Greenville, South Carolina, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Isuzu Motors Ltd. has officially begun construction on a $280 million assembly plant in Greenville County, expected to create over 700 jobs. The facility will cover 1 million square feet and is set to produce around 50,000 vehicles annually by 2030, including various truck models. This investment underscores the strengthening of economic ties between Japan and South Carolina, with local support including a $7 million grant and tax incentives. Production is anticipated to start in early 2027, marking a significant step in the region’s automotive industry growth.
Greenville, South Carolina – Isuzu Motors Ltd. has officially broken ground on a new $280 million assembly plant in Greenville County, a move expected to create over 700 jobs in the area. The groundbreaking event, held on October 1, 2025, was attended by prominent figures including Governor Henry McMaster and Shigeo Yamada, the Japanese ambassador to the U.S.
The new facility will be situated at 7755 Augusta Road in Piedmont, South Carolina, occupying more than 1 million square feet on a 200-acre site. This assembly plant will serve as Isuzu’s production base in the U.S., replacing the company’s existing operations in Charlotte, Michigan. Production at the new site is anticipated to commence in early 2027.
Production Goals and Employment Opportunities
Isuzu has ambitious plans for the plant, aiming to produce around 50,000 vehicles annually by 2030, which includes N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric, and F-Series Diesel trucks. The assembly facility is expected to employ upwards of 700 workers, offering competitive salaries that range from $27 to $37 per hour.
Economic Impact and Support
The construction of the plant is not only a significant investment by Isuzu but also underlines a commitment to strengthening economic ties between Japan and South Carolina. As part of these efforts, the project has received economic development support, including a $7 million grant from the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development, along with tax incentives from the Greenville County Council.
To facilitate the recruitment process, Isuzu collaborated with the Greenville Area Development Corporation, aware of the area’s robust local workforce availability bolstered by nearby educational institutions. Gov. McMaster emphasized the state’s favorable business climate and the logistical advantages of the region as key factors in Isuzu’s decision to establish the facility in South Carolina.
Market Adaptations and Sourcing Strategy
In a market that is increasingly shifting towards electric vehicles, Isuzu designed the facility to allow flexibility for adapting to future demands. Although the company plans to source most major parts locally within the U.S., some components will continue to be produced in Japan, which may be subject to tariffs. Among the current tariffs is a 15% tax on automobiles and auto parts imported from Japan, directly affecting Isuzu’s production costs.
Japanese Investment in South Carolina
The announcement of the Isuzu plant reflects a broader trend of Japanese investment in South Carolina, with over $9.2 billion invested by more than 200 Japanese companies in recent years. This trend underscores the continued strengthening of bilateral economic relations between Japan and the United States.
The Plant’s Features
The assembly plant will be equipped with modern facilities, including an assembly area, storage for parts, a logistics area, and employee amenities such as an office area, cafeteria, and on-site gym.
Overall, Isuzu’s new plant represents a vital step in enhancing the automotive industry’s growth in the Southeast, particularly with the ongoing shift toward producing electric vehicles.
FAQ
What is the investment amount for the new Isuzu assembly plant?
The investment amount for the new Isuzu assembly plant is $280 million.
How many jobs will the Isuzu assembly plant create?
The Isuzu assembly plant is expected to create over 700 jobs.
Where will the Isuzu assembly plant be located?
The Isuzu assembly plant will be located at 7755 Augusta Road in Piedmont, SC.
When is production expected to begin at the plant?
Production at the plant is anticipated to begin in early 2027.
How many vehicles does Isuzu plan to produce annually by 2030?
Isuzu plans to produce approximately 50,000 vehicles annually by 2030.
What types of vehicles will be produced at the Isuzu plant?
The vehicles produced will include N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric, and F-Series Diesel trucks.
What incentives has Isuzu received for this project?
Isuzu’s project has received a $7 million grant from the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development, along with tax breaks from the Greenville County Council.
How does this investment relate to Japanese companies in South Carolina?
There has been a total of $9.2 billion invested by more than 200 Japanese companies in South Carolina, highlighting strong bilateral economic relations.
Key Features of the Isuzu Assembly Plant
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $280 million |
| Location | 7755 Augusta Road, Piedmont, SC |
| Size | 1 million square feet on a 200-acre site |
| Job Creation | Over 700 jobs |
| Annual Production Goals | Approximately 50,000 vehicles by 2030 |
| Vehicle Types | N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric, F-Series Diesel trucks |
| Opening Year | Production begins in early 2027 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Isuzu North America to Invest $280 Million in Greenville County
Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Wikipedia: Isuzu
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Isuzu in South Carolina
- Independent Mail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Google News: Isuzu plant South Carolina
- Assembly Magazine
- Google Scholar: Isuzu automotive manufacturing
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
