Revving Up in Orangeburg!
Orangeburg County is stepping into the automotive spotlight as Sodecia Aapico JV sets up its first South Carolina facility. The new facility, part of Sodecia and Aapico’s joint venture to build advanced ladder frames for Scout Motors, will bring a $120 million investment and nearly 400 new jobs to South Carolina. With construction underway on the 400,000-square-foot plant, expected to open in 2027, the move is already getting local suppliers and workforce programs talking.
Auto Dreams, Global Teams
Sodecia Aapico JV isn’t just putting up a building. This development is a signal that Orangeburg’s location, workforce, and business climate are ready for big industrial projects. Here’s a closer look at what makes this move significant:
- Scout Motors plans to add electric technology to the models supported by the ladder frames
- Orangeburg County’s spot gives easy access to major highways and ports for shipping around the world
- Sodecia operates in more than 40 countries and has supplied components to top automakers in Europe and Asia
- The facility’s construction will follow sustainable practices to meet modern environmental standards
Sodecia brings decades of experience producing structural components and powertrain systems worldwide, while Aapico has spent 30 years refining chassis, jigs, dies, and plastic components. Their partnership gives Orangeburg instant credibility and shows that the county can attract high-level international manufacturing projects.
Local businesses are already thinking ahead. Supplier opportunities are opening, workforce programs are gearing up to train for specialized roles, and support industries, from logistics to restaurants, are preparing for more demand. The project also boosts South Carolina’s reputation as a hub for automotive investment, drawing attention from other global manufacturers.
For Orangeburg, Sodecia Aapico JV is more than a factory; it’s a foothold in a global supply chain, a sign of industrial momentum, and a catalyst for long-term economic growth in the region.
See what else is driving business development in South Carolina at guidetosouthcarolina.com/business-consulting!
