations, testing technology and applications, and the ability to fully integrate facility and test systems, we believe that Greenville’s central location in the Southeastern automotive corridor and its strong base of automotive manufacturers and suppliers will create great synergy and opportunity for our firm.”

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $5 billion in capital investment and more than 8,000 jobs in the automotive-related sector.

“ACS Southeast is a wonderful example of a company that deploys world-class technology, performance-based processes and a mix of local and national talent to grow and expand its business, and we welcome them to Greenville County,” said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “Their engineering expertise and track record of community involvement will be a great asset to the Upstate.”

“We are thrilled that ACS has chosen to expand its presence in downtown Greenville,” said City of Greenville Downtown Development Manager Mary Douglas Hirsch. “This decision speaks to our exceptional business climate and growing reputation in the engineering and automotive industries.”

ACS is recruiting both locally and nationally for positions in the areas of facilities project engineering, project management, and controls engineering. Anyone interested in being considered for positions should submit resumes via the company’s career openings page.

via ACS

A seasoned auto industry executive with more than three decades of experience will lead one of the world’s foremost automotive research campuses into an exciting new era of research and collaboration.

Frederick M. Cartwright, who spent 30 years in the automotive industry with General Motors, has been appointed executive director of the award-winning Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research. His appointment is effective April 1.

Cartwright’s extensive experience includes design and development of advanced powertrains for commercial and military vehicles, management of GM’s hybrid bus program and numerous new business-development initiatives involving other auto manufacturers.

Among other executive positions, he previously was vice president for alliances and new business development for General Motors Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Most recently he was director of new business initiatives based in Detroit.

In this role, he was responsible for development of new technology and product-based initiatives, including establishment of multiple alliances. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration degree from Butler University.

Cartwright’s industry-centric experience will help steer CU-ICAR to a new chapter of growth and excellence, said John Kelly, Clemson University vice president for economic development. He will prove an exciting and valuable member of the team, he said.

“Since opening five years ago, CU-ICAR has become an international model for economic development,” Kelly said. “The campus has an enviable list of transport-related industry partners. With Fred at the helm, those relationships will only strengthen and more are sure to join.

“Fred’s appointment will not only further CU-ICAR’s mission, but help enhance the reputation of Upstate South Carolina as the go-to place for business,” Kelly said.

The campus has garnered more than $250 million in public and private investments and created more than 700 jobs. CU-ICAR boasts 19 campus partners and every year hosts hundreds of guests from around the world.

Cartwright said his focus will be to maintain momentum.

“CU-ICAR has a talented and dedicated team that has positioned the campus as a world leader in transportation research,” Cartwright said. “Its reputation for economic development and automotive research is known far beyond South Carolina’s Upstate.

“Its list of partners, from BMW Manufacturing Co. and Michelin North America Inc. to Sage Automotive Interiors and, most recently, EcoDual Inc., speak to the high regard CU-ICAR’s students, faculty and staff are held. I am eager to start work and excited to become part of such an energetic business community.”

Interim CU-ICAR director John Boyette said Cartwright will make Greenville his home and he quickly will become an asset to the community. The region enjoys a vibrant business climate, which is vital to its success, he said.

“Fred can draw on a wealth of experience from working relationships around the world,” Boyette said. “What he brings to the table will benefit us all.”

via CU-ICAR

One of the nation’s foremost centers for automotive innovation has partnered with a market leader in technology research and development to advance commercial availability of natural gas engine systems for heavy duty diesel trucks.

The Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) and Beaufort, S.C.-based EcoDual Inc. will focus their combined resources on conversion of diesel engines already on the road to natural gas operation and reduction of exhaust emissions.

The team subsequently will address challenges associated with optimizing natural gas use in new diesel engines under development by original equipment manufacturers. The team also will research strategies to develop clean combustion engines — a strategic expertise found uniquely in the CU-ICAR faculty — aimed at minimizing the need for costly and cumbersome “exhaust after-treatment.”

“We expect to see a significant uptake in the use of natural gas for heavy-duty vehicles in the immediate future, driven by the projected low prices of this fuel compared to diesel,” said Zoran Filipi, Timken Endowed Chair in Vehicle System Design at CU-ICAR.

“The increased use of natural gas for transportation is the most cost-effective way to utilize the vast quantity of newly discovered domestic reserves,” Filipi said. “This new research relationship with EcoDual is very exciting for us and will unlock the full potential of this technology, including the possibilities to make engines run cleaner.

“This partnership creates outstanding opportunities for our students and faculty to engage in transforming the commercial fleets on the nation’s roads,” he said.

EcoDual’s system allows conversion of a heavy-duty diesel to run on a combination of natural gas and diesel fuels. More than 60 percent of the engine’s power is generated by burning natural gas.

The EPA recently approved the first EcoDual conversion systems for the 15L Cummins ISX, the nation’s most popular Class 8 heavy-duty diesel engine. Development is underway for additional Cummins and Detroit Diesel heavy duty engines.

In dual-fuel operation, trucks maintain the same torque, power and fuel economy as when they run on straight diesel fuel. Systems can be configured for ranges of more than 800 miles on compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas.

Equally important, there is no “range anxiety” with EcoDual systems, as they automatically run on 100 percent diesel if the natural gas tanks ever run out.

Scott Myers, EcoDual’s chief executive officer said, “CU-ICAR is a key development partner who will help us accelerate next-generation product development and will enable us to broaden our market penetration.

“Our partnership with CU-ICAR provides tremendous faculty expertise and world-class development facilities,” he said. “We look forward to this collaboration.”

via CU-ICAR

Munich-based in-tech Automotive Engineering plans to establish its first North American facility in Greenville County at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research. The company provides systems integration testing to global automotive manufacturers. The undisclosed investment is expected to create 20 jobs over three years, in-Tech, the S.C. Department of Commerce, and Greenville Area Development Corp. announced Tuesday.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to open a new location at CU-ICAR in Greenville County, as we believe that South Carolina is rapidly becoming a hub of the automotive world and is an excellent place for our new operations,” in-tech CEO Christian Wagner said in a news release.

The privately held company, which employs nearly 300 associates worldwide, will scale its new South Carolina operations based on customer demand, Wagner said.

“While our initial team will be approximately five individuals, it is entirely conceivable that we may add as many as 20 to 30 additional professionals here as we ramp up our business,” Wagner said.

The company’s new office will open for business immediately and will be under the direction of general manager Michael Ostermair.

“We have long desired to have a presence in the southeastern United States’ growing automotive corridor, and are very pleased to be launching this initial operation here in Greenville,” Ostermair said in a news release.

Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $5 billion in capital investment and more than 8,000 jobs in the automotive-related sector, according to the S.C. Department of Commerce.

“We’re pleased that in-tech Automotive Engineering has chosen to locate their initial North American operations in Greenville County, and appreciate the valuable roles played by commerce, the city of Greenville and Clemson University’s ICAR team in making this happen,” said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corp., in a news release.

Details on hiring plans and specific positions will be announced in early summer 2013.

via intech Automotive Engineering

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.

via SC Department of Commerce

In a ceremony held at BMW Manufacturing, the inaugural class of 14 BMW Scholars recently graduated and were officially hired as full-time BMW production and equipment service associates.

Together with partners from Greenville Technical College, Spartanburg Community College and Tri-County Technical College, BMW’s President Josef Kerscher celebrated the recruitment program saying, “Future development of the manufacturing workforce in the Upstate is part of our long-term sustainability strategy and commitment to education. As today’s event signifies, the BMW Scholars Program has proven itself to be a successful recruitment tool.”

The South Carolina plant launched the BMW Scholars in August 2011 and has recruited over 30 Scholars, with another 35 planned to onboard this fall. For technical college students enrolled in various career paths related to manufacturing technology, the BMW Scholars Program offers the workplace benefits of a traditional apprentice program found in Germany with the additional advantage of tuition and book assistance. According to Kerscher, “This is a great example of how collaboration between the educational and manufacturing sector leads to far better outcomes for our next generation.”

via BMW Manufacturing Co.

Pressing the accelerator on the drive to electrified transportation, GE and Nissan have signed a two-year research collaboration to speed up the development of a reliable, robust smart charging infrastructure to fuel mass market adoption of electric cars like the Nissan LEAF.

GE and Nissan have identified two key focus areas for the research efforts. The first relates to the integration of electric vehicles with homes and buildings. The second looks at electric vehicle charging dynamics and the future impact on the grid once millions of electric cars are on the road.

“As the U.S. and world move toward electric vehicles, the automotive sector is forming new industry connections that extend well beyond the traditional OEM space,” said Mark Little, Senior Vice President and Director, GE Global Research. “One of the biggest connections being made is with companies that generate and provide electricity. As a major provider of power generation equipment and energy services, GE is in a great position to help the automotive industry bring millions of electric vehicles onto the grid.”

“Connections like this research partnership with GE reinforce Nissan’s commitment to bring zero emission mobility to the mass market,” said Carla Bailo, senior vice president, Research and Development, Nissan Americas. “GE’s broad expertise with energy networks will help Nissan create better conditions in the market for electric cars like Nissan LEAF, and add value for our customers both now and in the future.”

The R&D agreement connects leaders in two major industry sectors that will work together to increase adoption of electric cars. With more than 25 percent of the world’s electricity generated or distributed by GE equipment, GE brings its considerable expertise of the power grid infrastructure to help address the global challenge of integrating millions of electric cars onto the grid. With the all-electric Nissan LEAF, Nissan is the leader in zero emission vehicles, developing new technologies and partnerships to speed mass market adoption of electric cars and to ensure their successful integration into the grid.

Several projects around the two focus areas already are underway. In one project, researchers from the companies are studying how electric cars like Nissan LEAF can be incorporated into GE’s overall concept for a Smart Home. Nissan engineers are developing methods to connect the vehicle to the home, making it a more integrated part of the building’s energy equipment. This project will look at how the addition of an electric car impacts the cost of electricity and changes overall home electricity loads.

In another study, researchers will use aggregate usage data along with sophisticated simulation and modeling experiments, to analyze the effect millions of electric cars could have on our electrical distribution system.

For all of these projects, researchers will be seeking answers to a number of important questions. They include:

How can smart energy management systems for homes and buildings be leveraged to support the management of EV charging? How can we take advantage of energy storage and renewable power, such as home solar arrays, to reliably manage and meet the power needs of electric cars? For example, are there innovative ways to directly link charging stations with renewable power sources?

Nissan researchers are studying the use of two-way power flow between the vehicle and the home, via its CHAdeMO quick charging port, as a method to reduce the home’s consumption from the grid during peak periods, or to utilize the vehicle for emergency backup power. GE researchers have programs under way to understand how these systems, in tandem with the utility, could be used to meet vehicle charging needs without over-stressing the grid.

GE’s work will be conducted primarily at its global research operations in Niskayuna, New York, where the latest electric transportation research and smart grid technology will facilitate research programs between the two companies. Nissan Technical Center North America, located in Farmington Hills, Mich., will lead the automaker’s efforts, including integration of vehicle-to-home charging technology, with support from the Nissan Advanced Technology Center in Japan.

via GE

The October 19 Tech After Five event in Greenville has been named the official after party for the premier 2011 InnoMobility Global Conference. The first ever InnoMobility conference focused on the global transformation of mobility will feature keynote presentations from the industry's leaders and innovators.

Sign up for Tech After Five in Greenville October 19 at Ta5 Greenville
Sign up for the 2011 InnoMobility Global Conference at InnoMobility

Friedrichshafen, Germany – July 22, 2010 – Gov. Mark Sanford today joined ZF Group in Friedrichshafen, Germany to announce the company’s decision to expand its operations in South Carolina. ZF Group plans to invest approximately $350 million in a new manufacturing facility in Laurens County to produce fuel-efficient automatic transmissions for the passenger car and light truck market.

The announcement was made following a meeting at ZF’s corporate headquarters in Friedrichshafen that included members of ZF’s Board of Management and officials from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“ZF’s decision to make a jobs and capital investment of this magnitude, indeed the largest single infusion of jobs in the history of Laurens County, is an incredible compliment to our state. This announcement represents not only enormously good news for our state’s economy, but also is a telling dividend from our continued efforts to better the business climate in South Carolina. Our meeting with ZF today was productive and offered a real glimpse of what is headed to our state with ZF’s new operations, and I’d join with South Carolinians in thanking ZF for their investment. We are proud to count ZF among a growing and distinguished list of companies that have chosen to call South Carolina home,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.

ZF already operates manufacturing facilities in South Carolina, and has been gradually growing its presence in the state, thanks to its proximity to major transportation hubs, competitive business environment and skilled workforce. The new transmission plant is expected to employ 900 workers by the year 2015.

“We are eager to build our fuel-efficient automatic transmissions in North America. We believe the increasing emphasis on fuel economy and our reputation for producing high-quality, fuel-efficient transmissions provide an unprecedented opportunity to grow our business. We believe this production facility could serve as a key driver of this growth,” says Dr. Gerhard Wagner, Group Executive of ZF’s Car Driveline Division.

ZF expects to begin construction of its new, Laurens County facility in January. Hiring is anticipated to begin in early 2012 for skilled positions that include CNC operators, assemblers, production and logistics. The state’s worker training program, readySC*, will assist in the hiring process, Information will be posted at www.sctechjobs.com as jobs become available.

ZF is a leading worldwide automotive supplier for Driveline and Chassis Technology, with 123 production locations in 27 countries. In 2009, the ZF Group achieved sales of approximately 9.4 billion € with 60,000 employees.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce and Greenville Area Development Corporation today announced that Eberspaecher North America will open its new automotive production facility in Greenville County. The $5 million investment is expected to generate 30 new jobs.

“We are pleased to be locating our new facility in the South Carolina Upstate. The location will put us very close to our customer, BMW, and provide us with an excellent business environment in which to operate. We look forward to starting operations there and appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Dennis Berry, President and CEO of Eberspaecher North America.

The new facility, located at 65 Brookfield Oaks in the City of Mauldin, will be the first South Carolina location for the company, and production for the plant is planned to begin sometime in August 2010. The company currently has an operation in Alabama, Michigan, Ontario and is headquartered in Germany.

“We continue to see growth in the state’s automotive sector as more suppliers locate operations here, and Eberspaecher North America is the latest example. South Carolina affords exceptional access, not only to manufacturers like BMW, but to markets throughout the Southeast. Couple that with a skilled workforce and a world-class port in Charleston, and it is no wonder more companies are bringing their business to the Palmetto State. We appreciate Eberspaecher’s decision to locate in South Carolina and wish them much success in their endeavors here,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

“Eberspaecher North America’s decision to locate its new production facility here in Greenville County is welcome news, and the product of a team effort involving participants at the local and state level,” noted H.G. “Butch” Kirven Jr., Greenville Area Development Corporation board member and chairman of Greenville County Council. “Their decision affirms that this area’s burgeoning automotive cluster continues to grow and thrive, and should serve as a magnet for more suppliers, more talented individuals, and more good paying jobs for our community.”

“We’re pleased that Eberspaecher North America recognizes the many advantages that Mauldin and Greenville County offer their company,” said Mayor Don Godbey of the City of Mauldin. “As an innovative organization with global opportunities in the automotive industry, we are pleased to welcome the company as our newest corporate citizen and a member of our South Carolina business community.”

via: GADC